BioRender is a web-based application designed to create scientific figures, diagrams, and illustrations. It provides a platform for researchers and students to visually communicate complex biological concepts without needing advanced graphic design skills. The software operates in a web browser, eliminating the need for downloads and facilitating remote collaboration.
The Icon Library and Templates
BioRender features an extensive library of pre-made icons and templates. This collection contains over 50,000 scientifically accurate images spanning more than 30 fields within the life sciences. Users can find icons for cells, proteins, chemical structures, and various pieces of laboratory equipment.
The platform also provides templates that serve as pre-arranged layouts for common scientific diagrams. These templates can save users significant time by offering a starting point for figures depicting signaling pathways or cellular processes. The combination of a searchable icon library and templates streamlines assembling visuals.
Customization and Creation Process
The creation process uses an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Users can select icons from the library or start with a template and then arrange these elements on a canvas.
Once on the canvas, elements can be modified to fit a project’s specific needs. Customization options include changing the colors of icons, resizing and rotating elements, and adding text labels or annotations. Users can also employ arrows and lines to illustrate relationships and pathways between components.
Target Audience and Use Cases
BioRender is designed for the scientific community. Its primary users are researchers in academic and industry settings, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. Science educators also utilize the platform to create materials for teaching and instruction.
The illustrations created with the software have a wide range of applications. Researchers use it to generate figures for research papers, grant proposals, and scientific posters. Educators and students use it for classroom presentations, assignments, and textbook illustrations.
Plans and Accessibility
Access to BioRender is structured through a tiered subscription model. A free plan is available, which includes basic features but comes with limitations such as watermarked images and restrictions on use in publications.
For more advanced use, paid subscriptions are offered. These include plans for individual academic or industry users, as well as licenses for multi-user laboratories or entire institutions. These premium tiers provide more features, remove watermarks, and grant permissions for use in publications and other professional contexts.