Why Was Your Graphical Abstract Returned? 7 Checks

Open the return message beside the exported file. If the editor names a size, format or readability problem, start there. Use the checks below for anything the message leaves unclear.

1. Dimensions or aspect ratio

Compare the actual canvas with the exact journal's current size and aspect ratio. Do not reuse a square or wide preset across unrelated titles.

2. Resolution

Check the required resolution for the artwork type and final physical size. Different journals—and sometimes different line, grayscale, and color artwork—can use different thresholds. Inspect the exported pixels with the DPI checker.

3. Text legibility

View the image at the size where readers will encounter it. Increase small labels, reduce long sentences, and check that symbols remain distinct.

4. File format and color

Use a file type and color mode named by the exact journal. TIFF, PNG, JPEG, EPS, and PDF are not interchangeable in every workflow.

5. Visual density

Remove secondary detail that competes with the main scientific message. White space and grouping should make the reading order clear.

6. Rights and attribution

Verify that you own or may reuse every icon, logo, photograph, and figure element. Follow the journal's permissions and attribution instructions.

7. Scientific focus

Check that the image represents the manuscript's actual findings and does not add unsupported mechanisms, labels, or outcomes.

Keep a technical correction record

Record the exported file type, pixel width and height, intended physical size, resolution metadata, color mode, and whether labels remain readable at that final size. For a raster image, width in inches equals pixel width divided by pixels per inch: 1328 pixels at 300 ppi is approximately 4.43 inches. Changing only a resolution tag does not add pixels or recreate illegible lettering. This arithmetic example is not a universal journal size. The Elsevier artwork sizing instructions distinguish artwork type and resolution; follow the exact journal and artifact requirements before resampling or converting. Use the file dimensions and DPI checker to inspect the exported file, then compare it with the return message.

Before resubmitting

• Read the exact return message.
• Compare every technical field with the current journal page.
• Recheck scientific accuracy and rights.
• Inspect the final exported file.

Correcting these items reduces avoidable ambiguity but does not guarantee editorial or production acceptance.

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