Preparing Figures and Tables

Make all tables and figures self-explanatory, ie, they should be able to stand alone and still be understood. A table reports study-related numerical data; figures are everything else not meeting this definition.

If a manuscript has more figures or tables than can be reasonably accommodated in a standard-length manuscript, the additional figures and tables can be placed in a web-only appendix.

Figures

Graphics should be used to convey patterns and details that cannot be succinctly conveyed in tables or text. When appropriate, include potentially important covariates in the tables and figures. We prefer graphics that show the distribution of data (eg, scatterplots, 1-way plots, box plots) to those showing summaries of data (eg, pie charts, bar graphs of means). If the data collected are paired (eg, pre and post, or 2 different measures on the same subject), then choose a graphical format that conveys the inherent pairing of the data. Avoid background gridlines and other formatting that do not convey information (eg, superfluous use of 3-dimensional formatting, background shadings). Omit internal horizontal and vertical rules.

Please see the following reference for many useful examples: Schriger, Cooper: Achieving graphical excellence: suggestions and methods for creating high-quality visual displays of experimental data. Ann Emerg Med 2001;37:75-87.

See our requirements for figure quality.

Tables

Arrange tables so that the primary comparisons of interest are horizontal, left-to-right (the standard reading order). Provide the N for each column or row and marginal totals where appropriate.

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