SEE ACADRAW IN ACTION

Science drawing, from idea to editable figure

Create a science illustration with AI. Refine drawings, build editable diagrams, and convert images to SVG.

Choose a demo

Demos play as you scroll into view. Choose a feature to explore.

Trusted by students & researchers from 480+ universities

A global community spanning 60+ countries and regions, from QS top-ranked universities to leading research institutes

MIT
MIT
Imperial College London
Imperial College London
University of Oxford
University of Oxford
Harvard University
Harvard University
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich
National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore
UCL
UCL
Peking University
Peking University
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University
Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University
Princeton University
Princeton University
EPFL
EPFL
IIT Madras
IIT Madras
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Technical University of Munich
Technical University of Munich
Australian National University
Australian National University
Fudan University
Fudan University
Seoul National University
Seoul National University
Columbia University
Columbia University
Monash University
Monash University
University of Tokyo
University of Tokyo
King's College London
King's College London
New York University
New York University
Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University
MIT
MIT
Imperial College London
Imperial College London
University of Oxford
University of Oxford
Harvard University
Harvard University
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich
National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore
UCL
UCL
Peking University
Peking University
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University
Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University
Princeton University
Princeton University
EPFL
EPFL
IIT Madras
IIT Madras
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Technical University of Munich
Technical University of Munich
Australian National University
Australian National University
Fudan University
Fudan University
Seoul National University
Seoul National University
Columbia University
Columbia University
Monash University
Monash University
University of Tokyo
University of Tokyo
King's College London
King's College London
New York University
New York University
Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University

University logos belong to their respective institutions and are shown solely to illustrate our user community. They do not imply any partnership or endorsement.

Tool overview

Explore the use cases, workflow, and key things to know.

Portrait composition

Explore a focal object with room for editorial overlay.

Original concept

Use your research theme without copying journal branding.

Submission preparation

Check the target publisher specification and policies.

Concept reference

Journal cover concept: a molecular bridge

An original portrait artwork sits within a landscape presentation sheet. A luminous molecular bridge joins two abstract cellular worlds, with open space above for a future masthead. No real journal branding appears.

Journal cover concept: a molecular bridge
Original AI-generated journal cover teaching reference. Simplified for explanation; review labels and relationships before use.

Journal Cover Maker: reference key

Use the reference and definitions together. On a small screen, scroll the table horizontally.

ElementMeaningReview check
Central ideaThe scientific theme expressed visuallyChoose one defensible concept rather than a collection of results.
Focal pointThe element a viewer notices firstMake the primary subject legible at thumbnail size.
Masthead areaSpace for the journal name and editorial overlayCheck the target publication layout instead of adding a real logo.
Portrait frameA starting composition for cover explorationFinal trim, bleed and dimensions come from the publisher.
Visual metaphorAn expressive interpretation of the topicDo not present it as a measured molecular or tissue structure.
Delivery fileThe artwork supplied for editorial reviewVerify resolution, color requirements and rights declarations.

Journal Cover Maker: plan the visual

Use the journal cover maker to explore original scientific artwork around one central idea. Start with a portrait composition, reserve space for editorial text and check the target journal requirements before submission.

Build around one scientific idea

A journal cover is an invitation to the paper, not a compressed multi-panel result figure. Tell the journal cover maker which relationship or transformation matters most, then choose a focal object and a small visual vocabulary. Preserve the difference between a metaphor and a literal scientific claim.

Leave room for the publication layout

A beautiful subject can become unreadable under a masthead or cover line. Begin with a portrait composition and quiet space where text may be placed. The exact dimensions, safe area and bleed must follow the target journal rather than a universal template.

Prepare artwork for editorial review

Check the publisher rules for AI-generated images, file formats, resolution and disclosure. Keep the prompt and editing history with the submission record. A concept image is a starting asset; selection, production adjustments and acceptance remain with the journal.

Common mistakes to avoid

Copying an established cover style too closely

Use an original concept and avoid real journal branding or a composition copied from another cover.

Putting every result on the cover

Dense panels compete with the focal idea. Keep quantitative evidence in the paper and let the cover express one theme.

Treating a default ratio as a print specification

A portrait draft does not establish final size or bleed. Verify the requirements before preparing the delivery file.

Journal Cover Maker: from brief to draft

Reading the reference is free. Generating a new draft requires an account and available credits. See current pricing.

Choose Science Drawing for an illustrated draft, or Editable Diagram for separate shapes and labels. Review all definitions, labels and connections before sharing.

  1. 1

    Write a visual brief

    Describe the paper theme, focal object, visual metaphor and required quiet space.

  2. 2

    Explore a portrait draft

    Use the journal cover maker to generate artwork and refine the composition.

  3. 3

    Check the submission requirements

    Review publisher policies, dimensions, resolution and the disclosure record.

Example brief for the journal cover maker

Create original portrait scientific journal cover artwork, 2:3 composition. A luminous teal molecular bridge links two abstract cellular worlds against deep navy. Keep the upper quarter quiet for a future masthead. Use one clear focal idea, elegant lighting and generous space. No text, logo, journal branding, borrowed composition or claim of a measured molecular structure.

Use this prompt in the generator

Journal Cover Maker: common questions

What does the journal cover maker create?

It creates original artwork concepts for scientific journal cover exploration from your description.

Does it include a real journal masthead?

No. Add publication branding only through the authorized editorial workflow. The examples use unbranded artwork.

Is the portrait ratio a final print size?

No. It is a composition starting point; the publisher specifies final dimensions and bleed.

Can I submit AI-generated cover art to any journal?

Policies differ. Check the target publisher rules and provide any required disclosure before submission.

Sources and editorial notes

Prepared by the AcaDraw product team. Source and diagram check: . This is a simplified educational model; independent expert review has not been completed. AI-generated drafts need checking against reliable references.

Explore the journal cover guide

An original portrait artwork sits within a landscape presentation sheet. A luminous molecular bridge joins two abstract cellular worlds, with open space above for a future masthead. No real journal branding appears.

Journal Cover Art: Concept, Composition, and Submission