This article explains where BioRender AI fits into your publishing workflow, how to check your target journal or funder’s policy, and how to cite and disclose your figures.
In this article
- The simple workflow
- Where AI fits best
- Journal and funder policy snapshot
- Citing and disclosing AI use
- Ownership and copyright
- Privacy and your data
- Frequently asked questions
The simple workflow
1. Check the rules: Before you start, review your target journal’s or funder’s AI policy. Policies vary and change often.
2. Draft with AI: Use BioRender AI to plan layouts and get a fast first draft. Review every element for scientific accuracy.
3. Finalize and cite: If your journal or funder doesn’t allow AI visuals, build the final figure manually with BioRender icons and tools. Cite and disclose as required (see below).
Where AI fits best
Great for:
- Brainstorming and rough visualizations
- Lab meeting and journal club slides
- Lectures and course materials
- Onboarding guides for new students and staff
- Planning a figure before building it by hand
Check the policy first:
- Figures for journal submissions
- Graphical abstracts and cover art
- Figures in grant applications
Minimal AI editing, such as background removal or text edits on existing icons, is generally compatible with journal and grant requirements. Policies differ, so confirm with your journal or funder.
If AI is restricted for your submission: You can still use BioRender AI to plan and visualize your figure, then recreate it manually with BioRender’s core illustration tools for the final version. This lets you save time on ideation while keeping the published figure compliant.
Journal and funder policy snapshot
The table summarizes publicly available policies from each publisher or funder as of June 2026. Individual journals may be stricter than their publisher, so always check the policy for your specific journal before you submit.
| Publisher or funder | AI figures | Key requirements |
| NIH (grant applications) | Prohibited | Applications, or sections of applications, substantially developed by AI aren’t considered the applicant’s original ideas. |
| Cell Press (incl. Cell, Molecular Cell) | Prohibited | Generative AI or AI-assisted tools can’t be used to create or alter research or data images, including cover art and graphical abstracts. AI use must be documented in a dedicated disclosure statement. |
| BMJ | Prohibited | AI-generated figures, illustrations, and visualizations aren’t permitted. AI tool use must be disclosed in the Methods section and cover letter. |
| JAMA Network (incl. JAMA, JAMA Oncology, and other titles) | Prohibited | AI-generated figures, illustrations, and visualizations aren’t permitted across all JAMA Network journals. |
| Springer Nature (incl. Nature family) | Restricted | AI-generated or AI-enhanced scientific images aren’t permitted. Exceptions for images directly referenced in articles about AI are reviewed case by case. |
| Science / AAAS | Restricted | AI-generated or AI-altered illustrative figures aren’t permitted. Exceptions require discussion with the editor. |
| Elsevier | Partially restricted | AI may be used for simple explanatory schematics and data-faithful visualizations. Modifying primary research images is forbidden. Graphical abstracts require a dedicated scientific illustration tool. All AI use must be documented in an AI disclosure statement. |
| Wiley | Partially restricted | AI is permitted for data visualizations and research illustrations (such as diagrams and flowcharts) with disclosure. AI-edited photographs and AI-generated factual or evidential images aren’t permitted. Disclose the tool, version, and role in the figure caption. |
| PLOS ONE | Partially restricted | AI contributions must be disclosed in the Methods or Acknowledgments, including the tool name, how it was used, and which parts of the study were affected. |
| IEEE | Partially restricted | AI-generated content must be disclosed in the Acknowledgments, identifying the AI system and the sections affected. |
Policy links: Elsevier · Springer Nature · Science/AAAS · NIH Notice NOT-OD-25-132
Many funders other than the NIH don’t have a policy specific to AI-generated figures, but most publishers and funders require that any use of generative AI be disclosed.
For the full, regularly updated list, visit the AI Resource Hub.
Citing and disclosing AI use
Citing your figure. Cite figures made with BioRender AI the same way you cite any BioRender figure: “Created with BioRender.com” or the figure’s unique URL. This applies to AI-generated and AI-modified images too.
Disclosing AI use. If your publisher requires you to flag AI use, add a note where they ask for it. Requirements differ by publisher:
- A dedicated AI disclosure statement (for example, Elsevier and Cell Press)
- The Methods section or Acknowledgments (for example, PLOS ONE, IEEE, and BMJ, which also asks for it in the cover letter)
- The figure caption, including tool, version, and role (for example, Wiley)
When disclosing, it helps to name the tool (BioRender AI, or Leo by BioRender), say how it was used (for example, “to draft the initial layout, then edited manually”), and say which figures were affected.
Ownership and copyright
Your images: Images you create with BioRender AI are yours. BioRender retains ownership of its icons. Submitting an image to BioRender doesn’t transfer any ownership or copyright in that image to BioRender.
Images you don’t own: If you upload an image you don’t own, such as a stock image, the original copyright holder keeps ownership of any output based on it. Make sure you own, or have the proper license to, any content you upload.
Lowest-risk approach: Starting from BioRender’s icons and templates, or from content you already own, keeps copyright risk low.
Privacy and your data
- Your content stays yours: Your uploads and creations aren’t used to train BioRender’s AI models without your consent.
- Security: Your content is protected with encryption, authentication controls, and ongoing vulnerability monitoring, with regular audits. BioRender holds third-party AI providers to the same standards. BioRender is SOC 2 certified.
- Learn more: Details are in our Trust Center and the BioRender AI overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use BioRender if my journal doesn’t allow AI-generated images?
Yes. You can still create figures manually in BioRender without using any AI features, and BioRender is accepted by top journals. Always check your journal’s rules.
Can I use AI-generated figures in an NIH grant application?
The NIH won’t consider applications, or sections of applications, substantially developed by AI to be the applicant’s original ideas. Check your funder’s policy before you submit.
How accurate are AI-generated figures?
AI outputs are strong starting points, but we always recommend to review and edit every figure before you publish for scientific accuracy. Figures made with BioRender AI are editable, so you can correct any element.
Does using an AI tool expose my unpublished research?
BioRender does not use your uploads or creations to train its AI models without your consent. See Privacy and your data above and our Trust Center.
Learn more
- AI Resource Hub: Navigating AI in Scientific Research
- BioRender and AI: our approach, data, and copyright FAQs
- Trust Center
- AI’s Impact on Scientific Credibility report
Disclaimer: The above is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Copyright law as it relates to AI-generated content is rapidly evolving and may vary by jurisdiction. Please consult your own legal counsel for advice specific to your situation.
