Nano Banana 2.1 can draft scientific figures from a text description — labeled diagrams, mechanism schematics, graphical abstracts, study flow diagrams and multi-panel figures. All five figures below were made with Nano Banana 2.1 from the prompts shown. Use them as drafts for slides, posters, teaching and graphical abstracts, and check every label and number before you publish.
Real examples with prompts
Graphical abstract for a paper
16:9 · 2K
A graphical abstract for a research paper on microplastics in coastal waters. Left panel: sampling sites along a coastline map with sample bottles. Middle panel: lab analysis — filtration, microscope, spectroscopy icons. Right panel: key finding — a simple bar chart showing microplastic concentration rising from 120 to 480 particles per liter from 2015 to 2025, and a fish icon with a warning symbol. Arrows connect the panels left to right. Journal-style flat vector design, white background, concise labels.
A labeled scientific illustration of an animal cell in cross-section for a biology textbook. Clearly show and label: nucleus, nucleolus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosome, ribosomes, cell membrane, cytoplasm. Clean vector style, soft pastel colors, thin leader lines to each label, white background, title "Animal Cell Structure".
A mechanism schematic of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing: the Cas9 protein guided by a guide RNA binds to the target DNA next to a PAM sequence, cuts both strands, and the cell repairs the break by NHEJ (small insertion/deletion) or HDR (with a donor template). Step-by-step from left to right with numbered stages, color-coded molecules, clean labels, scientific illustration style on white.
A publication-quality multi-panel figure, panels labeled A–D. A: line chart of tumor volume over 28 days for Control vs Treatment with error bars. B: bar chart of survival rate at day 60 (Control 20%, Treatment 65%) with significance asterisks. C: representative microscopy images, two tiles, with scale bars. D: schematic of the dosing schedule on a timeline. Consistent color scheme (gray for control, blue for treatment), clean sans-serif axis labels, white background.
A left-to-right summary of a study — sampling, methods and the key finding — in one 16:9 image for journal and conference abstracts.
Labeled diagrams
Textbook-style illustrations, such as a cell cross-section, with every structure named and connected by leader lines.
Mechanism schematics
Step-by-step processes such as CRISPR-Cas9 editing, with numbered stages and color-coded molecules.
Study flow diagrams
CONSORT-style flowcharts with screening, randomization and analysis boxes, filled with the counts you provide.
Multi-panel figures
Panels labeled A–D that combine charts, microscopy-style tiles and schematics in one consistent color scheme.
How to prompt a scientific figure
Name the figure type first: graphical abstract, labeled diagram, flowchart, mechanism schematic or multi-panel figure.
List every label, step and number you need, and put exact wording in quotes.
Describe the layout: left to right, numbered stages, or panels A–D.
Set the style: flat vector, white background, thin lines, sans-serif labels and one color per group.
Choose 16:9 for slides and graphical abstracts and 4:3 for figures, and use 2K or 4K so small labels stay sharp.
Check before you publish
AI can misplace or misspell a label, or add a detail that isn't in your prompt. Proofread every label against your source.
Charts are drawn, not calculated: values come from your prompt and may not be plotted to scale. Make data charts from your real data with plotting software.
Journals set their own rules for AI-generated images; some restrict them or require disclosure. Check your target journal's policy first.
Every Nano Banana 2.1 image carries Google's invisible SynthID watermark, which identifies it as AI-generated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nano Banana 2.1 make figures for scientific papers?
It can draft them — graphical abstracts, schematics, labeled diagrams and flowcharts. Whether you may publish an AI-generated figure depends on the journal, so check its policy and verify every label and value.
How accurate are the labels and numbers?
Nano Banana 2.1 renders text clearly, but a label can still be wrong or misplaced, and charts are not drawn to scale. Treat each figure as a draft and proofread it against your source.
Which settings work best for scientific figures?
Use 16:9 for graphical abstracts and slides and 4:3 for diagrams, at 2K or 4K so small labels stay readable. A higher Thinking level helps with dense text and complex layouts.
Is it free to try?
Yes. Accounts with a verified email get 10 free credits every month — 5 images at 1K. 2K and 4K need a paid plan or credit pack.
