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• What Is a Hook in an Essay?

  Jul 03, 2025

  Imagine flipping through academic journals or scrolling through a stream of research papers. What makes you stop? Often, it’s the cover—a vivid image, a compelling illustration, a visual hook that captures your eye before you even read a single word. In writing, a hook serves the same purpose. It’s that magnetic first sentence that grabs your attention and invites you to read further. In this article, we’ll explore how to craft effective hooks—whether you're writing an academic essay, a personal narrative, or curating a visual summary like a scientific illustration or journal cover. If you’re in the business of persuasion—through words or visuals—understanding hooks is essential. Let’s dive in. Why the Hook Matters Think of a hook as the cover art of your essay. Just like beautifully rendered scientific cover art can transform how a paper is perceived, a strong opening line can completely change how your essay is received. It doesn’t just grab attention—it sets the tone, establishes your voice, and gives a preview of what’s to come. Whether you're writing a narrative essay or pitching a graphic illustration design for a research article, the principle is the same: beginnings matter. They shape your reader’s (or viewer’s) expectations and often determine whether they’ll stay engaged. In academic writing, a good hook builds credibility and encourages further reading. In creative writing, it sparks emotional connection. And in science communication—whether through essays, visual abstracts, or cover customisation services—a compelling hook bridges the gap between complexity and curiosity. Types of Hooks That Work Hooks come in many styles, each suited to different forms of writing and different audiences. Here are six common types to consider: 1. Question Hook A provocative question gets readers thinking: “What if your entire research career boiled down to one published image?”Just like a standout journal cover, a great question sparks curiosity and reflection. 2. Quotation Hook Quoting a well-known figure adds authority and depth: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.The powerful quote sets the tone. 3. Statistic or Fact Hook Numbers grab attention instantly: “The average person spends six months of their life waiting at red lights.”In science communication, integrating such statistics into a graphic illustration design can convert passive readers into active thinkers. 4. Anecdotal Hook Short stories humanize your topic: “As I stood at the top of the mountain, the wind howling in my ears, I realized this moment would define me.”Anecdotes work just as well in writing as in visual storytelling—think research illustrations that reveal the story behind the science. 5. Metaphor/Simile Hook Vivid comparisons make ideas stick: “Writing a thesis is like running a marathon with no finish line in sight.”Likewise, cover illustrations often use visual metaphors to express abstract scientific concepts—hooks for the eyes. 6. Bold Statement Hook Daring openings demand attention: “The world as we know it is ending.”A bold first line draws readers in, just as a customized cover can challenge assumptions and visually represent breakthrough ideas. How to Craft a Compelling Hook Like designing a custom scientific illustration, crafting a strong hook requires purpose, precision, and creativity. 1. Know Your Audience Tailor your hook to your reader’s expectations: For academics: use depth, data, or conceptual insight. For creative readers: trigger emotion or imagination. For persuasive writing: challenge beliefs or tap into shared experiences. Likewise, a good cover customisation service ensures the design resonates with the journal's target readership. 2. Keep It Relevant Your hook should connect logically to your topic. A shocking fact is only effective if it smoothly leads into your argument. Avoid gimmicks or unrelated attention-grabbers. In scientific illustration, the same rule applies: the visual must clearly reflect the paper’s main message. 3. Be Concise but Evocative Great hooks are short but impactful. Aim for one or two sentences that stir curiosity. Use techniques like: Open-ended questions Contradictions Emotional triggers Vivid, concrete language This mirrors visual design principles in graphic illustration, where every line, symbol, or color serves a narrative function. Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Using Clichés Avoid tired phrases like “Since the dawn of time…” or “In today’s world…” These add no value and feel impersonal. Instead, offer a fresh perspective—just as a distinctive scientific cover art stands out in a sea of similar visuals. ❌ Overloading the Hook Don’t cram too much information into your opening. Your hook is the invitation, not the entire party. Let the body of your essay do the heavy lifting. Similarly, a well-designed cover illustration sparks curiosity without revealing every detail at first glance. ❌ Being Misleading Avoid hooks that promise one thing but deliver another. If you start with an emotional story, don’t abruptly shift to technical jargon. Consistency builds trust. In visual design, misrepresenting data through misleading graphics can quickly undermine credibility. Writing Like a Designer: Words as Visual Hooks In a world where visuals lead communication, writing with design in mind is more important than ever. Whether you're crafting the first line of an essay or briefing your team for a scientific cover illustration, your goal remains the same: clarity, connection, and impact. So next time you're outlining an essay or working with your design team on a cover customisation service, remember: your hook isn't just an opener—it’s your first impression. And sometimes, that first impression is everything.

