Free TOC Graphics Generator
Create a journal table of contents graphic from a text description
Describe your paper's key finding and AI renders a compact, publication-ready graphical TOC — the framed figure journals like ACS, RSC, Wiley, and Elsevier display beside your article in their table of contents.
TOC graphic examples
Click any example to load its prompt, or adapt it as a starting point for your own graphical table of contents.
What does this TOC graphics generator do?
It converts a plain-text description of your paper's central finding into a polished graphical table of contents (TOC) figure — the small, framed image that journals display beside your article's title in their online and print table of contents. You describe the key molecules, structures, processes, or concepts, and the AI composes them into a clean, labeled image that meets typical journal size and style requirements, no illustration software required.
Why use a TOC graphic generator
- Most chemistry, materials science, and life-science journals now require or strongly encourage a graphical TOC as part of the submission package.
- Creating publication-quality scientific illustrations in tools like Adobe Illustrator or ChemDraw is time-consuming, especially under submission deadlines.
- A well-designed TOC graphic increases click-through and citation rates by making your paper's contribution immediately visible to browsers.
- Iterating on layout, color, and label placement is much faster from a text description than rearranging layers in drawing software.
- Researchers without formal illustration training can produce graphics that match the visual standards of top journals.
How to make a TOC graphic
Write one or two sentences that capture your paper's single most important visual idea — the key molecule, reaction, device, mechanism, or comparison. Include the specific structures, labels, or annotations you need (e.g. compound names, reaction arrows, measurement values). Optionally specify a color palette or style (minimal, schematic, 3D-rendered). Generate the image, then review it against your target journal's TOC specifications (for example, RSC up to 8 × 4 cm as TIFF at 600 dpi or greater; ACS 3.25 × 1.75 in at 300 dpi). Refine your description and regenerate until the figure clearly communicates your finding in a single glance.
Parts of a journal TOC graphic
- Central visual motif — the molecule, device, reaction scheme, or process that embodies the paper's key result.
- Reaction or process arrow — indicates directionality, transformation, or mechanism when relevant.
- Chemical structures or formulas — drawn in standard skeletal or 3D-ball-and-stick notation.
- Annotations and callouts — labels for key functional groups, measurement values, or highlighted features.
- Color coding — distinct hues or shading used to differentiate reactants, products, phases, or components.
- Frame and whitespace — a clean border and adequate padding ensure the graphic renders well at thumbnail scale.
TOC Graphics Generator FAQ
What is a graphical table of contents (TOC) graphic?
A graphical TOC (also called TOC art or a visual abstract) is a small, self-contained figure that summarizes a journal paper's key finding in a single image. It appears beside the article's title in the journal's online and print table of contents, helping readers quickly decide whether to read the full paper.
Which journals require a TOC graphic?
Many leading journals in chemistry, materials science, and biology require or accept TOC graphics, including ACS journals (JACS, ACS Nano, etc.), RSC journals (Chemical Science, Nanoscale), Wiley journals (Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials), and Elsevier titles. Check your target journal's author guidelines for exact size, resolution, and file format requirements.
What size and resolution should a TOC graphic be?
Common specifications include RSC TOC graphics at up to 8 × 4 cm as TIFF at 600 dpi or greater, ACS TOC graphics at 3.25 × 1.75 in, and Elsevier graphical abstracts at 1328 × 531 px with 300 dpi. Always check the specific journal's instructions for authors before finalizing.
Can I include chemical structures in the TOC graphic?
Yes — describe the structure in your prompt (e.g. 'skeletal formula of caffeine with the xanthine ring system labeled') and the AI will render it. For complex IUPAC names or specific InChI/SMILES, including a plain-language description of the key structural features yields the clearest results.
How is a TOC graphic different from a graphical abstract?
A TOC graphic is typically smaller and more compact — designed to read clearly at thumbnail scale in a journal's table of contents. A graphical abstract may be larger and include more detail, sometimes resembling a mini-poster. Some journals use the terms interchangeably; others treat them as distinct submission items.
Is the generator free to use?
Each generation uses a small number of credits. New accounts receive free credits on sign-up, so you can create your first TOC graphic without a subscription.
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