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Please note this feature is in Beta.

BioRender now offers a redesigned canvas experience to improve how you create and organize your work. You can explore the new canvas at your own pace and switch back to the classic view whenever you’d like. Follow the steps below to move between the two canvases as needed.

How to opt into the new canvas

1. Navigate to the banner that will appear at the bottom right of your screen and click "Try the Beta" to explore the new canvas. 

2. Once inside, you will have the option to take a guided tour or close the tour prompt.

How to switch back to the classic canvas

1. In the new canvas view, locate the Beta dropdown menu at the top of the page.

2. Click the dropdown “Beta” to reveal options such as:
   • Canvas tutorial - Learn about the new interface.
   • Learn more - Quick tutorial for our new canvas
   • Send feedback – Share your thoughts on the new canvas.
   • Switch to classic canvas – Return to the previous canvas view.
3. Select "Switch to classic canvas", and you will be taken back to the classic canvas space.

How to return to the new canvas after you’ve opted in

1. In the classic canvas view, locate the option near the top left that says "Try new canvas".
2. Click this option to switch back to the new canvas view.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch between the new and classic canvas multiple times?

Yes, you can switch back and forth between the classic and new canvas as often as you like for now. Just keep in mind that this option is temporary—eventually, we’ll fully transition to the new canvas, and the ability to toggle between the two will be removed.

Where can I provide feedback on the new canvas?

You can provide feedback through the Beta dropdown menu in the new canvas, under the "Send feedback" option.

Related articles 

• Introducing the new BioRender canvas
• Personalized template & icon recommendations
• How to use AI powered Smart Search

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

BioRender templates are pre-made figures designed to help you quickly create professional illustrations. You can use a template as a starting point or customize it to fit your needs.

Creating an illustration from a template

1. Browse the BioRender template gallery to explore templates created by our team and other users.
2. Select the template you want to use.
3. Click Use Template.
4. A new illustration will be created from the template, which you can edit or use as-is.

Adding a template to an existing illustration

1. Browse the BioRender template gallery.
2. Select the template you want to add.
3. Choose one of the following options:
   • Replace canvas: The template will replace your current illustration, and the canvas size will adjust to match the template.
   • Add to canvas: The template will be added without changing your existing canvas size or content.

Liking a template

If you find a template you love and want to save it for later—or just want to show appreciation to the creator—click the Like button!

Citing BioRender templates and figures

When publishing a figure created in BioRender, you must include a citation using your unique figure URL. This ensures proper attribution and allows readers to access your figure. To learn more about reader permissions and figure accessibility, see our article on CC-BY Publishing and Reader Permissions.

How to cite BioRender with your unique figure URL:

1. Export your figure with a publication license.
2. Copy the unique figure URL provided in the license.
3. Insert the citation in your figure caption, reference list, or acknowledgments section.
4. Adapt the citation format to match your style, as long as the unique figure URL remains intact.

How to cite a published template

If you are using a template from the BioRender template gallery, use one of the following citation formats. BioRender citations follow APA formatting by default, but you can adapt them to match your preferred citation style—just ensure the unique figure URL remains unchanged.

• Citing a template with modifications:

AuthorLastName, AuthorFirstInitial. (Year). Adapted from “TemplateName.” Retrieved from https://app.biorender.com/biorender-templates

• Citing a template without modifications:

AuthorLastName, AuthorFirstInitial. (Year). Reprinted from “TemplateName.” Retrieved from https://app.biorender.com/biorender-templates

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

• Email Support: support@biorender.com
• Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

Effective January 2, 2025

As of January 2, 2025, will be collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) for purchases made in 24 EU countries, in compliance with evolving tax laws for digital products. This update ensures compliance with EU regulations and applies to both business-to-consumer (B2C) and certain business transactions.

Key changes

VAT collection for customers

• Applicability: Individual purchasers will be required to pay VAT on all transactions.
• VAT Rates: The VAT rate will depend on the customer's country of purchase. 

VAT exemptions for businesses

• Eligibility: If you are purchasing as a business (e.g., an academic institution) and you hold valid VAT ID, you may be exempt from paying VAT. Please ensure you enter your VAT ID during checkout or provide the VAT ID in your purchase order (for purchase order-eligible transactions, refer to this page.
• We also recommend consulting with a tax professional or reviewing your state's tax laws for more information on tax exemptions.

Important Note: A VAT exemption certificate is not required; only a valid VAT ID is necessary.

Sales tax collection: EU countries

• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Denmark
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Spain
• Finland
• Austria
• Ireland
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Hungary
• Czech Republic
• Luxembourg
• Lithuania
• Slovakia
• Sweden
• Estonia
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Latvia
• Bulgaria
• Malta
• Greece

Troubleshooting 

If VAT is incorrectly applied to your purchase despite providing a VAT ID:

1. Verify VAT ID: Ensure that the VAT ID entered matches the business registration details.
2. Contact Support: If the issue persists, please reach out to our support team for assistance (contact details below).

Need help?

If you have additional questions or concerns:

• Email support: support@biorender.com
• Live chat: Available by clicking on the “Help” bubble in the app at the bottom right-hand corner.

This article provides an overview of BioRender subscription charges, billing cycle options, taxes, and other related topics. Learn how to manage your subscription effectively and avoid unexpected charges.

• Why was I charged after my Free Trial ended?
• Why was I charged after canceling my subscription?
• Why was I charged after pausing my subscription?
• Why did my subscription renew early?
• What are my billing cycle options?
• Why was I charged when I have institutional access?
• Are taxes applied to my subscription?
• Do foreign transaction fees and exchange rates apply to my transactions?
• Why was I charged for a subscription?

Why was I charged after my Free Trial ended?

To start a 14-day Free Trial, you must input credit card information and select a subscription type and billing cycle. Once the Free Trial ends, the selected subscription starts, and your credit card is charged. This ensures there is no lapse in Premium access when transferring from your Trial to a paid subscription.

Note: The 14-Day Free Trial is a one-time offer. If you previously had a Trial, you'll be charged immediately upon upgrading.

Why was I charged after canceling my subscription?

Setting a cancelation applies the cancelation to the end of your current billing cycle, allowing you to use Premium features until the cycle's completion.

Why was I charged after pausing my subscription?

Pauses are applied to monthly subscriptions one billing cycle at a time, up to three times within a subscription's lifetime. When paused, your account is downgraded to BioRender Basic and your subscription does not renew for the billing cycle. Once a pause ends, your monthly subscription automatically reactivates and renews with the new billing cycle.