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• How to Design a Graphical Abstract That Gets Noticed: A Practical Guide with Pro Tips

  Jun 20, 2025

  In today’s increasingly visual world of science communication, the graphical abstract has become a standard tool for academic publications. Especially in fields like medicine, biology, materials science, and chemistry, a professionally designed graphical abstract can significantly boost an article's visibility, citation rate, and reach on social media. This article provides an in-depth look at the key elements and workflow of graphical abstract design, and explains how to enhance your research visibility through the use of Cover Design Services, Illustration Design Services, and Graphic Design Service. 1. What Is a Graphical Abstract and Why Is It So Important? A graphical abstract presents the essence of a research paper in visual form, often including mechanism diagrams, schematic illustrations of experimental design, and data visualization elements. Its importance lies in: Boosting readability and visibility: Studies show that articles with graphical abstracts receive 20%–40% more views on social platforms and databases. Saving time for readers: Scientists, editors, or reviewers can grasp the core message within seconds, increasing the chances of clicks or acceptance. Building research branding: Consistent visual style helps establish a recognizable identity for research teams. 2. Five Key Steps to Designing a Graphical Abstract Step 1: Identify the "Core Selling Point" of Your Research Before starting the design, extract the one or two most critical findings from your research. Don’t try to include everything in one image. Focus on the key process, mechanism, or result. Example: If your study uncovers a new signaling pathway of a drug, the graphical abstract should visually highlight that pathway, rather than overwhelming the viewer with raw data. Professional Illustration Design Services can help turn complex scientific ideas into clear, intuitive visuals.   Step 2: Choose a Logical Visual Structure An effective graphical abstract follows a clear information flow. Common layouts include: Left to right: Background → Method → Result Top to bottom: Problem → Solution → Impact Zoned layout: Central mechanism with upstream/downstream effects on each side Clear structure reduces cognitive load, helping readers with diverse backgrounds quickly grasp the message.   Step 3: Select Design Elements and Layout Techniques Common elements include:   Element Type Design Tip Icons / Illustrations Use hand-drawn or flat style for clarity Arrows / Pathways Indicate logic, cause-effect, direction Text Labels Keep short and strong (typically under 5–7 words in English) Data Visualization Show only representative charts; avoid clutter   This step is best handled by experienced Graphic Design Service providers who can manage color harmony, spacing, and layout finesse.   Step 4: Color & Style – Match Journal Standards and Aesthetic Appeal Color choices: Avoid pure red/green combinations (color blindness issues). Prefer journal-recommended palettes or muted scientific tones. Unified style: Use consistent icon design, font, and line weight for visual coherence. Some high-impact journals (e.g., Cell, Nature, Science Advances) also provide graphical abstract templates.   Step 5: File Specifications and Export Formats Beyond visual appeal, a successful graphical abstract must meet technical submission criteria:   Item Recommended Settings Resolution (DPI) ≥ 300 dpi (print quality) File Format TIFF / EPS / PDF Aspect Ratio Typically landscape (width > height) Font Compatibility Use standard fonts (e.g., Arial) to avoid display errors   We create graphical abstracts, cover designs, and TOC images according to each publisher’s specifications. 3. Why Use Professional Services? The benefits include: Saving time: Let researchers focus on content while designers handle communication. Improving aesthetics and reach: High-quality visuals are more appealing to editors and reviewers. Meeting publication standards: Avoid rejections due to technical image issues. Whether you need an eye-catching cover image or an information-rich graphical abstract, reliable Illustration Design Services and Graphic Design Service can make a significant difference. 4. Conclusion: Let Your Research Be Seen Through Visual Storytelling In an age of information overload, visual communication is a key soft power in academia. A well-designed graphical abstract is not only the “face” of your paper—it can also be a decisive factor in gaining citations, clicks, and even media attention.

