How to cite biorender

Overview

BioRender is a powerful online tool that simplifies the creation of professional-looking scientific figures and illustrations. Its intuitive interface and extensive library of icons and templates make it an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and educators across various scientific disciplines. However, like many creative tools and platforms, using BioRender comes with specific requirements regarding proper attribution and citation to acknowledge the use of their intellectual property and to comply with their terms of service.

Proper citation is crucial not only for academic integrity but also for respecting the work of the platform developers and ensuring that others can find and utilize the tool if they wish. Failing to cite BioRender correctly can lead to copyright issues, academic misconduct, or exclusion from journals that have strict citation policies. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to properly cite figures and illustrations created with BioRender.

Details on Citing BioRender

BioRender has a clear policy regarding the attribution of figures created using their software. Their guidelines are designed to be straightforward yet comprehensive, ensuring that their contribution to your scientific communication is appropriately recognized. The core components of a BioRender citation typically involve two main elements: the inclusion of the BioRender logo and a specific citation statement.

1. Including the BioRender Logo

One of the primary requirements from BioRender is the inclusion of their official logo within your publication. This logo serves as a visual acknowledgment of the tool used. The placement of the logo is generally flexible but should be conspicuous enough to be noticed. Common locations include:

• Within the figure legend: Often, the logo is placed at the end of the figure legend, accompanied by the citation statement.
• In a dedicated acknowledgments section: If you are using multiple figures created with BioRender or if journal guidelines suggest it, you might include the logo in a general acknowledgments section.
• On the figure itself: In some cases, particularly for presentations or posters, the logo might be placed directly on the figure, though this is less common for formal publications.

It is essential to use the official BioRender logo. You can usually find the latest version of the logo in the 'Help' or 'About' section of the BioRender website, or by contacting their support team. Ensure the logo is clear, appropriately sized, and not distorted.

2. The Citation Statement

In addition to the logo, a clear and concise citation statement is mandatory. This statement explicitly states that BioRender was used to create the figure. The exact wording can vary, but it should always convey the necessary information. BioRender often provides suggested citation formats, which are the best to follow.

A typical citation statement might look something like this:

“Figure X was created with BioRender.com.”

Depending on the specific asset or template used, you might be required or encouraged to provide more detail. For instance, if you used a specific template that is prominently featured or a unique asset, BioRender may ask you to include its identifier or name in the citation. Always check the BioRender website or your account settings for any specific instructions related to the assets you have utilized.

Some advanced users or specific journal requirements might necessitate a more detailed citation, potentially including the year of use or a link to the BioRender website. However, the basic statement above is often sufficient for most general purposes.

3. When to Cite BioRender

You must cite BioRender whenever you use figures, illustrations, or diagrams created using their platform in any form of publication, presentation, or dissemination of scientific information. This includes:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Conference presentations (oral or poster)
• Theses and dissertations
• Grant proposals
• Textbooks and educational materials
• Websites and blogs (especially those associated with academic institutions or research)

Essentially, any output where the figure contributes to the scientific narrative and was generated with BioRender requires attribution.

4. Journal-Specific Guidelines

While BioRender provides its own citation guidelines, it is also crucial to adhere to the specific citation and figure submission policies of the journal or publisher you are submitting to. Some journals may have very detailed requirements for figure creation and citation, while others may be more general. Always consult the 'Instructions for Authors' or 'Author Guidelines' section of your target journal. If the journal's guidelines conflict with or are unclear regarding BioRender, it is best practice to include the BioRender citation as recommended by BioRender and potentially reach out to the journal's editorial office for clarification.

5. BioRender's Terms of Service and Licensing

Understanding BioRender's licensing and terms of service is fundamental to proper citation. BioRender offers different subscription plans, including free and paid tiers. While the citation requirements are generally consistent across these tiers, specific usage rights or commercial use clauses might differ. Ensure you are aware of the terms associated with your specific subscription level. The free tier typically allows for academic use with attribution, but commercial use often requires a paid subscription and specific licensing agreements. Always refer to the official BioRender website for the most current and detailed terms of service.

6. Example of a Complete Citation

Let's consider an example of how a figure created with BioRender might be cited in a scientific paper:

Figure 1: Schematic representation of cellular signaling pathways. This figure illustrates the key components and interactions within the cellular signaling cascade. Figure created with BioRender.com. [Optional: If a specific template was used and advised by BioRender, e.g., 'using the 'Cell Signaling Pathway Template' (Asset ID: CS12345)']

In addition to the figure legend, the BioRender logo would also be placed, for instance, in the bottom right corner of the figure itself or within the manuscript's acknowledgments section, as per journal guidelines.

Conclusion

Properly citing BioRender is a straightforward yet essential aspect of scientific publishing and communication. By consistently including the BioRender logo and a clear citation statement, you not only uphold academic integrity but also acknowledge the valuable tool that facilitated the creation of your scientific visuals. Always stay informed about BioRender's latest guidelines and your target journal's requirements to ensure full compliance.