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SciFig

Free

SciFig is a free AI scientific figure generator built for researchers. Turn text, sketches, references, PDFs, or lab photos into publication-ready scientific figures in minutes — with every label, lay

1
Image GeneratorsFreeFree tier
Inputs: text, image, file, urlOutputs: image, code
Type
Saas
Company
SciFig

About SciFig

SciFig is an AI scientific figure generator that turns any input — text prompts, hand-drawn sketches, reference images, research PDFs, or lab photos — into publication-ready scientific figures in seconds. Built specifically for researchers, PhD students, educators, and R&D teams across 11+ disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, energy, ecology, bioengineering, and astronomy.

Unlike BioRender's fixed template library or raw AI image generators that produce flat, unusable pixels, SciFig generates science-grade figures where every shape, label, arrow, and color stays fully editable in the built-in vector canvas. Click any label to retype it. Circle any region to regenerate it. Inpaint or upscale to 8K — no full re-render needed. Export to editable PPTX, layered SVG, or 8K PNG / JPG with no Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape roundtrip.

Powered by GPT Image 2, Nano Banana Pro, and Nano Banana 2 — three image models purpose-tuned for scientific figure generation across mechanism diagrams, pathway diagrams, graphical abstracts, and annotated figures. Get 200 free credits on signup, no credit card required.

How to Use

  1. Choose your input — Type a text prompt, drop a hand-drawn sketch, upload a reference figure, attach a research PDF, or snap a lab photo.
  2. Get a publication-ready draft — SciFig generates a journal-grade scientific figure in one of 6 publication styles, or let Auto pick the best style for your topic.
  3. Refine without starting over — Click any label to retype it. Circle any region to regenerate. Inpaint or upscale to 8K, all without re-rendering the whole figure.
  4. Export and keep editing — Download as editable PPTX, layered SVG, or 8K PNG / JPG. Continue editing in the built-in vector canvas anytime — no Illustrator roundtrip needed.

Key Features

  • Text-to-Figure — Describe figures in plain language; AI proposes multiple layouts.
  • Sketch-to-Figure — Convert hand-drawn sketches into journal-ready figures.
  • Reference-to-Figure — Match the visual style of any reference image.
  • PDF-to-Figure — Generate figures directly from research PDFs or grant proposals.
  • Photo-to-Figure — Turn lab photos, sample images, or microscopy shots into clean schematics.
  • AI Figure Enhancer — Refine existing figures, inpaint regions, upscale to 8K.
  • Vector Canvas Editor — Every shape, label, arrow, and color stays editable inline.
  • Multi-format export — Editable PPTX, layered SVG, 8K PNG / JPG.
  • 11+ disciplines supported — Biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, CS, energy, ecology, bioengineering, astronomy, and more.
  • 3 specialized AI models — GPT Image 2, Nano Banana Pro, Nano Banana 2 — tuned for scientific figure generation.
  • 6 publication styles — Mechanism diagrams, pathway diagrams, graphical abstracts, annotated figures, and more.

Use Cases

  • Journal submissions — Publication-ready figures for Nature, Cell, Science-grade manuscripts.
  • Graphical abstracts — Visually compelling abstracts summarizing entire papers in a single figure.
  • Conference posters & talks — Poster figures and keynote graphics in minutes, not days.
  • Grant proposals — Visualize research methodology and expected outcomes for NIH, NSF applications.
  • Thesis & dissertation — PhD students producing dozens of chapter illustrations.
  • Lab teaching materials — Educators creating textbook-quality diagrams for lectures.
  • Lab meeting slides — Quick mechanism / pathway diagrams without leaving for Illustrator.
  • Science communication — Researchers explaining findings to non-specialist audiences.
  • R&D documentation — Industry teams visualizing experimental design and results.
  • BioRender / Illustrator / Inkscape replacement — End-to-end editable workflow with no third-party roundtrip.

