Ask OpenScience to create figures from the actual data and save the plotting code. Use an image-generation workflow for conceptual illustrations; use plotting tools for measured or simulated values.
Specify the message and source
Create a figure from results/effects.csv comparing treatment effects with
95% intervals. Label the outcome units, use a colorblind-friendly palette,
and show the sample size for each group. Save the plotting script, an
SVG, a PNG, and a caption in results/.
Name the data source and the relationship the figure should communicate. Explain whether values are raw observations, aggregates, predictions, or uncertainty estimates.
Choose an appropriate display
| Question | Possible starting point |
|---|---|
| How are values distributed? | Histogram, density, or empirical distribution with clear binning. |
| How do groups differ? | Raw points and group summaries with uncertainty. |
| How does a value change with time? | Time-series plot with missing periods and units explicit. |
| How well do predictions agree with observations? | Observed-versus-predicted and residual plots. |
| What is the effect and its uncertainty? | Effect plot with interval estimates. |
| What does a structure or sequence show? | Scientific viewers plus a labeled exported view. |
Treat these as choices to discuss, not automatic rules. The study design and intended audience determine the right figure.
Inspect the rendering
Open the saved image and check labels, units, scales, colors, legends, overlapping text, and cropped elements. Ask for axis limits and transformations to be justified.
For a multi-panel figure, use consistent labels and explain panels in order. Identify uncertainty intervals, sample counts, and any omitted observations in the caption.
Export for the intended use
Request a vector format such as SVG or PDF when supported by the plotting tool, and a raster preview such as PNG. State the required dimensions, resolution, and background if a journal or presentation has specific requirements.
A large pixel count does not repair unclear labels or a misleading scale. Review the figure at the size the reader will actually see.
Keep the figure reproducible
Rerun the plotting script from the saved table. Confirm the figure opens,
record the command and library versions, and save the reviewed PNG as a
Result. Keep the vector file and caption beside it.
Use Writing to integrate the figure into a report and Saved Results to retain the approved output.