Make figures readable when printed and on a projector

A figure is only useful if people can read it. Common problems are tiny text in screenshots, low-resolution images and colour schemes that disappear in print.

Checks before you finalise:

• Print one page with figures, or view it at 100% zoom: can you read every label?
• Export diagrams as vector formats (SVG or PDF) where possible, or high-resolution PNG.
• Do not rely on colour alone; use labels or line styles too.
• Crop screenshots to the part that matters, and annotate if needed.
• Charts need axis labels with units and a legend.

Many of the same figures will go on your slides, so readable figures save time twice.