Key Features

Text-to-Figure — Describe figures in plain language; AI proposes multiple layouts.
Sketch-to-Figure — Convert hand-drawn sketches into journal-ready figures.
Reference-to-Figure — Match the visual style of any reference image.
PDF-to-Figure — Generate figures directly from research PDFs or grant proposals.
Photo-to-Figure — Turn lab photos, sample images, or microscopy shots into clean schematics.
AI Figure Enhancer — Refine existing figures, inpaint regions, upscale to 8K.
Vector Canvas Editor — Every shape, label, arrow, and color stays editable inline.
Multi-format export — Editable PPTX, layered SVG, 8K PNG / JPG.
11+ disciplines supported — Biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, CS, energy, ecology, bioengineering, astronomy, and more.
3 specialized AI models — GPT Image 2, Nano Banana Pro, Nano Banana 2 — tuned for scientific figure generation.
6 publication styles — Mechanism diagrams, pathway diagrams, graphical abstracts, annotated figures, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Offers free starter credits (200 upon signup, up to 400 with invite) with no credit card required
  • All figure elements remain editable after AI generation — labels, arrows, colors can be adjusted in the built-in canvas
  • Supports multiple input types (text, sketches, references, PDFs, photos) for flexible workflow
  • Exports to widely-used editable formats (PPTX, layered SVG) eliminating the need for separate vector design software
  • Designed specifically for scientific figure creation with journal-style presets and specialized AI models
Cons
  • Free tier has a limited number of credits; additional usage likely requires purchasing credits or a subscription
  • Output quality and relevance depend heavily on the quality of the input prompt and chosen model
  • Requires internet access as it is a web-based SaaS tool; no offline mode available
  • May not support all niche sub-disciplines or highly specific graphical conventions equally well
  • Generated figures may still need manual verification and fine-tuning for absolute accuracy in complex diagrams

Best For

Journal submissions — Publication-ready figures for Nature, Cell, Science-grade manuscripts.Graphical abstracts — Visually compelling abstracts summarizing entire papers in a single figure.Conference posters & talks — Poster figures and keynote graphics in minutes, not days.Grant proposals — Visualize research methodology and expected outcomes for NIH, NSF applications.Thesis & dissertation — PhD students producing dozens of chapter illustrations.Lab teaching materials — Educators creating textbook-quality diagrams for lectures.Lab meeting slides — Quick mechanism / pathway diagrams without leaving for Illustrator.Science communication — Researchers explaining findings to non-specialist audiences.R&D documentation — Industry teams visualizing experimental design and results.BioRender / Illustrator / Inkscape replacement — End-to-end editable workflow with no third-party roundtrip.

Alternatives to SciFig

FAQ

Is SciFig truly free?
Based on available information, new users receive 200 free credits on signup (up to 400 with an invite) without requiring a credit card. However, the tool may have additional paid credit packs or subscription plans for continued use beyond the free allocation. Exact pricing and limits should be verified on the official website.
Can I edit the AI-generated figure after it's created?
Yes, according to the product description, SciFig keeps every element editable in its built-in vector canvas. You can change any label’s content, font, size, or position, select a region to regenerate with a new prompt, or upscale to 8K — all without re-rendering the entire figure.
What output formats are supported?
SciFig appears to support export to editable PPTX, layered SVG, and high-resolution PNG or JPG (up to 8K). These formats are intended to be used directly without needing to roundtrip through additional vector editing software.
Which disciplines is SciFig best suited for?
The platform is built for researchers across 11+ scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, energy, ecology, bioengineering, and astronomy. It claims to produce figures suitable for journals like Nature, Cell, and Science.
How does SciFig compare to traditional figure tools like BioRender or Adobe Illustrator?
SciFig positions itself as a more flexible alternative to fixed-template libraries (like BioRender) and a faster option than manual vector tools (like Illustrator). It leverages AI to generate figures from text or other inputs, while still allowing vector-level editing in a built-in canvas and exporting to standard formats. However, users should evaluate whether the AI-generated output meets their specific requirements.