# 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.

- Page: https://www.labcanvas.com/templates/multipanel/four-panel-figure-2-2
- Open in the LabCanvas editor (LabCanvas account): https://www.labcanvas.com/editor.html?template=multipanel-layout-2x2
- Updated: 2026-10-14
- 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 × 458.24 px, 91 editable layers (4 generated objects with settings)

## Steps

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

## 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

## References

1. Rougier, Droettboom & Bourne, “Ten simple rules for better figures”, PLoS Comput. Biol. 2014. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003833 (review)
2. Weissgerber, Milic, Winham & Garovic, “Beyond bar and line graphs: time for a new data presentation paradigm”, PLoS Biol. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1002128 (review)

Credit: Example data generated for this template; micrographs are drawn stand-ins. Replace them with your own.

## 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).