Tables, figures, and legends should supplement, not duplicate, the text. Clinical photographs should be of high quality (300 dpi) without distracting backgrounds and should be provided individually, not as composite images. Composite clinical images (including microscopy images) are not allowed because image detail is compromised. Composite figures consisting of graphs, line drawings and other nonclinical images are allowed. Multi-part figures must be marked clearly (i.e., 1A, 1B, 1C). Each part of a composite image counts towards the maximum allotment, (e.g., a figure 1A and 1B are considered 2 figures).
Image Anonymity
Care must be taken by authors submitting images to ensure that images are de-identified to the greatest extent possible, while preserving the teaching nature of the image/s. Blocking the eyes is not appropriate for deidentifying images. Please crop the photo to emphasize the immediate area of focus. For example, an image demonstrating melanoma on the forehead can be cropped to show only the forehead area and the lesion. Descriptive information in the text (such as details of a case or genetic pedigree) must be deidentified to protect patient confidentiality. Recognizable patient images require that the author obtain and attest to having obtained written patient consent for publication. Consent forms should be retained by the author's institution(s); they should not be uploaded to Editorial Manager. Figures that contain a brand name product must have permission from the manufacturer for publication.
Figure Legends
Figure legends should begin with the name of the condition or disease being depicted. They should be as brief as possible. Any symbols and abbreviations used should be explained. Legends should be typed double-spaced and inserted after the references within the manuscript document. If an illustration has been published previously, full credit to the original source must be given in the legend and permission to reprint must have been obtained from the copyright holder. Any previously published images that the author wishes to use in their manuscript must come from an original source (e.g. journal article, textbook, etc.) and include proof that copyright permission has been obtained for re-use. Images from opensource websites, such as Wikipedia or other so-called ‘wikis’ (websites that allow collaborative editing of content and structure by its users), are not permitted. For histologic/microscopic figures, the legend must specify stain. Arrows and arrowheads should be used freely to clarify findings. Please note that online-only figures also require legends.
Image manipulation
Although authors may need to manipulate images for clarity, manipulation for purposes of deception or fraud constitutes scientific and ethical abuse and will be dealt with accordingly. For graphical images, JAAD's policy is that no specific feature within an image may be enhanced, obscured, moved, removed, or introduced. Adjustments of brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable if and as long as they do not obscure or eliminate any information present in the original. Nonlinear adjustments (e.g. changes to gamma settings) must be disclosed in the figure legend.
Black and white graphs must be legible and clearly printed. The fill for bar graphs or pie charts should be distinctive; avoid shading or dotted patterns. Use thick, solid lines and bold, solid type. Place lettering on a white background; avoid reverse type (white lettering on a dark background). All lettering must be done professionally and should be in proportion to the drawing, graph, or photograph. Typewritten or freehand lettering is unacceptable. Consistency in size within the article is strongly recommended. Any special instructions regarding sizing should be clearly noted.
Use of AI
The use of Generative AI or AI-assisted tools is NOT permitted to create or alter images in submitted manuscripts. Image forensics tools or specialized software might be applied to submitted manuscripts to identify suspected image irregularities.
More information can be found in the Guide for Authors.