Question 1

How far can sketch-to-image go?

Accepted Answer

You can upload hand-drawn sketches, structure drafts, flowchart blocks, or low-fidelity layouts and turn them into a more complete scientific figure draft. Keep the core structure: It works well when you already know the modules, arrows, or information hierarchy and want cleaner visuals. Useful for early exploration: Especially helpful for paper figures, mechanism diagrams, workflows, and graphical abstracts.

Question 2

Does reference-guided styling copy the original image or extend its style?

Accepted Answer

The goal is to reference the composition, color palette, and visual language of the uploaded figure, then generate a version that better fits your own scientific content. Not a direct copy: It is meant to borrow style direction, not duplicate the original content. Better for academic adaptation: You can use a journal figure you like as a stylistic starting point for your own topic.

Question 3

Can I still edit text, colors, and layout after generation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FigPad is designed to help you keep refining the figure instead of stopping at a flat output. Keep editing: Useful for adjusting labels, colors, module positions, and content emphasis. Reduce redraw work: Generate the first draft quickly, then iterate toward a submission-ready version.

Question 4

Can I keep editing the vectorized result in PowerPoint or Illustrator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is one of the main reasons to use vectorization in a scientific figure workflow. Good for follow-up editing: You can keep adjusting text, colors, and composition in downstream tools. Better for publication and slides: Vector-style outputs are easier to scale and reuse across papers, posters, and presentations.

Question 5

Is it suitable for paper figures, graphical abstracts, and presentation visuals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Those are the main scientific communication use cases this workflow is intended to support. Paper figures: Useful for mechanism diagrams, experiment workflows, and concept illustrations. Slides and posters: Also a good fit for lab meetings, talks, defenses, and academic presentations.

Question 6

Which export formats are supported?

Accepted Answer

The focus is on formats that fit both scientific editing workflows and common delivery needs. Editable formats: SVG and PPTX for continued layout and design refinement. Raster output: PNG for easy insertion into manuscripts, slides, and docs.

Question 7

Can I use the output for submission and academic presentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for paper figures, graphical abstracts, posters, and academic decks. Before final submission, it is still worth checking the journal's exact formatting requirements. Do a final review: Check labels, font size, contrast, export size, and overall layout consistency. Best used as a fast production workflow: Get to the right figure faster, then polish it for the target venue.

Question 8

How are credits deducted?

Accepted Answer

Credits are consumed per operation based on the type of task. Generate figure (image): 2 credits per generation. Convert to SVG (vectorize): 4 credits per conversion. You can check your remaining credits at any time in the top-right corner of the workspace.

Turn your idea into apolished scientific figure