How to Prepare Figures and Tables for AI Journal Submission — JNGR 5.0 AI Journal

Introduction

In artificial intelligence research manuscripts, figures and tables are not decorative elements.

They serve to present:

  • Model performance outcomes

  • Experimental comparisons

  • Technical architectures

  • Statistical validation

Inadequately prepared visuals are a frequent source of reviewer criticism.

The guidelines below outline best practices for preparing professional figures and tables suitable for peer-reviewed journal submission.

1. Ensure Every Figure Serves a Clear Purpose

Before including a figure, consider:

  • Does it enhance clarity?

  • Does it substantiate a central claim?

  • Is it necessary for reader understanding?

Avoid including visuals that merely duplicate information already clearly described in the text.

Each figure should have a defined scientific function.

2. Maintain High Technical Quality

Most journals require:

  • High-resolution images (typically 300 dpi or higher)

  • Readable and consistent font styles

  • Clearly legible axis labels

  • Uniform formatting across visuals

Common issues to avoid:

  • Low-resolution screenshots

  • Illegible axis text

  • Overcrowded visual elements

  • Inconsistent font sizing

Visual clarity directly influences reviewer perception of professionalism.

3. Clearly Label Axes and Units

All graphical representations should include:

  • Explicit axis titles

  • Measurement units

  • Legends explaining symbols, colors, or markers

Avoid assuming that abbreviations or scales are self-explanatory.

Clear labeling enhances interpretability.

4. Present Performance Comparisons Systematically

When reporting AI model performance:

  • Use structured tables for detailed comparisons

  • Include baseline and reference models

  • Report multiple evaluation metrics (e.g., accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score)

  • Indicate statistical significance where applicable

Tables are often preferred for precise quantitative reporting.

Ensure alignment and formatting consistency.

5. Avoid Overcrowded Visualizations

Do not combine excessive variables or models within a single chart.

Instead:

  • Separate complex results into multiple figures

  • Use labeled sub-figures (a), (b), (c) where appropriate

  • Maintain consistent design across all visuals

Overloaded visuals reduce clarity and interpretability.

6. Provide Informative and Self-Contained Captions

Each caption should clearly state:

  • What the figure or table presents

  • The dataset or experimental context

  • The comparison or analysis performed

  • Any notable patterns or findings

A well-written caption allows readers to understand the visual independently of the full manuscript.

Example:

“Figure 2. Comparison of model performance on Dataset X using accuracy and F1-score across five baseline methods.”

7. Ensure Consistency Across All Figures and Tables

Maintain consistency in:

  • Font style and size

  • Decimal precision

  • Terminology and abbreviations

  • Metric ordering

Inconsistency may create an impression of insufficient attention to detail.

Professional presentation supports editorial confidence.

8. Promote Reproducibility in Visual Generation

Where feasible:

  • Generate figures directly from analysis code

  • Avoid manual modifications in image-editing software

  • Maintain organized and traceable datasets

Reproducible visualizations reinforce scientific transparency and integrity.

9. Comply With Journal Formatting Requirements

Before submission:

  • Confirm acceptable image formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF, EPS)

  • Check file size limitations

  • Verify color space requirements (RGB or CMYK)

  • Ensure table formatting adheres to journal style guidelines

Failure to follow technical guidelines may delay the review process.

10. Avoid Misleading Visual Presentation

Do not:

  • Manipulate axis scaling in a misleading manner

  • Truncate axes without clear justification

  • Emphasize trivial differences

  • Use exaggerated visual effects

Scientific accuracy and transparency must remain the primary objective.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Prior to submission:

  • Verify image resolution quality

  • Review all labels and legends

  • Confirm consistency across visuals

  • Ensure captions are complete and precise

  • Cross-check numerical values between text, figures, and tables

Well-prepared figures and tables enhance readability, strengthen scientific arguments, and improve the reviewer experience.

Professional and transparent visual presentation can positively influence editorial assessment.

Related Resources

For detailed information regarding submission procedures and publication policies, please consult the following resources: