We provide a list of available sources that can be used to make amazing illustrations.
Image sources
- You must never infringe on someones copyrighted hardwork without appropriately citing them
or paying them royalty.
- Not all images/vectors are copyrighted and there are some images/vectors which you can use
without even citing the source (These are licensed under CC-0)
- If no information is given, you contact the owner for permission before
use. Only if the owner permits you, should you use the images/vectors for your purpose.
- A few images are
available for free, however only for non-commercial purposes.
- You would need to make a free account before you can download
the images.
- All the images here are free to use, you must cite them as required.
Licensed under CC-BY-3.0.
- One of the best sources for medical
illustrations out there
for free.
- All the images here are free, licensed under CC0 - Public Domain
Illustrating Softwares
- A visual tool always is easier for the reader than having to read through lots of text,
illustrations chip in there.
- Making illustrations using vectors makes them much easier to manipulate and scale. This
improves the quality of the illustrations, and thus the quality of your paper.
- An amazing free source available online to make flowcharts and
flowdiagrams.
- Runs online directly on most browsers.
- Open-source and the most versatile of the three options.
- Preferred choice for complex flow-diagrams and charts.
- Another amazing free source available online to make flowcharts and
flowdiagrams.
- Runs online directly on most browsers.
- Freemium (upto 3 charts can be made for free)
- Similar to other options, but feels more intuitive.
- Free option available online to make flowcharts and
flowdiagrams.
- Runs online directly on most browsers.
- Similar to other options, but more intuitive than draw.io.
- They are not free; they charge $35 monthly, but are
totally worth it if
you
write multiple research papers.
- They are particular that the "first author" must have access and citing them is
necessary.
- Runs online directly on most browsers.
- Just like Biorender, they are not free, but a rather
affordable
alternative
to Biorender
- They do not have the capability Biorender does, but does the job rather well.
- Runs online directly on most browsers.
- Has a one time fee which is really affordable for a
lifetime use. -
Although there is a steep learning curve,
it is totally worth it if you frequently publish. - The mentors
at PearResearch
use this software for
their
illustrations.
- The industry standard for illustrations, however subscription model based
and is very pricey for someone who doesn't use it commercially. - Student
plans start at
~$20 monthly.
- A versatile tool to design your posters as well as
illustrations.
- Available for a one-time purchase (LTSC versions) and work rather good.
- Relatively easier to learn; does not have a steep learning curve.
- Available on both Windows and Mac.