Basics of Graphical Abstracts: For Medical Communicators

Scientific and medical journal articles are adopting new ways to share research. Increasingly, they are using graphical abstracts—visual representations of research findings that help readers quickly grasp the main findings. For medical writers, understanding the basics of graphical abstracts is essential, both to support authors and to increase the visibility of research.

What’s the best way to create and use graphical abstracts? This article will walk medical communicators who want to advance their skills through what graphical abstracts are, why they matter, and how to create them effectively.

What Is a Graphical Abstract?

A graphical abstract is a brief, pictorial summary of a research paper’s main conclusions. According to an AMWA Journal article on standard and graphical abstracts, this eye-catching diagram or picture is designed to grab the reader’s attention and quickly communicate study takeaways.

Journals often use these abstracts in search results, tables of contents, and article landing pages, where they function like a thumbnail preview of the research. While they may not completely convey research findings on their own, graphical abstracts are a form of visual communication designed to inspire curiosity and serve as an entry point for readers skimming for relevant studies.

Why Visual Abstracts Matter

The benefits of graphical abstracts go beyond aesthetics. Research has shown that articles with graphical abstracts receive more views and increased social media engagement. One study found that adding a graphical abstract roughly doubled the usage compared to papers without them.

Early studies also suggest that while they may not directly increase article citations, visual abstracts do boost Altmetric Attention Scores of online engagement and drive broader attention. In short, the best graphical abstracts increase the chances that busy clinicians, researchers, and interdisciplinary audiences will stop, click, and read.

Core Elements of Effective Graphical Abstracts

To learn the basics of graphical abstracts, focus on these essential components:

1. Key Message
   Before designing, distill the information into one or two core sentences. Having a clear central message will help your visual convey the main message. Consider including relevant keywords from the study.
   
   
2. Visuals and Icons
   Graphical abstract art often relies on pictograms, symbols, or simple diagrams. Icons should share a consistent style—the same line width, level of detail, and color scheme—to avoid a disjointed look. Discipline-specific icon libraries like Bioicons, Health Icons, or Servier Medical Art provide ready-to-use resources.
   
   
3. Data and Charts
   Sometimes the best visual summary comes from data. Simple bar charts, line graphs, or schematic images—ones different from any figures or graphs in the article—can highlight findings. Keep charts minimal by removing excess labels and axes so the viewer sees the trend at a glance.
   
   
4. Layout and Flow
   Graphical abstracts should have a clear reading direction—usually left to right or top to bottom. Arrows are powerful tools to guide the reader through processes or outcomes. Common layouts include three panels, two panels, and pictorial.
   
   
5. Color and Accessibility
   Use color sparingly to emphasize meaning. A well-chosen color palette can make a graphic effective and polished. Consider checking contrast with tools like the Colour Contrast Analyser or WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure readability. Don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning. Add alternative labels, or “alt text,” for accessibility.

Tips on Technical Standards

Each medical and scientific journal may have its own guidelines for visual abstracts. For example, Elsevier recommends graphical abstracts that read clearly left to right or top to bottom, using minimal text and avoiding clutter. Technical requirements often include:

• Minimum size: 1328 × 531 pixels, 300 dpi resolution
• Preferred file types: TIFF, EPS, PDF, or MS Office files
• Fonts: Times, Arial, Courier, or Symbol, with large enough size to remain legible when reduced (many designers find sans-serif fonts like Arial easier to read at small sizes)  

Always consult your target journal’s authors guide before submission.

Tools for Creating Graphical Abstracts

Medical writers don’t need to be professional designers to create graphical abstracts. A range of tools are available, from beginner-friendly to professional-grade:

• PowerPoint – effective, commonly used software
• Canva or Figma – web-based tools with drag-and-drop simplicity
• Inkscape – a free, open-source vector program for polished graphics 
• Adobe Illustrator – the gold standard for design professionals 
• Mind the Graph – a specialized platform with biomedical icon libraries and infographics 

Best Practices for Medical Writers

When helping authors of research studies with graphical abstracts, medical writers can play a crucial role:

• Start with a sketch: Even rough doodles can help clarify the main idea.
• Keep it simple: Reduce elements to the essentials so that details don't overwhelm.
• Seek feedback: Share drafts early with co-authors and colleagues to refine the message.
• Check accessibility: Provide alt text, ensure high color contrast, and test readability at thumbnail size.

Final Thoughts: The Basics of Graphical Abstracts

Learning the fundamentals of graphical abstracts is an investment that pays off in visibility and impact. For medical writers, this skill enhances collaboration with researchers, helps clearly communicate complex findings, and aligns with current journal trends.

With practice—and the right mix of simplicity, accuracy, and design awareness—graphical abstracts can transform a dense research paper into an engaging visual story that captures attention in seconds. For more skills that boost your career, check out AMWA’s educational resources and opportunities to network with others in the field.

AMWA acknowledges the contributions of Cynthia Saver, MS, RN, for providing peer review in the development of this AMWA resource.