Putting flowcharts and roadmaps in a thesis or paper: resolution, text size and format

The short version

• Use vector graphics when you can (SVG, PDF): they stay sharp at any size and the files are small.
• When you need a bitmap, export PNG at 3× or 4×; on a letter or A4 page that usually exceeds 300 dpi.
• Text in the figure should be no smaller than about 9 pt once placed on the page.
• Your institution's guide or the journal's instructions decide the exact numbers; what follows is common practice.

Choosing a format

Where it goes	Suggested format	Notes
A thesis written in Word	Export to Word, or a 3× PNG	SVG support in Word varies by version; PNG is the safe choice
A paper written in LaTeX	SVG converted to PDF, or a 3× PNG	Vector figures scale with the page
A defense or talk	Export to PowerPoint	One figure per slide, with the code appended for later edits
A journal submission	Follow the instructions for authors	Most ask for 300 dpi or more as TIFF or PNG, or vector files

Estimating resolution

Print sharpness is pixels divided by printed inches. A figure spanning the text width of a page is about 6 inches (15 cm) wide, so 300 dpi needs about 1,800 pixels across. Check the pixel size when you export and move the scale up a step if it falls short.

A sample figure to check against

flowchart TB
    subgraph S1[Preparation]
        direction LR
        A[Literature review] --> B[Research question]
    end
    subgraph S2[Research]
        direction LR
        C[Data collection] --> D[Model] --> E[Experiments]
    end
    subgraph S3[Wrap-up]
        direction LR
        F[Analysis] --> G[Conclusions]
    end
    S1 --> S2 --> S3

Before you submit

1. The text is readable: shrink the figure to its size on the page and check the smallest label. Split long labels over two lines or shorten them.
2. It works in black and white: many theses are printed that way. Where only color tells things apart, use line style, shape or text as well; try a high-contrast theme first.
3. Caption and number: figure captions usually go below the figure, such as "Figure 3-1 Research roadmap", while table captions go above. Write the caption in the document, not in the image.
4. Cited in the text: every figure is mentioned in the body, and the mention comes before the figure.
5. Inside the margins: for a wide flowchart, change the direction from LR to TB or split it in two.
6. Consistent style: use the same theme and font for every figure.

When you need to change it later

The exported Word and PowerPoint files carry the Mermaid code at the end. When a reviewer asks for changes, paste the code back into the editor, edit and export again instead of redrawing. The syntax is covered in Thesis research roadmaps, and ready-made structures are in the research roadmap templates.