When we talk about communicating science through visuals, Biorender is usually
the first option that comes to mind and it can deliver great results as a fast scientific
communication tool. However, a Free version with many obstacles, such as:
Few icon editing tools
and lack of permission
to publish in journals
The high costs
for subscriptions (starting
from 420 USD per year)
A maximum of 3
custom icons
per year
Check some Biorender
alternatives below.
Mind the Graph
With a proposal very similar to Biorender, Mind the Graph aims to Create effective science figures in
minutes. The extensive library with +40,000 icons, is easily expanded by accepting an incredible amount
of new user requests, giving emphasis to what needs to be seen in a scientific figure.
Freemium version
With no time limit,
allowing publication
in Journals
7-day trial as a paid subscriber
Here, what stands out is that you
can request up to 5 custom illustrations
for your research
Icon editing tools
In both Freemium
and Premium
versions;
200+ stunning templates
Several custom and editable
templates that can save
many hours of work
The price catches the eye here
Starting from 7 dollars a month. Including custom illustrations
for your research
Poster Maker
Scientific posters in a few clicks:
submit your article, and voila
- you got a brand new poster!
Other not so related Biorender alternatives
Animate your science
Animate Your Science is an Australian communication agency for researchers and institutions. It creates animated video abstracts, custom science animations and graphics, scientific posters, and graphical abstracts for scientific research on demand.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Animated options
- Custom designs of Graphical Abstracts and Scientific Posters
- Average delivery time 1-2 weeks
- Includes Copyright of creations
- Quotes start at 440 USD for Graphical Abstracts and 2,190 USD for animated videos
- Extra fees if you're not located in Australia
- No creation studio for users to edit the graphics if needed
Somersault
Somersault 18:24 is a Belgium-based design agency that creates custom Graphical Abstracts and Publication Figures on demand.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Custom designs
- No average price quote informed
- No creation studio for users to edit something on their graphics if needed
Bioicons
Bioicons is a gallery of bio-related icons that gatherers illustrations from other sources in one place so you can download as SVG files.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Free
- Vector icons
- Attribution to creator needed for each icon
- No creation studio to elaborate designs
- No custom illustrations or specific visuals
Canva
Canva is an Australian graphic design platform, used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content that may be used by scientists with more design skills to create scientific visuals.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Free subscription or US$12,99 for pro benefits
- Limited gallery of copyright included arts
- Accessible for users with fewer design skills
- 60 USD fee for additional users
- Pro images watermarked
- No scientifically accurate images
PPT and Google Images
Many scientists still use Google Images and PowerPoint to illustrate their work and presentations.
However, with copyright issues, unprofessional and unpatterned images, these options may not be scientifically accurate or precise.
Moreover, if your research is brand new, you'll have a hard time searching for illustrations on these platforms.
As you can see, Biorender it's not the only option for undergraduates, researchers, labs, etc.
There are custom tools, cheaper and with a different interface, that may be the best option for you.