A scientific figure is a visual representation of scientific information, data, methods, or findings. Scientific figures help researchers communicate complex ideas more clearly than text alone and are commonly used in publications, grant applications, presentations, posters, and regulatory documents.

Scientific figures can take many forms, including experime ntal workflows, biological pathways, graphical abstracts, scientific diagrams, data visualizations, mechanism-of-action illustrations, and conceptual figures. Effective scientific figures help the intended audience understand the key message quickly and accurately. BioRender provides 50,000+ science-specific icons and templates to help researchers create accurate, publication-ready figures for any context. Explore BioRender's scientific figure library.

A good scientific figure communicates a single idea clearly, accurately, and efficiently. Readers should be able to understand the main message quickly without needing to decode unnecessary detail or complex visual design.

Effective scientific figures use a logical layout, consistent visual hierarchy, clear labels, and scientifically accurate illustrations. Whether created for a publication, grant application, presentation, or regulatory submission, they should be designed for the intended audience and communicate a clear scientific message. BioRender's design principles emphasize clarity, scientific accuracy, and visual consistency to help researchers create figures that communicate complex science effectively.

BioRender offers a free plan that gives you access to the icon library, up to 3 figures, and basic design features. Free plan figures cannot be used for publication or commercial purposes. To publish figures or use them commercially, you'll need a paid plan. Paid plans are available for individuals, labs, and institutions. For pricing details, visit BioRender's pricing page.

Figures made on a paid BioRender plan can be used in journal publications. When you export, check "I would like a publication license with this export" to generate your license and a unique citation URL. Paste it into your Methods section, figure caption, references, or acknowledgments based on your journal's preference. You'll need to be on an active paid plan at the time of export. For full details on publishing rights by plan type, visit BioRender's publishing guide.

When you export your figure with a publication license, BioRender generates a unique citation and URL. It will look something like:

"Created in BioRender. Smith, J. (2025). BioRender.com/c248457."

You can include it in your figure caption, references section, or acknowledgments. Check your journal's preference for where to place it. For full citation guidance, visit BioRender's citation guide.

Yes. You can export BioRender figures as SVG or PNG files and open them in Illustrator or use them in PowerPoint. BioRender's native editor is browser-based and doesn't require either application. For full export options, visit BioRender's export guide.

BioRender offers Lab and Institution plans where every member gets their own account under a shared license, so figures are owned by the lab, not an individual. Learn more about Lab and Institution pricing.

Yes. BioRender is a scientific diagram maker designed for life science research. Researchers use BioRender to create publication figures, graphical abstracts, experimental workflows, grant diagrams, scientific posters, and presentation visuals using scientifically accurate illustrations.

Yes. BioRender is widely used in biotech and pharma for executive presentations, regulatory submissions, and investor decks, helping teams communicate science faster, align on priorities, and move projects forward without expensive design services. Industry plans include commercial use rights. Learn more about BioRender for industry or visit BioRender's pricing page.