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

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 by following the instructions outlined in this article.

Billing and subscription questions

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, submit a refund request.

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 by following the steps here.

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?

If you are subscribed to a monthly billing cycle, you are certainly able to cancel after one month. Monthly billing also allows you to pause or cancel your subscription flexibly. Simply re-subscribe when you’re ready, and all saved work will be waiting for you.

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.

Related articles

• What is the difference between BioRender Basic and BioRender Premium?
• How to Upgrade Your Plan
• How do I manage my plan and billing information?

What’s next

After canceling, explore options for accessing premium features by revisiting the subscription choices on the Account page. Learn more about available plans, special offers, and how BioRender Basic may still meet your needs.

Need help?

If you’re still having trouble with cancellation or have additional questions, please contact us:

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

• Email Support: support@biorender.com
• Live Chat: Click the "Help" bubble in the app (bottom right corner).
• FAQs: Explore the Publishing, citing and permissions section of our Help Centre for more information

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.   

Troubleshooting

Why can’t I access/modify my figure?

• If you disabled public access, this could be the reason. Ensure public access is enabled for the figure you’ve published under the CC-BY license. Once disabled, the publication license will be revoked, and the figure will no longer be available for reuse.

Why can’t readers request an editable version of my figure?

• As the author, ensure that you have granted permission for the figure to be adapted as a public template. If you have not, readers won’t be able to request an editable version.

Related articles

• Publishing in open-access resources

• Publishing in closed-access resources

• Publication license terms of use

• Where can I use my illustrations?

What's next?

• Explore BioRender’s template gallery to see examples of how others are adapting figures under the CC-BY license.

• If you’re considering publishing multiple figures under the CC-BY license, review the guidelines for setting up an efficient and collaborative publishing workflow.

• Learn about BioRender’s Academic and Industry Plans to take full advantage of figure modifications and re-use.

Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns, our support team is ready to assist you:

• Email Support: support@biorender.com

• Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on 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.

Free basic accounts

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

• Basic free account: Figures can only be used for academic purposes, including:

  • Unpublished grant applications

  • Posters

  • Educational presentations and assignments

  • Unpublished theses or dissertations

• 14-day free trial: This plan has the same 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 Plan users: Please review the Academic License Terms for details on permitted and prohibited uses under this plan.

• Industry Plan users: For information on permitted and prohibited uses under an Industry plan, please review the Industry License Terms.

Breakdown of usage for Premium plans

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.

Citing BioRender with a publication license (Premium Only)

Except as expressly granted in our Terms of Service (including the relevant content license that applies to your subscription), we retain all rights, title and interest in and to our icons & templates in our BioRender library (what we call our “BioRender Content”). Since the ownership of BioRender Content belongs to BioRender, credit of that ownership with your unique citation ensures proper usage in line with the relevant content license that applies to your subscription.

When you export a figure for publishing, please ensure to export a Publication License and use the provided citation, which includes a unique figure URL. This citation can be placed in various sections, such as:

• Figure captions
• References page
• Acknowledgements section

The unique figure URL will allow readers to click on the citation and view your figure. You will have the ability to determine the level of access a reader has when viewing your figure. To learn more about reader permissions and figure accessibility, please see the CC-BY publishing and reader permissions article.

Publishing in open-access resources

If you’re publishing an open-access resource that requires CC-BY (Creative Commons) licensing, refer to this Help Center article: Publishing in open-access resources.

Publishing in closed-access resources

If you’re publishing a closed-access resource, please see this Help Center article: Publishing in closed-access resources.

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.

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, follow the guidelines in this article under "For open-access journal readers: How to use published figures" or How to reuse and republish a BioRender figure (without modifications). 
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.
• Visit our CC-BY publishing and reader permissions article for further guidance on accessibility settings.

Related articles

• CC-BY publishing and reader permissions
• Publishing in open-access resources
• Publishing in closed-access resources

Need help?

If you’re still having trouble or have questions about citing BioRender, our support team is here to help. Reach out via:

• Email Support: support@biorender.com
• Live Chat: Available in the app by clicking the "Help" bubble in 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.

For more details on publication permissions based on your subscription plan, check out this helpful article.

Step-by-step guide: 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: Double-check your account details to ensure you’re on a premium plan with publishing rights. 
• Email verification error message: If you see this error message when exporting a license, please follow the instructions outlined in this article to verify your email.
• General error message: Please reach out to our Support Team for further assistance.

Related articles

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

Need help?

If you’re still having trouble exporting a publication license, our support team is here to help. You can reach us through:

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

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: Where can I use my illustrations?

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.

Where to find more information:

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’re still having trouble or have questions about citing BioRender, our support team is here to help. Reach out via:

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

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

Note: For open-access publishing information, see Publishing in open-access resources.

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."

Frequently asked questions

• What if I accidentally generate a license for closed-access and want to change to open-access?

You can always generate a new publication license and set it to Open-Access.

• How long will I have access to publication rights?

Publication licenses generated under a Premium plan remain valid even if you later downgrade.

What’s next?

Review your figure for any journal-specific requirements to ensure a smooth publishing process.

Need help?

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.

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. If you plan 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 even if you downgrade later, letting you retain your publishing rights without worry.

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 the CC-BY Publishing and Reader Permissions article. 

Did you know? Many open-access journals use this license to expand your work’s reach in the scientific community!

Step-by-step guide: Exporting 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

• CC-BY publishing and reader permissions
• Publishing in closed access resources
• Summary of licensing updates
• What file formats can I export in?

What’s next?

After exporting, take a moment to review your figure for accuracy and ensure it aligns with any additional journal-specific requirements.

Need help?

If you have questions, our support team is here to help:

• Email Support: support@biorender.com
• Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on 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 (Share your BioRender illustrations with collaborators).

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.

Related articles

• Where can I use my illustrations?
• Citing BioRender 
• Publishing in Open-access journals 
• Publishing in Closed-access journals

What's next

To continue enhancing your publishing experience, consider:

• Exploring BioRender’s citation tools to streamline the inclusion of figures in your publications.
• Reviewing BioRender’s collaboration and sharing features for seamless teamwork on research projects.
• Familiarizing yourself with BioRender’s compliance guidelines for different journals and publication types.

Need Help?

If you need further assistance, our support team is here to help:

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