Why did my subscription renew early?

BioRender, based in Toronto, Canada, follows the Eastern Time Zone for subscription dates and times. To avoid renewal charges, cancel your subscription at least one day before the renewal date.

What are my billing cycle options?

There are monthly, annual, and semester (4-month) billing cycle options, depending on the subscription selected. All subscriptions are set to automatically renew at the end of the billing cycle unless canceled or paused. Renewal reminders are automatically sent to your billing email address seven days before a new billing cycle.

Why was I charged when I have institutional access?

It’s wonderful that you have access to BioRender Premium through your lab, institution, team, or company! Please contact our Support team via chat for assistance with canceling your personal subscription.

Are taxes applied to my subscription?

If you reside in Canada or the United States, additional taxes may apply to your subscription based on your billing address and local regulations. If your purchasing institution is tax-exempt, please see this article to learn more about where to send your tax-exemption certificate.

Do foreign transaction fees and exchange rates apply to my transactions?

If you live outside Canada, your bank or credit card issuer may charge foreign transaction fees. Your banking institution would be able to discuss such fees in more detail if applicable.

All BioRender subscriptions are billed in US Dollars. For specific exchange rate details, please contact your bank.

Why was I charged for a subscription?

To help you manage your subscriptions effectively, it's important to keep track of your accounts and billing details. If you have multiple accounts, there is a possibility of incurring charges if each account has an active subscription. Please ensure you monitor your BioRender subscriptions to prevent any unexpected charges.

If you are purchasing on behalf of another user, please let us know, and we can update the billing account to include your email to receive billing notices.

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on bottom right-hand corner.

This article covers how to cancel your active premium subscription or free trial in BioRender, along with answers to common questions about billing, cancellation impacts on your account, and reactivation options. If you need assistance, our support team is here to help.

Table of contents

1. How to I cancel an active subscription
2. How to cancel a free trial
3. What happens to illustrations after cancellation
4. Why was I charged after canceling my subscription?
5. Why was my subscription canceled without my knowledge?
6. How will I know when I am approaching the end of my billing period?
7. Can I cancel my subscription after one month?

How to cancel an active subscription

To cancel an active subscription in BioRender, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your account: Click on your name in the top-right corner, then select "Account" from the drop-down menu.
2. Go to Plan & Billing: Open the "Plan & Billing" tab.
3. Manage plan: Click the "Manage Plan" button.
4. Initiate cancellation: Select "Continue and cancel plan".
5. Provide feedback: When prompted, provide feedback on your experience.
6. Confirm cancellation: Click the red cancel subscription button at the bottom to finalize your cancellation.

Your subscription will remain active until the end of your billing period. If you experience any issues or want to modify your plan, please reach out to our support team through live chat.

How to cancel a free trial

Canceling your free trial within the 14-day period ensures you won’t incur any charges.

1. Access your account page: Click on your name in the top-right corner and select "Account".
2. Plan & Billing tab: Open the "Plan & Billing" tab.
3. Manage plan: Click "Manage plan".
4. Proceed with cancellation: Click "Continue" and "Cancel plan" and follow the prompts to provide feedback.
5. Final confirmation: Click the red cancel subscription button to cancel your free trial.

Your trial will end at the 14-day mark, preventing future charges. You can also subscribe before the trial ends to begin a paid plan immediately.

What happens to illustrations after cancellation

Upon canceling, your account reverts to the free BioRender Basic plan. All illustrations remain visible, but you can open and edit only five at a time. Deleted illustrations will free up additional slots. Re-subscribing allows unrestricted access to all illustrations.

Billing and subscription FAQ's

• Why was I charged after canceling my subscription?
  

BioRender subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled. If cancellation occurs after the renewal date, a charge may still process. Please review your renewal date in the "Plan & Billing" tab.

For a refund, you can submit a refund request where our team will review your request on a case by case basis.

• Why was my subscription canceled without my knowledge?
  

Failed payments due to an expired credit card or outstanding dues may result in automatic cancellation after multiple unsuccessful retries. You can reactivate your plan anytime through your Account page.

• How will I know when my billing period is about to end?
  

We send email reminders 7 days before renewal to the email associated with your BioRender account. You can use this reminder to cancel if needed.

• Can I cancel my subscription after one month?

On monthly plans, you're free to skip a month (up to 3 times) or cancel at the end of your billing cycle anytime. Many users take breaks between projects, then re-subscribe when it’s time to publish or present. All your illustrations will stay safe—just log in to pick up where you left off.

Related articles

• How to skip a month of your BioRender subscription
• Upgrading your BioRender account
• Starting your BioRender subscription early

What’s next

🧭 Need a break? Your account and saved work stay intact. Re-subscribe anytime when you're ready to create or publish again. Learn more about plan options →

🔁 Looking ahead? You can always explore Premium tools like Graph or Presentations if your needs change in the future. Explore BioRender Features →

💾 Switching gears? BioRender Basic still lets you view and edit up to five at a time—no data loss, no pressure.

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article outlines key updates to BioRender’s licensing terms, effective as of September 5, 2024. These changes address figure ownership, publishing in open access journals, and citation requirements, ensuring a better experience for BioRender users. You don’t need to take any additional steps—just continue using BioRender as usual. By doing so, you automatically agree to these updates.

Table of Contents

1. Key licensing changes
2. Impact on existing users
3. Troubleshooting common questions
4. Related articles
5. Need help?

Key licensing changes

We have updated our Terms of Service, Academic License Terms, Industry License Terms, Basic License Terms, User Content Terms and Help Center articles as described below.  

1. Citations and Open Access publications

• BioRender now requires users to generate an open-access publication license for each graphic they intend to publish in an open-access journal. The provided citation must be included in the article and can be placed where the author sees fit such as in a figure caption, footnote, references page, acknowledgements section, etc.
• This update allows users to publish graphics in open access journals subject to CC-BY licensing while maintaining more control over their figures.
• Learn more: 
  • Publishing in open-access resources
  • How to cite your BioRender figure

2. Figure ownership clarification

• All updated terms include plain English commentary to simplify legal language.
• Ownership clarification:
  • You own the work you create in BioRender.
  • We only intend to own, and continue to own, BioRender’s library icons and templates.

