# One large panel and three small (1 + 3)

> A large panel for the main schematic or image on the left, and three graphs stacked on the right: the layout for a figure that leads with a mechanism and backs it with data.

- Page: https://www.labcanvas.com/templates/multipanel/large-panel-three-small-1-3
- Open in the LabCanvas editor (LabCanvas account): https://www.labcanvas.com/editor.html?template=multipanel-layout-1-plus-3
- Updated: 2026-10-14
- Category: Multipanel figures
- Method: Layouts
- Product: A figure with one large panel (a) and three stacked panels (b–d)
- Key result: Neutral example data
- Figure: 657.64 × 328.6 px, 17 editable layers (1 generated objects with settings)

## Steps

1. **a · Main panel**: The mechanism or the key image, at the size it deserves
2. **b · Dose–response**: Mean ± SEM with a four-parameter logistic fit
3. **c · Distribution**: Box plot of every group
4. **d · Groups**: Bars with every replicate and a one-way ANOVA

## 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 “One large panel and three small (1 + 3)” template show?** A large panel for the main schematic or image on the left, and three graphs stacked on the right: the layout for a figure that leads with a mechanism and backs it with data.

**What are the steps shown in “One large panel and three small (1 + 3)”?** 1. a · Main panel: The mechanism or the key image, at the size it deserves. 2. b · Dose–response: Mean ± SEM with a four-parameter logistic fit. 3. c · Distribution: Box plot of every group. 4. d · Groups: Bars with every replicate and a one-way ANOVA.

**Which papers is “One large panel and three small (1 + 3)” 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 “One large panel and three small (1 + 3)” template?** Yes. Open it in the LabCanvas editor: all 17 layers are editable, including 1 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).