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• Academic Copyright: A Core Element in Protecting Research Output

  Jun 13, 2025

  In academia, copyright is more than just a legal concept—it’s a vital mechanism for protecting the original work of researchers, scholars, and educators. Whether it's research papers, lectures, teaching materials, charts, or data analyses, academic copyright ensures the rightful ownership and proper usage of scholarly output. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the fundamentals of academic copyright, common misconceptions, practical applications, and strategies for addressing challenges—helping you approach academic publishing and knowledge dissemination with greater confidence.   Why Is Academic Copyright So Important? Copyright is not just a right—it’s a responsibility. It grants creators ownership over their original work, allowing them to control how it is used while sharing it with the public. Key benefits include: Protecting intellectual property: Safeguards the creator’s ideas and unique expressions from being stolen or misused. Encouraging research and innovation: Legal protection incentivizes scholars to invest time and effort into their work. Upholding academic integrity: Fosters a culture of respect for original contributions, reducing plagiarism and misuse. However, copyright protection can also create barriers to access, especially in the form of high subscription costs or paywalls. The rise of Open Access publishing is reshaping the balance between copyright and knowledge sharing.   Academic Copyright Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator of an original work, allowing them to control its reproduction, distribution, display, and adaptation. In academia, this covers: Academic articles and books Lecture slides and speech transcripts Charts, diagrams, and illustrations Certain original datasets   Originality and Scope Copyright protects expressions, not ideas. For instance, a research hypothesis can be discussed freely, but the specific wording, structure, or visuals in a paper are protected. The copyright term generally lasts for the author’s lifetime plus 70 years, after which the work enters the public domain.Fair Use provisions permit limited use of copyrighted content without permission for teaching, commentary, or research.   Ownership of Academic Work: Who Holds the Rights? Common scenarios include: Individual ownership: Typically applies to sole-authored papers or lecture materials. Institutional ownership: If the work is produced using significant institutional support or funding, the institution may hold the rights. Collaborative works: Multi-author projects often require pre-agreed copyright terms. Understanding ownership structures helps researchers determine their rights to use, share, or license their work.   Author Rights & Publishing Agreements As a creator, you typically hold rights such as: Reproduction rights: Control over copies and distribution Distribution rights: Authority to publish in specific outlets or platforms Derivative rights: Permission for translations, adaptations, or derivative works Display and performance rights: Control over public presentation or performance   When working with publishers, you may face: Copyright transfer: The publisher gains full control; the author gives up rights (common in traditional publishing). License to publish: The author retains some rights while granting the publisher permission to use the work.   Navigating Challenges:  Plagiarism and Infringement Plagiarism is both an ethical violation and a potential legal offense. Consequences can include retraction, academic misconduct investigations, or lawsuits. To avoid this: Always cite sources clearly Use plagiarism detection tools Follow your institution’s ethical guidelines   Open Access Publishing:  While Open Access increases visibility and reach, it still involves copyright considerations: Authors must decide whether to retain or transfer rights Publishers may charge article processing fees Without proper licensing, others may exploit the work commercially   Licensing and Permissions:  Understanding Creative Commons (CC) Licensing CC licenses are widely used in academia to facilitate sharing. Common types include: CC BY: Free use with author attribution CC BY-NC: No commercial use allowed CC BY-SA: Share-alike required for modified versions Choosing the right license can enhance your work's impact while protecting it from misuse.   How to Request Permission To use someone else's content: Identify the specific material (e.g., image, data, excerpt) Check the copyright notice or usage license If unclear, reach out to the copyright holder or affiliated institution Many universities and journals provide copyright guidance to help you stay compliant.   Conclusion Copyright Awareness Is Essential for Every Scholar Academic copyright is more than a legal formality—it reflects respect for your intellectual labor and supports ethical scholarship. Whether you’re a graduate student or a tenured professor, understanding copyright principles is key to a successful academic career. By mastering concepts like rights, licenses, and Open Access dynamics, you can: Protect your work from misuse Share responsibly and support knowledge exchange Negotiate publishing agreements with confidence Strike a balance between collaboration, sharing, and integrity May every researcher innovate with protection and share with purpose.   ✨ Make Your Work Shine Bright! ✨ Need a stunning cover design? Craving unique illustrations? We bring your vision to life with professional, eye-catching designs! 📩 Contact us now and turn ideas into reality! Where creativity stands out! — Your Needs, Our Inspiration!