3. Changes to named first/co-first author requirements

• For Academic Lab/Institution plans and Industry Team/Enterprise plans, listing a BioRender user as a named author is no longer mandatory if citation requirements are met.
• For Individual plans, users must be listed as the first, co-first, last, or co-last author.
• Learn more: Author listing requirements for publishing BioRender figures

Impact on existing users

All BioRender users must follow the updated publication and citation requirements to publish completed graphics.

These changes impact how figures are cited and the flexibility of publication, particularly for Open Access journals.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don’t include the required citation?

Failure to include the citation may result in non-compliance with BioRender’s terms, potentially affecting publication permissions.

How do I know which plan I’m on?

You can check your subscription type under “Plan & Billing" in your BioRender account settings.

What if my journal doesn’t accept the citation format?

The citation can be adapted to match your journal’s preferred citation format.

Related articles

• Understanding the importance of citing BioRender
• CC-BY publishing and reader permissions
• Publishing in closed-access resources

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article explains the process of publishing your BioRender illustrations under the CC-BY 4.0 license and how readers of open access journals can use and modify these figures. It also outlines the permissions for authors, the steps involved for readers requesting access to figures, and the necessary licensing details for re-use or modification.

Table of contents

• Definitions
• Understanding the CC-BY 4.0 license
• For authors: Publishing a figure under the CC-BY 4.0 license
• For open access readers: How to use published figures
• Troubleshooting
• Related articles
• What’s next
• Need help?

Definitions:

Completed graphic: Includes any published or printed material, including websites and social media, containing BioRender Content.

Publication license: This refers to the written permission from BioRender that allows users to publish or share the scientific figures they have created using BioRender in external publications such as journals, articles, or presentations.

What is the CC-BY 4.0 license?

The CC-BY 4.0 license allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon a work, provided they give proper credit to the original creator. Many open access journals publish articles under this licensing model, which promotes open science communication.

CC-BY allowances:

• Sharing: Others can share your figure however they’d like as long as they credit you as the original creator.

• Adapting: Others can adapt, transform, and remix your figure as long as they credit you as the original creator.

For authors: Publishing a figure under CC-BY license

1. Generating the publication license

   • When you (the author) publish your BioRender figure (completed graphic) in an Open Access journal, it is subject to the CC-BY license(after you generate a publication license in BioRender). That means your figure will be available for viewing, modification and re-use by a journal reader. 

2. After publication:

   • Your figure will be available for viewing, modification, and re-use by journal readers.

   • To allow readers to view the figure in full resolution, include the unique figure URL with your published figure.

     

3. What happens when a reader views your figure:

   • The reader clicks the unique figure URL, which leads them to a visitor landing page displaying the full-resolution image, citation, and licensing details.

   • If the reader wishes to modify your figure, they can request an editable version by selecting “Request an editable version” on the visitor page.

4. Determining access levels:

• • As the author, you can decide the level of access the reader is granted. This includes deciding whether modifications are allowed and whether the figure can be adapted as a public template.

❗Important note on disabling access: If you disable public access for a figure published under the CC-BY license, it will become inaccessible, and the publication license for that figure will be revoked.   

For open access readers: How to use published figures

Once an author has granted permission for modification, the reader can take advantage of several options to reuse or modify the figures.   

✨ Pro Tip: Publishing a modified figure? A BioRender Academic or Industry Plan unlocks full editing capabilities, access to premium fonts like Times New Roman, and permission to publish in journals—all while staying compliant with license terms.

Related articles

• Publishing in open-access resources
• Publishing in closed-access resources
• Where can I use my illustrations?

What's next

🎓 Watch: Webinar – Mastering Science Communication: The Power or Visuals in Research. 
Explore how visual storytelling and AI-assisted figure creation can supercharge your scientific communication. Watch now on Learning Hub →

📊 Explore: Template Gallery – CC-BY Licensed Community Figures. Browse community-submitted figures available under CC-BY. Remix, adapt, and learn from real examples. Browse templates →

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article provides an overview of the licensing and usage for figures created using BioRender. It details what you can do with your illustrations based on your subscription, ensuring you understand how to use your figures appropriately.

Basic Free accounts:

BioRender offers different plans, each with varying licensing and usage restrictions:

Figures can only be used for academic purposes, including:

• Unpublished grant applications
• Posters
• Educational presentations and assignments
• Unpublished theses or dissertations

Note: 14-day free trial has the same publication restrictions as the Basic Free Plan.

Paid subscriptions

If you wish to use your figures in published works or commercial projects, you will need to subscribe to one of our paid plans (Academic or Industry). 

Academic publishing permissions

Industry publishing permissions

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article explains how to properly cite BioRender Content to ensure compliance with our Terms of Service and content license requirements. Citing BioRender accurately maintains ownership integrity and allows you to follow the terms associated with your subscription.

When and how to cite BioRender

All icons, templates, and assets from the BioRender library are considered "BioRender Content". Even when used in your own figures, BioRender retains ownership of these elements. According to our Terms of Service, this content is licensed—and proper citation is required when it appears in any published work.

When you export a figure using a Publication License (available on Premium plans), a unique citation and figure URL will be generated. This ensures proper attribution of BioRender Content and helps you comply with your subscription’s content license terms.

This citation can be included in:

• Figure captions
• References section
• Acknowledgements section

The unique figure URL allows readers to directly view your figure and ensures traceable use. You can choose the level of access—public, private, or editable—based on your needs.

By including this citation, you confirm that your use of BioRender Content aligns with the rights granted under your subscription. This protects both your work and BioRender’s intellectual property.

Open vs closed access publishing

Depending on your publication type, different licenses may apply:

• Open-access journals (CC-BY): Follow this guide for special requirements.

• Closed-access journals: See this article for usage and permissions.

Citing non-published figures

If you’re creating BioRender figures not intended for journal or textbook publishing (e.g., for a thesis, website, or social media), please use the citation: Created with BioRender.com.

Important note: If you create a figure solely from your own content within the BioRender app—without using any icons, templates, or public BioRender Community content—a Publication License is not required, and citing BioRender is unnecessary.

How to use a published BioRender figure in a new publication

If you (the reader) are interested in using a BioRender figure that has already been published, it’s important to follow the correct process to obtain permission. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Access to the figure 
   If the author has granted access to the figure, it will be available to view, modify or re-use by its readers. If the author has not granted access to the figure and the reader wishes to modify the authors figure, the reader can request an editable version through the “Request an editable version” option on the visitor page. Please note, BioRender figures included in published works are the intellectual property of the authors of those papers. For more information check out our related articles section below.
2. Why BioRender Cannot Grant Permission
   BioRender serves as a tool for creating figures but does not hold copyright over the figures created by its users. As such, we are unable to grant permission for the reuse of figures included in publications.

