Nature Format
Do not treat “Nature format” as a generic Nature Portfolio template. Confirm that the target is the journal Nature, choose the contribution type, and distinguish initial-submission flexibility from the detailed requirements that apply when editors request a revision or final files.
For the journal Nature, follow Nature’s live author pages for the specific contribution type and submission stage. Initial research submissions are relatively flexible in presentation, while invited revision and final submission have detailed structure, length, reference, figure, methods, and production requirements.
Key details
Further guidance
Article Structure
If revision is invited, follow Nature’s current article structure, length, reference, methods, and display-item guidance for that contribution type.
Final Files
Final submission adds production-quality text and artwork requirements. Use the live final-submission page rather than assuming the first-upload file is sufficient.
Identify Stage
Before formatting, determine whether you are preparing an initial submission, a revision, or production-quality final files; Nature publishes separate instructions for these stages.
Initial Flexibility
At initial submission, prioritize a clear, complete manuscript and figures. Nature explicitly allows reasonable flexibility rather than requiring authors to reproduce final typesetting.
Worked Example
A first-submission PDF can be acceptable even though a later accepted manuscript must follow Nature’s detailed ordering and production-file requirements.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- For Authors (opens in a new tab)Nature · Current Nature author guidance establishes a Nature-journal-specific workflow and routes writers to live formatting and submission instructions.
- Initial submission (opens in a new tab)Nature · Current Nature guidance is flexible for initial submission but defines journal-specific manuscript requirements and later formatting expectations.
- Formatting guide (opens in a new tab)Nature · Current Nature formatting guidance defines contribution-specific structure and should not be generalized to every Nature Portfolio journal.