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• How to Write a High-Quality Thesis Proposal: A Systematic Guide from Concept to Completion

  Jun 06, 2025

  The Importance of a Thesis Proposal Writing a thesis proposal is the first step in launching any significant research project and a critical factor in determining its success. An excellent proposal is not only a necessary document for gaining approval from academic committees but also serves as a roadmap for the entire research process. This article systematically outlines the complete process of writing a high-quality thesis proposal, including topic selection strategies, structural design, writing techniques, revision methods, and scientific cover & illustration design, helping researchers create a rigorous and compelling academic proposal.     Part 1: Laying the Research Foundation 1.1 Defining the Research Topic • Choose a research direction that has both academic value and personal interest • Develop problem awareness through daily observation and literature review • Balance the research scope: avoid being too broad or too narrow • Case study: How to transform broad interests into specific research questions   1.2 Conducting the Literature Review • Systematically search academic databases and authoritative literature • Establish a literature management system (recommended tools like Zotero) • Identify research gaps and unresolved issues • Analyze the methodologies and conclusions of previous studies   Part 2: Structuring the Proposal 2.1 Standard Proposal Structure 1. Title Page 2. Abstract (200-300 words) 3. Research Background and Significance 4. Literature Review 5. Research Methodology 6. Expected Outcomes and Innovations 7. Research Timeline 8. References   2.2 Key Writing Points for Each Section • Abstract: Concisely summarize the entire research • Introduction: Establish the research context and pose key questions • Methodology: Detail the research design and implementation path • Timeline: Create a practical and feasible research schedule   Part 3: Writing and Refinement 3.1 Effective Writing Strategies • Techniques to overcome writer’s block • Balancing academic rigor with clarity of expression • Maintaining logical coherence when writing across sections   3.2 Methods for Quality Improvement • Self-editing techniques (recommended tools like Grammarly) • The importance of peer review • Application of visualization tools (e.g., Mind the Graph) • Common mistakes and how to avoid them   Part 4: Pre-Submission Preparation 4.1 Formatting and Compliance Checks • Adhere to institutional formatting requirements • Ensure uniformity in charts and reference formatting • Word and page limits   4.2 Preparing for the Defense • Techniques for distilling core points • Anticipating potential questions from review committees • Creating concise and impactful presentation materials   Conclusion: From Proposal to Research Practice Writing a thesis proposal is not just a formal requirement but also a training process for research thinking. By systematically planning research questions, methodologies, and expected outcomes, researchers can lay a solid foundation for subsequent work. Remember, an outstanding proposal should combine academic depth with readability, showcasing professional expertise while clearly communicating the research’s value.   Recommended Professional Tools: • Literature Management: Zotero, EndNote • Writing Assistance: Grammarly, LaTeX • Data Visualization • Collaboration Platforms: Overleaf, Google Docs  

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• Why is the conclusion a crucial part of a research report?

  May 22, 2025

  When writing a research report, a clear and powerful conclusion is essential to summarizing the findings and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Although writing methods vary from field to field, the essence of reviewing the research topic in the conclusion is consistent. In fact, the researcher's core ideas are mainly reflected in two parts: the summary and the conclusion. Editors, mentors, or research team leaders often use these two parts to determine whether to continue reading the entire article. The difference between the conclusion and the introduction is that in the introduction, you start a dialogue with the reader and raise questions, arguments, and knowledge gaps you aim to fill, while the conclusion clearly and concisely explains how you achieved those results—just like every element of the cover design is intended to convey an attractive message.   Several key points to strengthen the conclusion of the research. Summarize the core content A persuasive conclusion should first review the key points of the study and accurately convey the main arguments. The summary must be objective and concise, and avoid subjective assumptions. At the same time, it should highlight the importance of the research findings and help readers clearly understand the significance and value of the research. Accurate scientific illustrations are also one of the options for visually presenting research results.   Respond to the research objectives The conclusion should stick to the original purpose of the research and clearly show whether each goal was achieved. For example, if the purpose of the research is to compare two methods, the conclusion should directly state the comparison results and their implications. This consistency enhances the integrity of the report and helps establish the logical coherence of the research.   Provide a closed loop for research An effective conclusion should not only have a clear ending but also trigger thinking and discussion. The conclusion is a review of the research journey, but also can propose new perspectives and even reveals new problems or possibilities discovered unexpectedly in the process. Such reflection increases the depth and value of the research.   Acknowledge limitations and look to the future The conclusion should frankly point out the shortcomings or limitations of the research. This practice can help other researchers make adjustments in subsequent work and also show the researcher's rigorous attitude. In addition, proposing subsequent research directions will help promote the continuous development of the academic field and provide ideas for future exploration.   Application and suggestions The conclusion should not only summarize the research content but also discuss its application in reality. For example, how the research results can help improve a certain industry practice, policy formulation or technology optimization. Clear suggestions can make the research results truly "go out of the laboratory" and have an impact in a wider field.   Provide a conclusion: Why a strong conclusion is crucial As an important part of the research report, the conclusion plays a key role in the quality and persuasiveness of the entire report. Using concise, clear, and well-organized language to accurately answer research questions and express the empirical results and significance of the conclusions, the research report can be made more scientific and readable. I hope that the introduction and key points of this article can provide some help and inspiration for writing your research report conclusions.   ✨ Make Your Work Shine Bright! ✨ Need a stunning cover design? Craving unique illustrations? We bring your vision to life with professional, eye-catching designs! 📩 Contact us now and turn ideas into reality! Where creativity stands out! — Your Needs, Our Inspiration!  