3. Best Practices for Citing BioRender Figures
   While you cannot reuse a figure without the author’s permission, you can cite the original publication where the figure appears. This ensures proper attribution and respects copyright laws.

By requesting access and citing appropriately, you can adhere to best practices for using published materials in academic or professional settings. 

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with accessing or using a figure’s unique URL, try the following:

• Ensure you are on a premium plan and export the figure with the appropriate Publication License.
• Check permissions settings to confirm reader access level.

Related articles

• CC-BY publishing and reader permissions
• How to reuse and republish a BioRender figure (without modifications)

What’s next

🎓 Watch: Top 3 Tips for Publication Figures. Learn actionable tips and techniques for designing clear science figures for your publications/manuscripts. Watch on Learning Hub →

🧠 Explore: Feature Highlight – BioRender AI. Let BioRender AI generate a first-draft figure layout from your research description in seconds. Explore AI →

🎨 See Examples: Community Template Gallery. Find inspiration from other scientists or reuse templates tailored to publishing use cases. Browse Templates →

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article will help you understand your publication rights and how to obtain proof for using BioRender figures in various publications.

What are publication rights?

Publication rights allow you to legally use BioRender figures in journals, articles, promotional materials, and more. The type of subscription plan you have determines where and how you can publish these figures.

• Publication license required: Generally required for journals, textbooks, or projects reaching a large audience.
• No license required: Educational or personal uses, such as unpublished theses, academic presentations, or assignments.

Obtaining proof of publication rights

1. Confirm your subscription level:
   • You must be on a premium plan (not the free trial) to receive a publication license with your exported figure.
2. Exporting with publication license:
   • When exporting a figure on a premium plan, you can also choose to export a publication license. This license serves as proof of your publication rights.
   • BioRender provides publication licenses for both open and closed-access resources. Check out the related articles below for more information.
3. Where to find publication license information:
   • The publication license can be found in your computer files and downloads.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Can’t see the option to export a license: BioRender publication licenses are only included with Premium plans. If you're currently on a free trial or Basic plan, consider upgrading to ensure you have publishing rights. 
• Email verification error message: If you see this error message when exporting a license, please follow the instructions outlined to verify your email.

Related articles

• Publishing in open-access resources
• Publishing in closed-access resources
• Licensing and usage of figures made in BioRender

What's next

🎓 Watch: Webinar – Get Publication Ready: Tips for Impactful Figures and Q&A.
Enhance your figure prep workflow with expert advice on layout, formatting, and submission readiness. Watch now on Learning Hub → 

📁 Explore: Community Template Gallery – Publication-Ready Figures. Browse real examples of figures used in published research across various scientific fields. Explore templates →

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article explains why it’s important to cite your BioRender figures. Citing BioRender accurately maintains ownership integrity and allows you to follow the terms associated with your subscription.

Citing BioRender 

If you include BioRender icons or templates (referred to as "BioRender Content") in any publication or printed material, you are required to cite BioRender for that figure. Per our Terms of Service, BioRender retains all rights to the icons and templates provided in our library.

What do you own?

You own:

• All content you create or upload to BioRender.
• The full figure you design in BioRender, known as your “Completed Graphic.”

What BioRender owns:

• The icons and templates from BioRender’s library (“BioRender Content”) that you incorporate into your figures. While the final figure is yours, BioRender retains ownership of the individual icons and templates used.

You maintain full ownership of your unique creations, including layout and design, while BioRender owns the underlying icons and templates.

Why is citing important?

• Indicates you have permission to use BioRender’s icons and templates in your published figure.
• Recognizes you as the creator of the figure.
• Clarifies ownership and helps prevent misunderstandings if your figure is shared or reused online.

✨ Pro Tip: Preparing figures for multiple publications? Unlimited file and object creation (Premium) lets you iterate freely—ideal for tailoring figures to different journal formats without hitting limits.

Ensuring proper usage and compliance

Citing BioRender with a unique figure URL or other credit ensures compliance with your subscription terms.

This applies to all license types:

• Basic (Free) Accounts
• Academic (Paid Premium) Licenses
• Industry (Paid Premium) Licenses

Each license has specific content usage rights, and proper citation helps ensure you’re meeting these terms. For more details, see our page: Licensing and usage of figures made in BioRender

How to credit BioRender:

For any published or unpublished figure containing BioRender Content, include a credit such as:

• “Created with BioRender.com” or
• Your unique figure URL, as applicable to your use case.

This citation verifies that you’re using BioRender Content appropriately and in line with your subscription.

Next steps

For detailed instructions on proper citation, please review our article: How to cite your BioRender figure. This guide helps you confidently use BioRender, knowing your work is recognized and compliant with our terms!

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

📝 Note: This article reflects the classic BioRender canvas. For guidance on the updated experience, check out our article on the new canvas to explore key features and updates in the latest version.

This guide explains how to publish BioRender figures in closed-access journals, where access is typically restricted to subscribers or paying readers. Closed-access publishing can be ideal for certain specialized or high-impact journals with controlled readership.

Important notes on licensing

Only users on an active Premium plan can generate a publication license. To publish, make sure to export a license for each relevant illustration while on a Premium plan, as free trial accounts cannot access this feature.

✨ Good to know: Licenses generated on a paid plan remain valid if you downgrade later, ensuring you retain your publishing rights.

Understanding closed-access vs. open-access publishing

Step-by-step guide: Exporting figures for closed-access publishing

1. Start the export process

• From the Editor: Click "Export" in the top right-hand corner or choose "Download Publication License" under the File menu.

OR

• From the Gallery: Click the three dots in the bottom right of your figure and select "Export".

2. Set up publication license options

• Select export requirements: Choose your preferred export settings and check "I would like a publication license with this export."

3. Prepare license details

• Enter figure information: Add relevant details for your figure, choosing your use case from the drop-down menu. Select "Other" if your specific use isn’t listed. Be sure to Select “No” under “Is it open access?”

4. Generate and download license

• Click "Next" to generate your license, which includes a unique figure URL citation. Be sure to cite your figure using this URL citation.

