Start with the target publication
There is no single font specification for all scientific communication. Identify the journal, document stage and figure type before choosing a family or point size. Nature’s author instructions give concrete preferences for its figures, while another journal can provide different dimensions and text settings. Keep the actual instructions with the artwork so a familiar laboratory template does not silently become the rule for every submission.
Separate figure labels from specialist notation
Nature’s figure guide names standard fonts such as Arial or Helvetica for general lettering and a monospaced family such as Courier for amino-acid sequences. Those are different information roles. Equations may require a mathematical typesetting system rather than the same controls used for an axis label. The math font guide explains why symbol coverage and equation layout need their own review.
Check the size after figure reduction
The publisher’s guidance emphasizes the finished figure dimensions and notes that production may reduce artwork. Inspect labels at the actual intended column width, including tick values, superscripts and legends. Avoid judging readability only in a zoomed drawing window. If text becomes too small, reconsider panel arrangement and content density before changing every label to a compressed face. Follow the specific publication’s current size instructions rather than copying a universal number.
Preserve editable text in the delivery
Nature’s figure guide requests legible, editable text, advises embedding fonts and says not to outline text. Apply those instructions to the output requested by that publication. Keep the original artwork and inspect exported labels for substitutions or missing characters. The PDF font-embedding guide covers the broader document concern, and the Helvetica guide discusses a named family rather than a complete scientific-publication specification.
Your questions, answered.
Is Arial mandatory for all scientific figures?
No. Follow the target publication’s instructions; Nature lists Arial or Helvetica for its figure lettering.
Should all figure text be converted to outlines?
Not as a universal practice. Nature’s cited guide specifically requests editable text and says not to outline it.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.