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• Why Scientists Need Designers and Illustrators?

  Apr 25, 2025

  Science is driven by objective facts and rigorous logic; design emphasizes aesthetics and visual storytelling. At SONDII, we combine scientific knowledge with artistic design—offering services in academic illustration, journal cover design, and scientific animation—to transform your ideas into stunning visuals and elevate the impact of your research. 1. Science Is Complex—Design Makes It Visible Modern scientific research is incredibly complex. From high-throughput sequencing to big data and climate models, the outcomes are often presented through dense graphs and highly technical language. A good designer or illustrator can “translate” this abstract, often overwhelming information into visuals that are intuitive and easy to understand. Whether it’s a detailed illustration of a cell structure or a dynamic animation of a biological process, visuals often communicate more effectively than pages of text. Whether you're sharing with fellow researchers or engaging the public, design plays an irreplaceable role. 2. Good Design Increases Scientific Impact In today’s information-saturated world, a striking cover image or infographic can make all the difference in getting your work noticed. More and more scientific journals are recognizing the power of visual communication—not just accuracy in data, but clarity and visual appeal in how it's presented. Designers can help scientists create visuals that are both logically sound and visually compelling, improving the overall quality of research presentation and outreach. 3. Storytelling Is Key—Design Is the Visual Medium Effective science communication is about more than just facts—it’s about telling a story. Design is a powerful tool for conveying those stories visually. Whether you're curating an exhibition, posting on social media, or writing a science article, experienced designers can help transform complex processes into emotionally engaging and visually impactful narratives.   We offer custom design services for the scientific community, including journal cover design, scientific illustration,and principle-based animations, helping researchers showcase their work with clarity, beauty, and impact.  

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• SCI Figure Design: A Brief Discussion on Paper Figure Layout

  Apr 18, 2025

  When creating figures for academic papers, the first thing we need to determine is the layout (dimensions) of the images. Designing and drawing on the wrong layout often leads to unnecessary trouble at the final submission stage. Guidelines for image layout requirements are usually clearly stated in the publisher’s Guide for Authors. If not, it's recommended that authors contact the publisher directly—this clarifies the requirements and demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the journal. Here, we’ll briefly discuss the common layouts used in scientific figures. Aside from a few specialized journals (such as Science and certain physics publications), most academic journals use a two-column layout. In this context, we focus on two key dimensions: L1 (single-column width) and L2 (double-column width). When we begin designing and drawing a figure, the first thing to consider and determine is the width of the image—whether to adopt a single-column or double-column layout.As for the height, it can generally be adjusted freely.Below are examples of double-column and single-column layouts.  

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• SCI Drawing Knowledge: Comparison of Common Color Modes

