Does PLOS ONE Require a Graphical Abstract? Current Guidance

TL;DR

As checked on 2026-08-30, the current PLOS ONE submission guidelines do not describe a separate custom graphical abstract submission. They describe an optional Striking Image selected from artwork already included in a figure or supporting-information file.

That distinction matters: a Striking Image is not an invitation to add a new standalone graphical abstract with invented dimensions or file rules.

What PLOS ONE currently asks for

The submission page says authors may identify a visually striking portion of an existing figure or supporting-information item. The source artwork remains part of the submitted manuscript materials and must follow the applicable PLOS figure instructions.

The page does not provide a universal graphical-abstract canvas, a special 10 MB graphical-abstract limit, or a separate graphical-abstract upload specification. Older summaries that attach those values to a PLOS ONE graphical abstract should not be used as submission instructions.

If you want a visual summary for another purpose

You may still create a visual summary for a lab presentation, conference slide, preprint promotion, or internal review. Keep that separate from the files PLOS ONE explicitly requests.

For a useful visual draft:

• communicate one finding rather than the whole paper;
• distinguish measured results from explanatory decoration;
• keep labels readable at a small display size;
• verify every generated scientific element against the manuscript.

Where Abfig fits

Abfig can help explore a composition from an abstract or rough sketch. Use Refine when the whole composition needs to change and Inpaint when one brushed region needs a local redraw.

This produces an AI-generated raster draft, not a PLOS-approved submission file. Before uploading anything, use the live PLOS ONE submission page and current editorial policies to decide what belongs in the manuscript package.

Final check

1. Confirm whether the submission system is asking for a figure, supporting-information item, or optional Striking Image.
2. Use artwork already included in the appropriate manuscript material where the guideline requires it.
3. Follow the current PLOS figure instructions for that source file.
4. Check the current AI-use and disclosure policy directly.

Draft a separate visual summary in Abfig →