ACS TOC Graphic Size: Common Baseline and Journal-Specific Rules
Many ACS journals use a 3.25 × 1.75 in TOC graphic at 300 DPI, but journal-specific sizes differ. Check dated ACS sources and current AI-image rules.
Quick answer
Many ACS journals use a TOC graphic no larger than 3.25 × 1.75 inches (8.25 × 4.45 cm), with color TIFF files at 300 DPI. Treat that as a common baseline, not a universal ACS rule: the target journal's current instructions take priority.
ACS Graphical Abstract Format
Size: Common baseline: maximum 3.25 × 1.75 in (82.5 × 44.5 mm); target journals may differ | Common formats: TIFF; or EPS in RGB with fonts embedded or converted to outlines | Color space: RGB | Resolution: TIFF: 300 DPI for color; 1200 DPI for black-and-white
Submission Specifications
| Format / Size | Common baseline: maximum 3.25 × 1.75 in (82.5 × 44.5 mm); target journals may differ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | TIFF: 300 DPI for color; 1200 DPI for black-and-white |
| Color Space | RGB |
| Accepted Formats | TIFF; or EPS in RGB with fonts embedded or converted to outlines |
| Max File Size | Not stated in the general ACS TOC guide; check the target journal |
| Minimum Font Size | Sans serif such as Helvetica; 8pt preferred, never below 6pt |
| Additional Notes | The general ACS guide gives this as a maximum baseline—not a universal ACS size. Journal instructions can override it; see the journal-specific exceptions and dated sources below. |
Specifications are based on published author guidelines and may change. Always verify with the official ACS author guidelines
Journal-specific rules can differ
The examples below show why a single ACS-wide size can mislead. Match the journal title and article type before preparing the final file.
| General ACS guide | Maximum 3.25 × 1.75 in (8.25 × 4.45 cm) Common TOC/abstract graphic baseline; color TIFF at 300 DPI and black-and-white TIFF at 1200 DPI. [1] |
|---|---|
| ACS Catalysis | 3.33 × 1.87 in (8.46 × 4.77 cm) The journal's current Author Guidelines state a different TOC size, so the journal-specific instruction overrides the common baseline. [3] |
| JACS | Check the current JACS Information for Authors JACS requires a graphical summary and points authors to current instructions. Do not substitute specifications from JACS Au or another ACS title. [4] |
ACS policy on AI-generated TOC graphics
ACS Publications' current AI policy says AI-generated images should not be used within TOC graphics. That policy is separate from pixel dimensions and file formats, and it must be checked before submission. [2]
Use this page as a specification reference
The current ACS policy says AI-generated images should not be used within TOC graphics. Do not place Abfig-generated imagery in an ACS TOC graphic. Use the dated official sources below. The DPI checker can inspect pixel size and DPI, but its ACS preset uses a smaller conservative target within the general maximum and cannot validate journal-specific exceptions.
Official sources and dates
- [1] ACS Guidelines for Table of Contents/Abstract Graphics
Publisher updated:
- [2] Artificial Intelligence (AI) Best Practices and Policies at ACS Publications
Publisher updated:
- [3] ACS Catalysis Author Guidelines
Publisher updated:
- [4] JACS Information for Authors
Publisher updated: No update date stated
Other journal specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ACS TOC graphic size?
- A common ACS baseline is a maximum of 3.25 × 1.75 inches (8.25 × 4.45 cm) with 300 DPI for color TIFF files. It is not universal: journal-specific instructions can differ, so verify the current guide for the exact journal.
- Does ACS require 600 DPI for a TOC graphic?
- The general ACS TOC guide states 300 DPI for color TIFF files and 1200 DPI for black-and-white TIFF files; it does not give 600 DPI as the baseline. Check the target journal because its own instructions control.
- Should I include text in an ACS graphical abstract?
- ACS discourages lengthy text in TOC graphics. Chemical structures, reaction arrows, and molecular diagrams are preferred. Brief labels are acceptable, but the image should be largely self-explanatory. Use Helvetica or a similar sans-serif, preferably at 8pt and never below 6pt.
- Can I use AI-generated images in an ACS TOC graphic?
- The current ACS Publications AI policy says AI-generated images should not be used within TOC graphics. Review the numbered policy source and your target journal's instructions before submission.