Tips for Tables, Charts, and Figures

A picture can be worth a thousand words in your grant application or journal manuscript. Use well-crafted figures to summarize data, clarify your research, and add interest for your reviewers and other audiences.

This page uses the collective term figures to cover tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, photos, maps, flowcharts, timelines, images, and similar elements.

Check the Instructions

NIH includes figure-related requirements in the Application Guide. Find rules for Figures (e.g., Images, Graphics, Charts, Graphs, and Tables) and Fonts at Format Attachments. For example:

• You may include figures within the Page Limits of your Research Strategy or Program Plan. 
• Some application sections do not allow figures, such as Biosketches, Letters of Support, and the text-only Project Summary/Abstract and Project Narrative.

For a manuscript, follow the journal’s instructions on images and figures.

Choose Your Own Approach

Be aware that our advice is general and optional, not one size fits all. There are multiple ways to create effective figures. Your reviewers are individuals with their own preferences. You must use your best judgment to decide whether and how figures can help describe your unique science.

Focus on the Big Picture

All your figures and text should work together in synergy to present a clear message for your intended audience. For a unified presentation, consider both content and design of figures:

• Ideal figures are self-explanatory, relevant, and enhance your overall application or manuscript.
• Consider using a consistent font, color palettes, and visual style (e.g., icons and symbols).
• Maximize the visual and descriptive clarity of figures for all readers:
  • Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning. Your readers may have limited color vision or use a printer that alters the color contrast. Try a test print in grayscale.
  • We encourage you to include Accessibility elements like structural headers and meaningful Alt Text for images. Learn about Accessible PDFs.
• Enlist colleagues and laypeople as prereaders to advise on whether your figures are clear and enhance the text.

Display Your Data

Choose which data to include and your approach for data visualization.

• Tables work well to share and compare numeric data.
  • Label columns and rows. Include units of measurement and n-values.
  • Consider different spacing, alignment, and layout options to simplify your table designs. You could use left alignment to clarify columns, reducing or eliminating the need for vertical separators.
• Charts and graphs summarize complex trends and relationships. Each axis should have a label and unit scale. Include a key for colors and symbols.
• Image-based data (e.g., micrographs, gels, x-rays, scans, or photo records) may enhance your Research Strategy section. The HHS Office of Research Integrity offers Tips for Presenting Scientific Images with Integrity.

Illustrate Concepts and Plans

Illustrations can help you convey or emphasize important information and ideas.

• Drawings and photos can show biological structures, planned interventions, and other key processes or concepts of your research.
• Branching diagrams (e.g., flowcharts and workflows) could help summarize your scientific plans, experimental design with alternative approaches, team structure, and more.
• Timelines lay out the stages of your research so far and upcoming plans.
• Icons, symbols, or small photos could add emphasis and interest to your text-only figures.

More Visualization Resources

The following federal websites share advice on effective data visualization and design:

• NIH Picture This!
• CDC Using Graphs and Charts to Illustrate Quantitative Data
• CDC Visual Communication Resources
• AHRQ Six Tips for Making a Quality Report Appealing and Easy to Skim
• Usability.gov Visual Design Basics
• Department of Education Graphic Design for Researchers