Graphical abstracts built around one paper narrative

Define the reading path

Write one sentence describing what the reader should understand. Arrange the input, process and outcome around that sentence. If a study needs several controls or measurements to support the claim, keep those in the full paper figure rather than compressing them into unreadable labels.

Check whether the journal asks for a TOC graphic

Graphical abstract and TOC graphic are not interchangeable file specifications. Read the target journal's current author instructions for dimensions, text, file type and submission category. A TOC version may require re-composition instead of shrinking a multi-panel figure. Compare the graphical abstract tutorial and TOC tutorial.

Review the scope before drawing

Confirm the approved abstract, reference figures, key entities and disclosure requirements. Mechanism diagrams can supply the process detail; the abstract then selects a smaller narrative. See case notes and contact for the separate commissioning workflow.