  Mar 26, 2025

  Understanding Image Color Modes The color mode of an image is a model that expresses a certain color in digital form, or a way to record the color of an image. It is divided into: RGB mode (ideal for digital displays), CMYK mode (optimized for print media), HSB mode (intuitive hue-saturation-brightness representation), Lab color mode (device-independent color space), grayscale mode (scientific imaging and monochrome graphics), indexed color mode (limited palette for web graphics), two-tone mode (elegant duotone effects), and multi-channel mode (specialized color separations). In scientific research and journal cover design, the most critical color modes are grayscale mode (for microscopy and monochrome data), RGB mode (for on-screen presentations and digital publications), and CMYK mode (for high-quality printed journal covers and figures). Understanding these modes ensures accurate color representation in scientific visuals.   1、Gray scale Definition: also known as grayscale map, the image expressed in gray scale is called grayscale map. Grayscale color: pure white, pure black and a series of transition colors from black to white.       Features: It does not contain any hue, that is, there are no colors such as red and yellow.       2. RGB RGB mode is mainly used for screen display and is a luminous color mode. All colors in nature can be obtained by combining different intensities of the three color wavelengths of red, green and blue (RGB), which is what people often call the three-primary color principle. It is more suitable for electronic journals and can also be used for paper journals.     3. CMYK CMYK color mode is a printing mode and a reflective color mode. The four letters refer to Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, representing four ink colors in printing. CMYK mode is essentially the same as RGB mode, except that the principle of color generation is different. In RGB mode, the color is generated by mixing the colored light emitted by the light source, while in CMYK mode, the light shines on paper with different proportions of C, M, Y, and K inks. After part of the spectrum is absorbed, the light reflected to the human eye generates color. It is more suitable for paper journals.       4, Notes: CMYK and RGB are the most common color modes in academic journals. For the mutual conversion of the two image color modes, the CMYK color range (gamut) and RGB mode are relatively small, so the CMYK mode can be converted to RGB mode, while  RGB mode may cause color distortion when converted to CMYK mode.   For example, the two journal covers below demonstrate how color modes impact design: the left cover is in RGB mode, while the right cover has been converted to CMYK mode. Due to CMYK's smaller color gamut, the hues appear more vivid and abrupt, with weaker transitions. This shift is a common challenge in scientific cover design, where accurate color representation is crucial. This color mode conversion problem is also frequently encountered by many researchers when making diagrams, We hope today’s discussion helps you navigate these color mode conversions effectively!    

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• SCI Drawing Knowledge: Bitmap & Vector Graphics

  Mar 20, 2025

  When drawing scientific illustrations, we often face the choice between bitmap and vector graphics. This article will focus on exploring their definitions and differences for reference.   1. Image Types and Definitions Vector Graphics: Composed of mathematically defined curves, with anchor points and paths as their basic components.     Bitmap Graphics: Also known as raster or pixel graphics, they are composed of individual pixels. When magnified, it becomes evident that the image consists of tiny square pixels.     2. Image Types and Resolution Vector Graphics: They are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled to any size and printed at any resolution without losing clarity. Bitmap Graphics: Composed of pixels, so when an image is enlarged, the pixels also get bigger. Since each pixel has a single color, enlarging a bitmap image results in the well-known pixelation effect.   3. Image Types and Color Representation Bitmap Graphics: Capable of displaying rich and detailed colors, making them ideal for realistic images of natural objects. Vector Graphics: Due to mathematical constraints, they have limited color representation and cannot effectively depict realistic objects. Instead, vector graphics are often used for icons, logos, illustrations and other simple, clear designs. In the following images, you can see that bitmap graphics display a wider range of colors.   Bitmap Graphics Vector Graphics   4. Image Types and File Formats Common Bitmap Formats: bmp, pcx, gif, jpg, tif, psd of photoshop etc. Common Vector Formats: AI, EPS, SVG (AdobeIllustrator), dwg, dxf (AutoCAD), cdr (CorelDRAW), etc.   5. Image Type Conversion Vector graphics can be converted into bitmap images using graphic design software. However, converting a bitmap image into a vector graphic requires complex and extensive data processing, and the quality of the resulting vector image may vary significantly.

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• SCI Drawing Knowledge: Image Resolution

