For IEC publications, images of good quality are required. Quality comprises the following aspects:

• clear lines in drawings / shapes (ensure an appropriate line thickness, use well-matched colours)
• legible text (with regard to size and text colour before background)
• harmonious ensemble of colours (avoid use of clashing colours)
• resolution sufficient for printed output (from the original image file, we have to be able to produce a bitmap file with 200ppi [pixels per inch])
• sufficient contrast, brightness and saturation (image needs to be viewed and interpreted without problems)
• consistency of these aspects across the publication

Most graphic tools will allow you to configure these aspects. In case of questions, please contact the IEC Figures team.

Related topics:

• Using colour in IEC publications
• Using text in figures:
  - rules from the Directives
  - IEC recommendations
• Image editing tools