Resolution and Size

Did you know resolution and size are different? Follow these graphics display resolution guidelines to ensure the graphics for your IEEE journal article look great.

Resolution

Original image quality is very important to how your graphics will reproduce. Using vector files and high-resolution images will improve the quality of your graphics in the final published article.

Vector images allow for more flexibility

Creating and saving your graphics in vector format will ensure that your graphics appear as clearly as possible in your final published article. Acceptable vector file formats include PS, EPS, and PDF. These file types are excellent for creating graphics that require resizing.

Use high-resolution images

If you are unable to create your graphic in vector format, make sure that your graphic is created at a high resolution from the beginning.

IEEE standards for non-vector graphics for color and grayscale images are >300dpi. IEEE standards for black and white line art are >600dpi. Note that increasing the resolution after image creation will not improve the image’s quality.

Size

The size of a graphic refers to its dimensions (the width and height), which may be measured in inches, millimeters, or picas. Most charts, graphs, and tables are sized to be one column width or two columns width:

IEEE recommends that you avoid sizing graphics to less than one column wide, as extreme enlargements may distort your images and result in poor reproduction. 

It is easy for IEEE to reduce the sizes of your graphics. But, in most cases, IEEE cannot increase them without negatively impacting quality.