Graphical abstract template · Multipanel figures · Layouts
Four-panel figure (2 × 2)
The most common journal figure: four equal panels a–d on one grid, with a schematic, an image and two graphs. Replace each panel with your own content; the letters, titles and spacing stay consistent.
Updated 2 cited papers91 editable layers
At a glance
- Category
- Multipanel figures
- Method
- Layouts
- Product
- A 2 × 2 figure: a schematic, an image and two graphs
- Key result
- Neutral example data and drawn images
- Figure
- 691.65 × 420.81 px (16:9), 91 editable layers, 4 generated objects
Step by step
- a · SchematicWhat was done: objects from the Library and process arrows
- b · ImageA micrograph (drawn stand-in with a scale bar): drop your image in its place
- c · GroupsBars with every replicate and a one-way ANOVA against the control
- d · Time courseTwo groups over time, mean ± SEM
Strengths
- Panels aligned on one grid with the same letter style
- Graphs linked to their data: double-click to edit
Limitations
- Example content: replace every panel with your own
Uses
- Papers, theses and grant applications
- Supporting information
Papers this template follows
- Rougier, Droettboom & Bourne, “Ten simple rules for better figures”, PLoS Comput. Biol. 2014. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003833review
- Weissgerber, Milic, Winham & Garovic, “Beyond bar and line graphs: time for a new data presentation paradigm”, PLoS Biol. 2015. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002128review
Example data generated for this template; micrographs are drawn stand-ins. Replace them with your own.
How templates are written and checked: editorial guidelines.
Questions
What does the “Four-panel figure (2 × 2)” template show?
The most common journal figure: four equal panels a–d on one grid, with a schematic, an image and two graphs. Replace each panel with your own content; the letters, titles and spacing stay consistent.
What are the steps shown in “Four-panel figure (2 × 2)”?
1. a · Schematic: What was done: objects from the Library and process arrows. 2. b · Image: A micrograph (drawn stand-in with a scale bar): drop your image in its place. 3. c · Groups: Bars with every replicate and a one-way ANOVA against the control. 4. d · Time course: Two groups over time, mean ± SEM.
Which papers is “Four-panel figure (2 × 2)” based on?
Rougier, Droettboom & Bourne, “Ten simple rules for better figures”, PLoS Comput. Biol. 2014 (doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003833); Weissgerber, Milic, Winham & Garovic, “Beyond bar and line graphs: time for a new data presentation paradigm”, PLoS Biol. 2015 (doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002128).
Can I edit the “Four-panel figure (2 × 2)” template?
Yes. Open it in the LabCanvas editor: all 91 layers are editable, including 4 generated objects (structures, plots, equipment) with their own settings. Change the text, colours and layout, then export PNG, TIFF, SVG or PDF.
Do I need an account to use this template?
Not to view it here. To open and edit it, sign in to LabCanvas or create a free account (the free plan keeps up to 3 designs). Downloading the figure is part of LabCanvas Pro (US$19 a month or US$199 a year).
