Table and Figure Formatting

1. General Principles

• Use tables and figures only when they enhance clarity or readability compared to text.
• Place each table or figure as close as possible to its first citation in the manuscript.
• Number them separately: Table 1, Table 2… and Figure 1, Figure 2…
• If only one table or figure exists, label it simply Table or Figure without a number.
• Each table and figure must be cited at least once within the text (e.g., “as shown in Table 1”).

2. Table Formatting

a. Title (Caption)

• Write titles in sentence case (only the first word and proper nouns capitalized).
• Example: Table 1. Characteristics of the study population
• Do not end titles with a period.

b. Table Structure

• Column headings in bold; row headings regular.
• Use horizontal lines; avoid vertical borders.
• Right-align numerical data for consistency.

c. Footnotes

• Use lowercase superscript letters (a, b, c…) for footnotes.
• Explain notes and abbreviations below the table.
• Example: Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; SD = standard deviation.

Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; SD = standard deviation.

^a Values are given as mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated. ^b P values were calculated using the Student t test for continuous variables and the χ² test for categorical variables.

3. Figure Formatting

a. Title

• Write figure titles in sentence case.
• Example: Figure 1. Change in mean serum glucose levels during 12 weeks of treatment

b. Legend

• Place the legend directly below the figure.
• Include units, abbreviations, and relevant statistical details.
• If adapted or reprinted, provide the reference number at the end of the legend.

c. Graphical Details

• Ensure axis labels include units (e.g., Time (min), Concentration (mg/L)).
• Use legible font sizes (8–14 pt).
• Avoid unnecessary gridlines or decorations.