A visual abstract is a brief summary of the key findings of an article, presented in a graphical format for easy uptake by readers. The visual abstract will be disseminated on social media with the paper (instead of the traditional non-text TOC image), will show up in the table of contents (TOC), and will be embedded in the paper.
To ensure optimal visual impact and consistency with JMIR's high standards, we recommend leveraging the visual abstract creation service provided by our expert team. This service offers a streamlined process, resulting in a professionally designed visual abstract tailored to highlight your research. While authors may submit their own visual abstract following our guidelines, all submissions are subject to JMIR approval and may require revisions.
Criteria for an author-submitted visual abstract:
Once you submit your visual abstract to us, our team will review the content and its adherence to our guidelines. Based on this review, 1 of 4 options are possible:
1. The visual abstract largely adheres to our guidelines.
- The visual abstract can be used and published. You can upload this as a TOC image.
2. The visual abstract requires minor adjustments to meet our guidelines.
- If only minor adjustments (such as edits for language or grammar and minor icon/graphical revisions) are needed to meet our guidelines, our team can provide a list of recommendations. It will be up to the authors to edit the visual abstract to apply these recommendations.
3. The visual abstract requires extensive adjustments to meet our guidelines.
- This option applies when major adjustments (such as adding or revising content and major icon/graphics revisions) are needed to bring the visual abstract up to journal standards.
- Need assistance? Contact us at prod-support@jmir.org to avail our visual abstract editing service at a discounted fee.
4. The visual abstract does not meet our guidelines.
- A visual abstract may be rejected if it is determined that it does not meet our guidelines. Authors may be presented with alternatives, such as moving the visual abstract to a multimedia appendix.
Visual abstract guidelines:
An example of a visual abstract by JMIR Publications
(Full article here: https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e64081)
1. Header
- A short, catchy title should be presented on the top of the visual abstract.
- Subheadings are optional and may be used if helpful to organize text.
2. Overall presentation
- The visual abstract is most effective when it features a balanced design, incorporating both text and graphical icons in equal measure, and avoiding overly dense text.
- In general, we’d prefer that textual information is organized in a concise yet logical format (typically left to right).
- We follow template styles that divide the main body into three panels, from left to right: (1) the study background or objectives (eg, setting the stage), (2) a brief description of the methodology or interventions, and (3) the key outcomes of the study.
- Include a summary sentence that provides a take-home message for readers.
3. Language and style
- Avoid use of jargon and simplify technical concepts where possible to make the visual abstract relevant to a wide readership.
- Limit textual descriptions to short phrases, avoiding the use of complete sentences.
- Our content review team will be able to provide more specific feedback on language and style and adherence to journal guidelines.
4. Visual style
- Please use original or copyright-free, high-quality icons, illustrations, and/or other data visualization formats.
- We’d like to keep the design similar to our previously published visual abstracts, with regard to branding, color scheme, and font style.
You can find more published examples in our visual abstract gallery for inspiration.