Publishing in open-access resources Publishing in open-access resources

Publishing in open-access resources

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

open-access closed-access
Allows free public access and wider reuse under a Creative Commons (CC-BY) license Limits access to subscribers or paid users, often with publisher-held copyright that restricts reuse
Supports the open sharing of content results for maximum visibility Provides controlled access for publications that may require exclusive subscriptions.

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.

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OR

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

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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

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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.

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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.