  Mar 12, 2025

  When discussing the differences between vector graphics and bitmap images, we touched upon a key characteristic of bitmap images—resolution. Indeed, resolution plays a crucial role in scientific image collection and paper preparation. This article will explore the definition of resolution, how to calculate it, and common issues related to it. 1. Definition of Image Resolution Image resolution is a unique attribute of bitmap images, referring to the number of pixels contained within an inch of an image. It is measured in DPI (dots per inch), often referred to as "pixels per inch" or "dots per inch." Essentially, resolution determines the level of detail in an image, much like the concept of density in physics. 2. How to Calculate Image Resolution When we know the physical size of an image and the number of its pixels, we can calculate the size of its resolution with the formula shown below. 3. About image size One thing to pay special attention to is that when we refer to image size, it is not the physical size of the image but the number of pixels (number size) in the drawing software. Usually, the larger the resolution, the finer the image. As shown in the following figure, the physical size of the same two diagrams, the more the number of its pixel grid, the finer the image. 4. Frequently Asked Questions About Resolution Q1: Since it is said that the larger the resolution, the finer the image, is it true that the larger the resolution, the better the image quality? From this extreme example above, it seems that increasing the resolution does not affect the fineness of the image when the image has a single color. So, in the face of more complex color images, the resolution can be appropriately increased, while the color of a single image can meet the demand. Q2：The difference between PPI and DPI. ppi (pixels per inch): the sampling rate of the image (in the image, the number of pixels contained in each inch), refers to the smallest point of the screen can be resolved. dpi (dots per inch): print resolution (the number of dots per inch that can be printed, that is, the printing accuracy), in general, can be understood as the smallest physical device can be resolved unit. The two use different scenarios (screen and print), the definition is slightly different, can be generalized to some extent. Q3：Can I put an image into Photoshop by directly increasing the resolution to make the image clearer? It is possible to get Photoshop to increase the DPI, but there is no practical significance, because the total amount of information the image has has already been determined. If you increase the resolution at the same size, it will only result in an unrealistic enlargement of the pixels in the image (the extra pixels are calculated by difference); if you don't limit the size, you will change the size at the same time as you change the resolution. Therefore, the resolution should be determined at the beginning of the image drawing and not hope to change it later. Q4：Are there any requirements for image resolution in journal submissions? In journal submissions, generally for color portfolio images, the image requirements are 300 dpi or higher, depending on the journal's author submission guidelines. For example, the author guidelines on the PNAS website have the following image resolution requirements: Please supply high-resolution files whenever possible. Resolution of at least 1200 dpi is needed for all line art, 600 dpi for images that combine line art with photographs/halftones, and 600 dpi for images that combine line art with photographs/halftones. Resolution of at least 1200 dpi is needed for all line art, 600 dpi for images that combine line art with photographs/halftones, and 300 dpi for color or grayscale photographic images. Please review the PNAS Digital Art Guidelines.    

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• Tools Microdiscussion: Image Design and Software Selection

  Nov 29, 2024

  Before we start to draw a scientific image, we necessarily need to consider the choice of drawing software. The correct choice of software, can make our drawing work to achieve twice the result with half the effort. Here we are based on the use of image location and drawing style on a few common problems to give you some advice.   Question 1: whether you can use PPT directly after the submission of drawings? Ans: We need to make it clear that, in addition to data graphs and mass spectrometry such as special images, the rest of the image processing work, it is best to use professional image processing software. Here is a special reminder that it is best not to use PPT for image drawing, firstly, it is difficult to reach the requirements of high-level journals in terms of effect; secondly, the resolution is on the low side, the general requirements of journals is 300dpi, while the default resolution of PPT is only 96dpi or 150dpi.   Question 2: the production of three-dimensional effect must use three-dimensional software? Ans:  First of all, we usually see the image, are flat images, the following two, the difference is the expression of its effect: the left picture is a three-dimensional effect, the right picture is a flat effect. Secondly, three-dimensional software in the production of three-dimensional effect image must have its unique advantages, some complex three-dimensional effect image, almost only use three-dimensional software to produce. However, for simple three-dimensional effects, plane software can also be achieved through the adjustment of light and shadow, as shown below. Question 3: Which of the 3D software, Maya or 3Dmax, can make this structure? Ans: When we ask this kind of question, we are actually considering which software can be used to make the required image faster or easier. Different software can make the same structure, so we can choose the one we are more familiar with, without getting hung up on the choice of software. Keep in mind that the essence of software is a tool, and a tool that serves its purpose is a good tool.   Question 4: I want to draw a liquid bubble in PS, should I use the pen tool or the brush tool. Ans: Same as the previous question, the same structure, different tools can do, we can use the most familiar. The essence of software is a tool, the tool that can achieve the purpose is a good tool.  

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• SCI Drawing Knowledge: ACS Cover Layout Query

  Sep 24, 2024

  ACS ( American Chemical Society) has a large number of journals under its umbrella, and TOP journals such as JACS, for example, are universally popular among scholars. As shown above, the ACS series of journals have their own distinctive cover layout, both rectangular area layout and non-regular area layout. This can cause inconvenience to teachers who need to draw their own covers, here we provide you with the official ACS 2024 layout lookup table for each journal, and hope that it will help you in your image drawing work.

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