publication figure planning

Figure Planner

Build a publication-sized multi-panel figure in minutes. Add panels, resize only what matters, let the layout engine keep rows compact, then export a clean planning scaffold.

Target journal
Target width
Gap
0mm used
of 247
Ready to plan
183 × 247 mm · Nature double-column target
100%

Figure settings

Journal-aware defaults are applied automatically; override only when required.

Target & canvas

Production check

Layout behavior

How to use Figure Planner

The tool is intentionally narrower than a drawing application.

1. Pick a targetSelect a journal. The app applies only encoded, verified rules and clearly labels generic planning widths where a publisher does not prescribe exact geometry.
2. Add panel typesOne click creates a panel at a context-aware size. Labels are automatic and always follow the visual order.
3. Adjust sparinglyDrag to reorder. Select a panel to resize or rename it. Row breaks rebalance automatically unless disabled in Settings.
4. Preflight liveThe right side surfaces journal, resolution, scientific-context, provenance, and accessibility issues as soon as they become detectable.
5. Link sourcesUse Assets to attach lightweight source records to panels. Effective DPI, red–green risk, fingerprints, processing notes, and original-source retention stay with the plan.
6. Preview & exportSimulate final size, grayscale and common colour-vision deficiencies, then export a vector scaffold or JSON plan with provenance metadata.

Shortcuts

1–8Add the corresponding panel type.
⌘/Ctrl ZUndo. Use Shift + ⌘/Ctrl Z or Ctrl Y to redo.
DeleteDelete the selected panel.
⌘/Ctrl DDuplicate the selected panel.
EscClear selection or close an open menu.

Scientific asset inbox

Keep source identity and provenance attached to every panel without storing the original file in the browser.

Drop source assets hereImages, SVG, PDF, EPS. A lightweight thumbnail and metadata are stored; originals remain on your filesystem.

Scientific preflight

Live checks against the selected journal and panel semantics.

Accessibility & final-size simulator

Inspect the current composition at approximate publication size and common vision modes.

Screen physical size is an approximation; export dimensions remain exact.

Add custom panel

Use this only when the quick panel types do not fit the job.