5. Manage figure access after export

• After exporting, you’ll receive an email with a link to your public figure page, where you can adjust visibility settings. You can also access this page by clicking on the unique figure URL included in your publication license.
• By default, your figure will remain Private. To adjust visibility, click "Edit settings and details."

Changing your access type later on

Made your figure closed-access but want to switch to open-access? No problem—you can always generate a new publication license and update the access settings to match your preferred publishing route. This flexibility ensures your figures stay aligned with your journal's requirements, even if plans change after export.

What’s next

Looking to optimize your figure before submission? Review your journal’s specific formatting and licensing requirements to ensure a seamless publishing process.

You can also explore our guide to open-access publishing if you're considering a broader reach for your research. 

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

📝 Note: This article reflects the classic BioRender canvas. For guidance on the updated experience, check out our article on the new canvas to explore key features and updates in the latest version.

This guide explains how to publish BioRender figures under an open-access license, providing free public access and allowing reuse in line with open science principles. Follow these steps to secure the right license for publishing in open-access journals.

Important notes on licensing

Only users on an active Premium plan can generate a publication license. Free Trail accounts and Undergraduate subscriptions will not have publication rights and will not be able to access this feature.

💡 Planning to publish soon? A Premium plan gives you access to Publication Licenses, required by many open-access journals—and your license stays valid even if you downgrade later. 

Understanding open-access vs. closed-access publishing

Note: Disabling public access for a figure published under a CC-BY license may breach journal policies for open-access publishing. Always check journal guidelines to ensure compliance.

CC-BY 4.0 license overview

The CC-BY 4.0 license refers to the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 license. It allows others to share, adapt, and build upon your work with attribution. To learn more about reader permissions and figure accessibility, please see CC-BY Publishing and Reader Permissions. Many open-access journals use this license to expand your work’s reach in the scientific community!

How to export figures for open-access publishing

1. Start the Export Process

• From the Canvas: Click "Export" in the top right corner or "Download Publication License" under the "File" menu.

OR

• From the Gallery: Click the three dots in the bottom right of your figure and select Export.

2. Set up publication license options

• Select export requirements: Choose your export settings and check I would like a publication license with this export.

• Enter figure information: Fill in the required information and select “Yes” under “Is it open-access?” 

3. Finalize license details

• Choose the date your figure will become accessible. Please note that this date can be changed at any time. If you do not know the exact publication date, you can select any future date and make adjustments as needed.

• Click "Download License" to generate your publication license

4. Manage figure visibility after export

• After exporting, you’ll receive an email with a link to your public figure page where you can adjust accessibility settings. You can also access this page by clicking on the unique figure URL included in your publication license.
• By default, your figure will be set as Public. If needed, click Edit settings and details to adjust visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What if I want to adjust my figure’s visibility after publishing?
You can manage your figure’s visibility settings on the public figure page. Check with your journal to ensure any changes don’t affect compliance with open-access requirements.

How long will I have access to publication rights?
Licenses generated under a Premium plan remain valid in perpetuity, even if you downgrade later.

Related articles

• Publishing in closed access resources
• Publishing rights for BioRender illustrations after downgrading from Premium
• How to cite your BioRender figure

What’s next

🎓 Watch: Webinar – Get Publication Ready: Tips for Impactful Figures and Q&A. Short video on how to create standout publication figures with expert advice on layout and formatting. Watch now on Learning Hub →

📊 Explore: Tool – BioRender Graph. Quickly generate clean, publication-ready charts right inside BioRender—no more importing screenshots from other tools. Try BioRender Graph →

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

This article provides a guide for users on how to properly publish figures created in BioRender, covering licensing requirements, author listing rules, and step-by-step instructions to ensure compliance with publishing standards. 

BioRender licensing requirements:

To publish any figure created in BioRender, users must adhere to the following:

• Exporting with a paid subscription: Only figures exported from BioRender with an active paid subscription can be used for publication.
• Generating a publication license: Each figure must be accompanied by a unique Publication License, generated through BioRender. This license includes a specific URL for citation purposes.

Listing requirements based on user type:

Specific cases

• Academic Individual (Student, Postdoc) or Industry Individual License Users: You may publish figures if you have an active subscription and are listed as the first, co-first, co-senior, or last author in the publication.
• Academic Lab, Institutional, Industry Team, or Enterprise License Users: Author listing is not required to publish figures.

Common scenarios

Scenario: Academic or Industry Individual Plan – contribution to another researcher’s paper

Situation: You create a BioRender figure for a colleague’s paper or project in which you are not a lead or senior author. You are listed as a middle author (e.g., third or fourth author).

Clarification: Since you only have an Industry Individual or Academic Individual Plan, the figure cannot be published in the paper unless you are listed as the first, co-first, co-senior, or last author. 

Please note: This also applies to publishing under Student and Postdoc Plans.

Scenario: Academic Lab or Industry Team Plan – collaborating with an external partner or researcher

Situation: Your group has an Academic Lab or Industry Team Plan, and you create a BioRender figure for a joint paper led by a colleague from a different lab, institution, or field.

Clarification: Since you are covered under an Academic Lab or Industry Team Plan, there is no requirement for you to be listed as an author in the publication. You can contribute BioRender figures freely, regardless of your authorship position.

Scenario: Institutional or Enterprise Plan – internal and external research use

Situation: Your institution has an Institutional or Enterprise license for BioRender. You generate figures for multiple research groups and other members.

Clarification: Since your institution holds a broad license, there are no authorship restrictions. You can create and share figures without being listed as an author, whether the research is internal or collaborative.

Scenario: A researcher moves labs and wants to reuse figures

Situation: You created figures under your previous lab’s Academic Lab Plan but you’ve since moved to a new institution and want to use those figures in your current research.

Clarification: Since your previous lab had an Academic Lab Plan, you do not have to be listed as an author for the figure to be used in the paper. You can freely use these figures in any research publication, even if you are not an author. 

How to share illustrations among authors

If multiple authors need access to a figure:

• Ensure each user has the appropriate license based on their role (e.g., lead author vs. contributing author).
• Share figures directly via BioRender’s collaboration features to maintain access rights and ensure compliance with publication standards. 

🔧 Working with large teams or institutions? BioRender Brand Kits (available on Industry Enterprise or Academic Institutional plans) help ensure brand consistency by storing logos, color palettes, and fonts for use across collaborators. Learn more about Brand Kits ↗

Troubleshooting common issues

If you encounter issues during the publishing process, consider these tips:

• Figure export issues: Make sure you have an active subscription before attempting to export.
• Missing publication license: Ensure you generate a Publication License through BioRender before submitting to a journal.

