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.
- Save time and frustration by using paragraph styles in 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 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.
- Font size menu showing what different text sizes look like in figures.
- Color schemes for diagrams & graphs.
- Formatting tips from Phillip Regalia at NSF.
Tables: Are you submitting a P30 with dozens of tables you want to match style?
Paragraph Styles
Researchers can save time and frustration when writing grants by using Paragraph Styles in Microsoft Word.
Tables in Word for Grants
How to make dozes of tables in a large proposal all match styles, fast and easy.
Color Themes for Diagrams & Graphs
Ready-to-use color schemes with aspects pointed out that are useful for analytical figures.
Shared Word Files
For PIs collaborating on writing a grant proposal, we recommend a Word Doc shared on Microsoft OneDrive.
Exporting diagrams made in PPT into Word
You can insert diagrams you made in Power Point into Word as resizable vector images with their proper colors.
Exporting a PDF from Word with Images
There are multiple ways to export a PDF from Word, and some are better than others!
Scientific Proposals in Google Docs and Vector Images
I don't recommend using Google Docs for grant proposals for a lot of reasons
Savings SVGs from Adobe Illustrator for Word
The best way to export SVG files from AI for Word.
Limitations of SVGs for Word
SVGs are a great format for figures inserted into Word for a scientific proposal. But there is a catch...
Kate Baldwin