Figures for Science Grant Proposals

For graphics and diagrams, we recommend vector images.

Vector images in a proposal look infinitely crisp, clear, and professional. Text is never blurry and always readable.
What is a Vector-Based Image vs a Pixel-Based Image?
Photographs are always pixel-based, but most images in grants are graphical diagrams, flow charts, and graphs.
NSF Program Directors also recommend vector images in proposals.

Use Microsoft Word (or LaTeX editor), not Google Docs.

Google Docs does NOT allow body text to wrap around an image with a caption.
Now, you can share a Word doc such that all collaborators can be actively editing the same document in the desktop version of Word.
Since 2017, Word allows you to insert SVGs (vector images). (Google Docs does not.)

You can export SVGs for Word from Adobe Illustrator.

It's important to use the correct settings because there are many types of SVG files.
Always check how the images look both in desktop Word (they look goofy in in-browser Word), and in the final PDF for submission.
For very advanced Adobe Illustrator users doing fancy things: know about the limitations of SVG format for Word.

You can export vector images for Word from PowerPoint.

Saving your final PDF from Word for submission.

Kate Baldwin