What's next

🎨 Watch: Webinar – Design Tips for Graphical Abstracts. Learn how to create clear, publication-ready graphical abstracts with guidance on layout and visual storytelling. Watch now on Learning Hub →

🧪 Explore: Journal Figure Templates – Customizable layouts for academic publishing. Save time and align with journal standards using ready-made, professional templates. Explore templates →

📖 Read: How to Cite Your BioRender Figure – Ensure your citation practices meet publisher requirements and reflect best practices in scientific publishing. Read the article →

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

You can use BioRender figures in YouTube videos or on social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Meta, etc.) to explain concepts and share your work. However, usage depends on your subscription type.

Guidelines:

• Free Basic Version: You can use the free Basic version if your videos or social media accounts do not generate personal profit.
• Industry License Version: If your YouTube channel or social media accounts make money from ads, you must have an Industry License. See our Pricing Page for more information.
• Citation Requirement:
  1. Always credit BioRender when using our figures.
  2. Include “Created with BioRender.com” or your unique figure URL.
  3. For more details, see our article on Citing BioRender.

Here’s what you need to know about different plans: 

License and usage:

Frequently asked questions

• Can I monetize YouTube videos that include BioRender figures?

Yes, but you must have an Industry License if your content generates revenue (ads, sponsorships, etc.).

• What are the citation requirements for different platforms?

You must include "Created with BioRender.com" or your unique figure URL when publishing figures.

• Are there any restrictions on modifying BioRender figures for social media use?

Yes, figures must be used as exported from BioRender. Any alterations beyond basic cropping or resizing may require additional permissions.

Need help?

If you’re still uncertain about your figure's usage or licensing, our support team is here to assist:

• Email Support: support@biorender.com 

• Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on bottom right-hand corner

If your BioRender account has been blocked due to multiple incorrect password attempts, don't worry! This article provides step-by-step instructions to help you quickly unblock your account and regain access.

Why do accounts get blocked?

To protect your account's security, BioRender temporarily blocks access after several unsuccessful login attempts. This measure helps prevent unauthorized access.

Two ways to unblock your account

1. Unblock via email

   • Check your email inbox: When your account gets blocked, BioRender sends an email with a link to unblock it.
   • Click the "Unblock" link: Open the email and click on the "Unblock" button. This will immediately restore access to your account.
   • Note: If you receive an error when clicking the "Unblock" link (e.g. this link can only be used once), your account has already been successfully unblocked and you should now proceed to log in.
     
     Example of the unblocking email:

1. Reset your password

   • Initiate password reset: If you prefer to reset your password, go to the password reset page or select "Reset Password" on the login screen.
   • Follow the prompts: Enter your registered email address and follow the instructions sent to your email to create a new password.
   • Password reset option on the login screen

Troubleshooting common issues

Didn't receive the unblocking email?

• • Check spam or junk folders: The email might have been filtered by your email provider.
  • Ensure correct email address: Verify that you're checking the email account associated with your BioRender account.

Password reset link not working?

• • • Use the latest link: Ensure you're clicking the most recent password reset email, as older links may expire.
    • Try a different browser: Browser issues can sometimes interfere; switching browsers may help.

Related articles

• Reset or change your password
• Sign up or log-in issues

What's next?

To enhance your account's security, consider updating your password regularly.

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

• Email support: support@biorender.com
• Live chat: Available by clicking the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom-right corner.

If you're seeing missing text in a BioRender illustration, there's a quick workaround that can help restore it. This guide will walk you through a simple workaround using your browser’s Developer Tools to restore any missing content. It's designed for anyone experiencing display issues in a specific illustration.

If the steps below don’t resolve the problem, we recommend trying Microsoft Edge browser or contacting your organization's IT team to ensure your browser settings, extensions, or network configuration aren’t interfering with BioRender’s performance.

Please follow the steps of this workaround carefully:

1. Open the problematic illustration

2. Press "Ctrl + Shift + J" (Windows) or "Cmd + Option + J" (Mac) to open Developer Tools.

3. Go to the Network tab.

4. Check the box next to Disable cache.

5. Keep the Developer Tools panel open and press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows) or "Cmd + Shift + R" (Mac) to hard refresh the page.

6. You should now be able to view all your text.

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

Our new AI Figure Generator helps you get to a first draft faster by turning simple text prompts into editable scientific figures—currently optimized for protocols and timelines. This tool removes the barrier of starting from a blank canvas by creating a ~60–70% complete figure that you can easily customize in your BioRender Canvas.

While AI-generated timelines had been previously launched as a closed beta, AI-generated protocols are a brand new addition. Integrated directly into the BioRender Editor, it uses BioRender’s trusted, scientifically accurate icons.

In addition to generating a draft for you, our tool will automatically run a search based on your figure prompt, surfacing related templates and icons you can quickly drag in to refine or adjust the output. This happens for all figures — even if a requested type isn’t fully supported, the tool will still return the closest matching templates and icons to help you start creating seamlessly. You can also regenerate figures, allowing for quick iterations and seamless adjustments, no matter the complexity of your request.

Please note: This feature will be released in a few weeks as an open beta for Premium users who have opted in to the new BioRender Canvas. Click here to learn more about opting in.

How AI figure generation works

Generating your figure

1. Open your BioRender Canvas to a blank slide
2. Click the “...” button in the left toolbar
3. Select Protocol Generator or Timeline Generator
4. Type a short text description of your protocol or timeline
5. Click the arrow to generate your figure

The AI will:

• Analyze your prompt
• Generate a layout and accompanying text
• Identify appropriate icons to support visualization
• Run a search for relevant templates and icons to support or refine your visualization

Example prompt for AI Protocol Generator:

Protocol for CAR T cell therapy that includes these steps:

1. T cell extraction via leukapheresis
2. Viral transduction with a CAR gene
3. Ex vivo expansion of CAR T cells
4. Patient preconditioning with chemotherapy
5. Final infusion of the engineered cells.”

Example prompt for AI Timeline Generator:

Create a clinical study design showing the following:

Step 1: patients undergo MRI images of tumor site
Step 2: tumor tissue samples are assessed under microscopy
Step 3: next-generation sequencing is performed for tissue samples on Illumina platform
Step 4: data is fed into deep learning model
Step 5: development of personalized therapeutics

Refining and editing your figure

Once your fully-editable AI-generated figure appears, you can:

• Edit the prompt and regenerate a new version.
• Modify any icon for easy adjustments.

