TIFF vs PNG for Graphical Abstracts: Check the Journal

TIFF and PNG are both lossless raster formats, but neither is a universal submission default. Choose a format from the exact journal's current accepted-file list, then verify the pixel dimensions and resolution.

Official examples differ: Elsevier's publisher guide lists TIFF, EPS, PDF, or MS Office among its preferred files, while the Cell Press 2018 guide lists TIFF, PDF, or JPG. That difference is why a generic “TIFF is always safest” rule is unreliable.

TIFF and PNG compared

Format	Useful properties	Submission decision
TIFF	Lossless raster; supports high bit depth and large files	Use when the exact journal lists it
PNG	Lossless raster; efficient for diagrams and screen use; supports transparency	Use when the exact journal lists it
JPEG	Lossy raster; efficient for photographic content	Use only when accepted and visually appropriate

Resolution is a separate check

A file extension does not guarantee enough pixels for the intended physical size. Compare the exported width and height with the journal's required dimensions and inspect any density metadata separately.

What if the journal asks for EPS or PDF?

Abfig exports RGB PNG or TIFF. If the exact journal requires another format or color space, use an appropriate production workflow and inspect the converted file. Do not describe a converted file as a native Abfig export.

Final checklist

• The exact journal lists the chosen format.
• Pixel dimensions and physical size meet the current instructions.
• Text and lines remain readable after export.
• Transparency, color, and compression behave as expected.

Inspect dimensions and DPI →