Before You Submit
Think of the TOC/Abstract graphic as a single PowerPoint slide that tells the story of your article.
• Ask someone who hasn’t read the manuscript if they understand what the paper is about based on
the TOC graphic. Is critical content missing? Can extraneous material be removed?
• Print out the graphic. Is the text readable? Do the graphics and lines look crisp and easy to see?

Examples of Good and Poor TOC/Abstract Graphics
Authors are encouraged to examine a current issue of the journal for appropriate examples of TOC/
abstract graphics. Some examples of good and poor TOC/abstract graphics are provided below.

Japan Oil Chemists’ Society Publications
Guidelines for Table of Contents/Abstract Graphics
Updated May 1, 2024
A graphic must be included with each manuscript for display in the table of contents (TOC) and theabstract. This graphic should capture the reader’s attention and, in conjunction with the manuscript
title, should give the reader a quick visual impression of the essence of the manuscript without
providing specific results.

Choosing/Creating a TOC/Abstract Graphic• The graphic should be simple, but informative.
• The use of color is encouraged.
• The graphic should uphold the standards of a scholarly, professional publication.
• The graphic must be entirely original, unpublished artwork created by one of the coauthors.
• The graphic should not include a photograph, drawing, or caricature of any person, living ordeceased.
• Do not include postage stamps or currency from any country, or trademarked items (company
logos,images, and products).
• Avoid choosing a graphic that already appears within the text of the manuscript.

Specifications• The graphic should be in the form of a structure, graph, drawing, photograph, or scheme—or acombination.
• Text should usually be limited to the labeling of compounds, reaction arrows, and diagrams. Longphrases or sentences should be avoided.
• Submit the graphic at the actual size to be used for the TOC so that it will fit in an area no larger
than approx. 8.25 cm by 4.45 cm.
• Use a sans serif font type such as Helvetica, preferably at 8 pt. but no smaller than 6 pt. Do not
makethe reader strain to read it. The type should be of high quality in order to reproduce well.
• The graphic file should be saved as either:
TIF at 300 dpi for color and at 1200 dpi for black and white.
EPS in RGB document color mode with all fonts converted to outlines or embedded in the file.
• Label the graphic “For Table of Contents Only” and provide it on the last page of the submitted
manuscript. It can also be uploaded with the manuscript as “Graphics for manuscript” inaddition to being included in the manuscript file.

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GOOD GRAPHICS

POOR GRAPHICS

This graphic has a good balance ofimages and description. All of the typeis crisp and easy to read.

Graphic is very cluttered and most of
the fonts are too small or faint to bereadable.

This graphic is simple and appealing
The font is too small, the image says
nothing about the article, and the typeon the image is unreadable.

Appealing use of color and graphs. Eventhe smallest type is good quality andreadable.
Graphic is uninteresting and notinformative.