Please note: Our AI-powered figures are created using BioRender’s scientifically accurate, peer-reviewed icons. While we aim to generate high-quality drafts, we strongly recommend reviewing and customizing your figures to ensure they’re accurate and tailored to your needs.

Handling unsupported requests

If your request falls outside the supported figure types, the tool automatically conducts a search based on your description, providing:

• Relevant templates closely matching your request
• A selection of related icons for manual assembly
• Additional search results to help refine your figure

Example:

You request a labelled anatomy diagram of the brain. Since this figure type isn’t fully supported, our AI figure generator will:

1. Recognize it as an unsupported request.
2. Suggest similar templates.
3. Offer related icons to help build the diagram manually.

Even partial solutions—like pre-labeled templates—can be useful starting points.

Data Privacy

Before using the AI Generator, you will see a message outlining how your prompts and figures may be reviewed by the BioRender team to improve the tool. Our goal is to give you a great experience while always protecting the privacy and security of your data. Your data is never used to train our AI models and is not shared externally.

Troubleshooting

Didn’t get the figure you expected?

If the generated figure doesn’t match your prompt, try the following:

• Use more specific or detailed language in your prompt
• Break complex workflows into smaller steps and generate each part separately
• Check if your request includes any unsupported elements, like anatomy diagrams or highly specialized illustrations

Tip: For best results, use the tool to generate new versions from your prompt on a new blank slide, with nothing selected.

AI option not showing in the editor?

• Make sure you’re using the new BioRender Canvas
• Make sure you’re using the latest version of Google Chrome
• Refresh your browser and clear your cache
• If the issue persists, contact the Support team at support@biorender.com

Does the figure look incomplete or are there missing icons?

• Regenerate the figure using the original or a revised prompt
• Manually search for and insert missing icons from the icon library
• Use grouped elements to reorganize or adjust the layout for clarity

Prompt history not available?

• The prompt composer only retains the most recent prompt during your active session. If you enter a new prompt, the previous one is replaced. Prompt history isn’t saved across sessions—navigating away from your canvas or closing it will clear the composer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I regenerate a figure without starting from scratch?

• Yes. You can edit the original prompt and regenerate the figure as many times as needed. The system will provide updated versions based on your changes.

What kinds of figures are best supported by AI generation?

• Currently, the tool works best for protocols and timelines. Complex diagrams or detailed anatomical visuals are not yet supported.

Can I manually edit AI-generated figures?

• Absolutely. Once the figure is added to your canvas, you can modify it like any other illustration—ungroup, resize, replace icons, or adjust the layout.

Related resources

• How to use the new BioRender canvas
• BioRender Blog: BioRender and AI: Empowering Science Communication with AI

Need help?

If you have questions, our support team is here:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.
3. Got feedback? Fill out this form

We’re excited to share the new BioRender canvas—built to make scientific figure creation faster, simpler, and more intuitive. The new canvas features a refreshed layout, smarter search powered by AI, and streamlined editing tools that help you move from idea to finished figure.

Whether you're starting from a blank canvas or customizing a ready-made template, everything’s been rethought to save you time and help you stay focused on your science.

Explore the key updates below, and check out the related articles at the end for guides on using specific features.

New features at a glance

• Personalized template recommendations
• Smart search
• Context bar for quick actions
• Multi-selection and alignment
• Unified export and sharing
• Clean canvas editing

1. Personalized template recommendations

When you create a new illustration, the editor now suggests relevant templates based on your field of research. This allows you to start with a pre-made template that closely matches your research needs.

2. Smart search

The new search bar supports natural language processing (NLP), allowing you to quickly search for multiple items at once. For example, typing "glycine, proline, serine" will return results for all three in a single search. 

3. Context bar for quick actions

A Quick Edit menu provides easy access to relevant actions like:

• Color adjustments via presets
• Layer reordering
• Flip and crop tools

If you need more advanced options, an Edit Panel is available at the click of a button.

4. Multi-selection and alignment

Selecting multiple items is now simpler than ever with 'Shift + Click'. Once multiple elements are selected, the context bar updates dynamically to display alignment and arrangement options, making it easier to organize your illustration neatly.

5. Unified export and sharing

The 'Share menu' now consolidates export and collaboration options in one place.

You can:

• Export figures just like before
• Invite collaborators via email
• Generate and copy shareable links
• Copy your figure directly to Microsoft PowerPoint

6. Clean canvas editing

The canvas stays visually minimal to support a clean and uncluttered layout. To edit the canvas, simply click on it and the editing options will appear.

Related articles

• How to opt in or opt out of the new BioRender canvas
• Personalized template & icon recommendations
• How to use AI powered Smart Search

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

Please note this feature is currently in beta.

Simply input your experimental data in any format or structure—our AI-powered system will automatically clean, interpret, and prepare it for graphing. There’s no need to manually rearrange, copy, or paste your data. This streamlined process is designed to simplify your workflow, so you can spend less time on data prep and more time analyzing results.

You can generate multiple graph types from a single dataset, giving you the flexibility to explore different visualizations without reformatting or duplicating your work.

How to use Smart Data Import

1. Create a new graph file

• From your Gallery. Click on “Create New” > “ Graph” 
• Alternatively, open an existing Graph file if continuing work on a previous dataset.

2. Upload your dataset

• Select your CSV dataset file from your computer or click the “+ new data set” button in the existing graph file.
• The system will automatically start processing the file.

3. AI-Assisted data cleaning and variable identification 

• The system will clean the dataset by doing the following:

  • Handle merged header cells.

  • Remove annotations (for example cells that don't contain the main dataset, such as machine output headers).
  • Remove empty rows or columns.
    
• It will also identify variables present in the spreadsheet.

Example variables:

• • Hours (highlighted in red)
  • Gene (highlighted in green)
  • Condition (highlighted in purple)
  • Expression (highlighted in blue)

4. Review the variables 

• Click on a variable name to edit it.
• The system will attempt to classify variables as numerical or categorical. 
  • If this is incorrect, you can manually adjust the variable type.
  • Select ‘Generic’ if you’d like to use the variable as either numerical or categorical.
• Edit the highlighted cells for a variable if needed.
• You can also add or delete variables.

5. Assign variables and select graph type

• After reviewing variables, choose a graph type that best represents your dataset.

