---
# System prepended metadata

title: MCB 291 Graphical Abstract Resource Guide
tags: [emily]

---

# MCB 291 Graphical Abstract Resource Guide
###### tags: `emily`
![alt text](https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T0HTW3H0V-F04MCJDT29L/img_5929.jpg?pub_secret=f241b42408)

## Software Tutorials
We have compiled links to helpful tutorials on common software used to generate figures.

### Adobe Illustrator
* [Adobe tutorials](https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/tutorials.html)
* [Illustrator LinkedIn Learning](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/illustrator-2022-essential-training?trk=learning-topics_learning-search-card_search-card&upsellOrderOrigin=default_guest_learning)
* [Adobe Illustrator for scientists video series](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyqH0IrzYLc&list=PLxtauMB7RON_2tg-mRQTuieFUr29IOKzW)

### BioRender
* [BioRender tutorials](https://learn.biorender.com/)
* [BioRender designing graphical abstracts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35x2nPMzWbE)
* [BioRender designing publication figures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajfNZ6ShbZs)

### PowerPoint
* [PowerPoint Infographic Making LinkedIn Learning](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/powerpoint-creating-an-infographic?trk=learning-serp_learning-search-card_search-card&upsellOrderOrigin=default_guest_learning)
* [PowerPoint for scientists video series](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4tsCXR_B3Y&list=PLaX2vrGncQxhg79Iz5mlXCA22_-HD6hny&index=16)

### Inkscape
* [Inkscape tutorials](https://inkscape.org/learn/tutorials/)
* [Inkscape LinkedIn Learning](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/inkscape-essential-training-9975138?trk=learning-serp_learning-search-card_search-card&upsellOrderOrigin=default_guest_learning)
* [Inkscape for scientists video series](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyqH0IrzYLc&list=PLxtauMB7RON_2tg-mRQTuieFUr29IOKzW)

### Canva
* [Canva tutorials](https://www.canva.com/designschool/tutorials/)
* [Canva LinkedIn Learning](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-canva-2?trk=learning-serp_learning-search-card_search-card&upsellOrderOrigin=default_guest_learning)
* [Making scientific posters in Canva](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiO4QPCk7SE)

### More links to resources
* [Scientific illustration tutorials for Illustrator, PowerPoint, and Inkscape](https://www.youtube.com/@DrawBioMed)
* [Making graphical abstracts in Illustrator and PowerPoint](https://www.simplifiedsciencepublishing.com/resources/how-to-make-good-graphical-abstracts-in-powerpoint-and-adobe-illustrator)

## How to make a wrinkled pea in Adobe Illustrator
* Use pen tool (keyboard shortcut- P) to draw object. Hold a vertex as you add it to be able to create curves
* Adjust the object shape using the direct selection tool (A) to move around vertices 
* Use selection tool (V) to select the object
* Add a color fill to the shape, remove the stroke
* Use the mesh tool (U) to break up the shape into grids and columns (a mesh object is multicolored object on which colors can flow in different directions and transition smoothly from one point to another)
* Go to Window>Color Guide (opens a windows of complementary colors to the fill of the object currently selected)
* Select points in the mesh using the mesh tool and add darker colors using the color guide
* Move around points the mesh to create the appearance of grooves in the object
* Go to Window>Stylize>Drop Shadow
* Add drop shadow, offset in x and y as desired

![alt text](https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T0HTW3H0V-F04N1JY178R/asset_4_4x.png?pub_secret=aa85d355b1)

## Example Graphical Abstracts
* [Herre et al. 2022 (Cell)](https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00927-8#secsectitle0015)
* [Yaman and Ramanathan 2023 (Cell)](https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)01585-9#secsectitle0015)
* [Elias et al. 2023 (Cell)](https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)01577-X#secsectitle0015)