Creating publication-quality graphics. When designing a graphic, make sure that the graphic (1) emphasizes the important information and does not show unnecessary data, lines, or labels; (2) includes the needed support material for the reader to understand what you are showing; and (3) is readable (see Figures 1 and 2 for examples). Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx’x books on presenting information (Xxxxx, 1983; 1990; 1997) are great references on good graphic design. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Knaflic’s website Storytelling With Data also provides freely accessible resources for designing infographics and data visualizations (xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx/blog). Figures 1 through 3 are examples of properly formatted, easy to understand graphics. Do not include fonts that are less than 6 points. For good-looking graphics, the resolution needs to be high enough to provide a clear image at the size you make them within the report. In general, 300 dpi will make a clear image and is the minimum resolution for all situations. Try to create your figures at the same size they will be in the report, as resizing them in Word greatly reduces image quality. Photographs taken with at least a two-megapixel camera (if using digital) and with good contrast will make the best images. Save the original, and then adjust color levels and size in a renamed image copy. Print a draft copy of your report to double-check that your figures and photographs have clear lines and show all the features that you want them to have. Figures and photographs should be in grayscale. Color greatly adds to the cost of printing, so we are trying to keep it to a minimum. Also remember that your report may be photocopied, scanned, or downloaded and printed in black and white. For this reason, you should use symbols or patterns, or make sure that colors print as different shades in black and white. All interval or ratio data (data measuring continuous phenomena, with each color representing an equal interval) need to be displayed in a graded scale of a single color (Figure 3). This way your figures will be useful even as a photocopy. If you need help with your graphics or have questions, please contact the TWDB graphics department at (000)000-0000.