Assigning Variables:

• Once a graph type is selected, you’ll see specific variable assignment dropdowns. 
• For example, a Line Plot requires:
  • Independent Variable (X-axis)
  • Second Independent Variable (e.g., "Group")
  • Dependent Variable (Y-axis)
  • Optional Sample IDs (recommended for repeated measures, paired tests, or data tracking)
• Variable Availability:
  • If a variable is grayed out, its data type (Categorical or Numerical) may not match the graph’s requirements.
  • Update the variable type if needed—this will make it selectable.

Tip: Adding sample IDs helps with analyses like repeated measures ANOVA or paired t-tests and ensures data points align correctly.

6. Generating your graph

• Click “Generate Graph” to create your visualization.
• If a graph type appears disabled, check your variable classifications—adjust them as needed to unlock more graph options.

Note: Heatmaps and well plate heatmaps are not yet supported for Smart Data Import. Please continue using manual data entry for these features. 

7. Customize your graph

• Once generated, use the graphing tools to adjust appearance.
• Modify axes, labels, colors, and other visual elements.
• Run additional analyses as needed.

8. Create multiple graphs from the same data set

• Generate multiple graph types without needing to re-upload or reformat your data. Your original dataset stays intact for reuse.

Note on Graph and Dataset Sync: Graphs capture your dataset at the time of creation and won’t auto-update if the dataset changes. Edits to the graph’s data won’t affect the original dataset. To reflect updates, generate a new graph.

Video Tutorial

Troubleshooting

Ensuring a successful dataset upload

If your dataset isn’t uploading correctly, you may see an error when the file is uploaded. Check that it is a supported CSV format. If the data set contains multiple tabs, we recommend uploading separate spreadsheets for each table. Alternatively, you can merge your separate spreadsheets into one table. 

Updating variable types

If a variable is assigned the incorrect type. You can manually update it. Simply click on the variable and select the correct type to ensure accuracy in your analysis.

​Additionally, setting a variable to "Generic" allows the system to determine whether to treat it as categorical or numerical based on the data's characteristics. This is particularly useful for variables representing time points, such as "Day: 1, 2, 3, 4," which can be interpreted as either distinct categories or a numerical sequence

Frequently asked questions

What is AI used for in the graphing product? 

For the Smart Data Import feature, we use AI (LLMs) to help us identify the variables present in the data, infer the variable types, and infer variable or column names.

What AI models are you using? 

We are currently using Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s 4o and 4o-mini models. We may choose to use other vendors or models in the future, but will only use those that meet the same security and privacy standards.

How much of my dataset gets sent to AI models? 

Currently we send headers (column names) and the first 3 rows of the dataset to help us identify the variables present in the data, infer the variable types, and infer variable or column names. We do not send full datasets through AI models.

Who can view my datasets? 

Only you and anyone you share your graph files with. BioRender’s software processes your data to generate graphs, but BioRender employees will not view your datasets unless you choose to share them when you report an error for troubleshooting purposes. 

Will you use my datasets to train AI? 

Third parties (e.g. OpenAI) will never train their models on your data. We will not train our own AI models on private customer data without explicit approval.

How do you ensure AI does not alter the data or hallucinate? 

The only edits to your spreadsheet the AI might make are to clean up annotations (non-data rows) and clean up or infer column names. It should not change the underlying data points. However, since AI can make mistakes, we always recommend that you verify that your data has been imported correctly.

Related resources

• BioRender Graph
• Setting up a new file in BioRender Graph
• Data Visualization Best Practices

What’s next?

We're actively improving this feature and would love your feedback! If you have thoughts or suggestions, please share them with us through this form. We have many exciting enhancements planned and appreciate your input as we refine the experience.

Although Excel file support isn’t available just yet, we know it’s important and are working to include it soon. 

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

The new BioRender canvas now offers personalized template and icon recommendations—designed to jumpstart your illustration process and save valuable time.

By taking your research area and recent activity into account, BioRender surfaces the most relevant templates and icons right when you need them. No more digging through endless options—just quick access to the components you’re most likely to use.

How to use personalized icon and template recommendations

Access recommended templates

1. When you create a new illustration, you will land on a blank canvas.
2. The editor automatically suggests relevant templates based on your research field.
3. Browse the recommended templates and select the one that best fits your illustration needs.
4. Click 'Add to Canvas' to insert the selected template.

Use recommended icons

1. When you create a new illustration, the editor will display recommended icons based on your research.
2. These recommendations help you quickly find relevant structures without needing to refine your search.
3. Click an icon to add it directly to your canvas.

Related articles

• How to use AI powered Smart Search
• Introducing the new BioRender canvas
• Using a BioRender template

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.

The AI powered Smart Search feature in BioRender allows you to perform more intuitive searches when building scientific illustrations. Instead of entering multiple explicit keyword searches, you can now describe your concept naturally. The system will break down these descriptions into topics and return curated icon results, streamlining the illustration-building process.

How to use Smart Search

1. Access the search bar:
   • Navigate to the BioRender homepage or your illustration workspace.
   • Click on the search bar at the top of the screen.
   • Once clicked, the search area will expand and show sample queries to help guide your search.

2. In the search bar, type a full description of what you're looking for — instead of individual keywords or icon names:
   • This helps the AI return more accurate and context-relevant results.
   • Press “Enter” or click the arrow button to run the search.
   • Example: Antigen presentation to T cell in lymph node.

3. View the search results:
   • BioRender will process your description and generate topics.
   • The search results will display relevant icons categorized by the key elements of your description.
   • Click “View All” to see additional icons within the same category or topic.

4. Select icons for your illustration:
   
   • Click on the icons you want to add to your canvas.
5. Refine your Search (if needed):
   • Adjust your description for more precise results.
   • Use additional keywords to specify details.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I use Smart Search instead of traditional keyword search?

Smart Search allows you to describe your concept naturally, reducing the need for multiple searches and speeding up the icon selection process.

Does Smart Search support all BioRender icons?

Yes, Smart Search uses BioRender's full icon library, retrieving relevant results based on your query.

Can I still use traditional keyword search?

Yes, traditional search is still available! You can search using descriptive phrases or traditional keywords based on your preference.

What if I don’t find the icons I need?

Try rephrasing your description or using more specific terminology. If needed, you can still manually search for individual icons.

Related articles 

• Favorite your frequently used icons
• Personalized template & icon recommendations
• Introducing the new BioRender canvas

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns:

1. Email Support: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.