1 December 2005       

Is it true that all AGU journals publish multimedia files?
Are published examples available?
What multimedia files are acceptable?
Why are QuickTime, Flash, and animated GIFs not acceptable for archiving?
Are there specific resolution standards for multimedia files?
Is there a file size limit for multimedia files?
What are the font and line/curve standards for multimedia files?
How do I submit my multimedia files?
Do my multimedia files have to be published as auxiliary material?
How will my animation or video appear in the print version?
Where can I get plug-ins and applications for viewing multimedia files?
What is the cost to me for publishing and archiving multimedia files?

Is it true that all AGU journals can publish multimedia files?
Yes, all AGU journals can publish multimedia files. In 1999, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems became the first AGU journal to publish animations, videos, and other multimedia files. In 2002, this enhancement was expanded to all AGU journals..

Are published examples available?
Yes. AGU encourages the use of multimedia files, so free access to recent articles will be available for a limited time. Featured formats include MPEG, MOV, animated GIF, and Flash.

What multimedia files are acceptable?
See information on Acceptable Animation/Movie Formats..

Why are QuickTime, Flash, and animated GIFs not acceptable for archiving?
AGU is committed to archiving files for all published articles into perpetuity, allowing for periodic reformatting as needed to stay current with evolving technology. In order to do this, it is necessary for all files to be viewable via open-source, i.e., nonproprietary, applications. Currently, AGU does publish QuickTime, Flash, and animated GIFs online; however, to meet archive requirements, an archival format or individual EPS or TIF images must be provided, along with a README file describing the number of frames, sequence, and speed.

Are there specific resolution standards for multimedia files?
In order to accommodate as many users as possible and to avoid scroll bars in browser windows, we suggest the following: bitmapped multimedia files such as QuickTime movies and MPEG-4/DivX should not exceed 570 pixels × 430 pixels. Vector-based multimedia content such as Flash and SVG are scalable and may not require pixel resolution constraints; however, if you have the ability and choose to set pixel restrictions, use 570 pixels × 430 pixels as the maximum size.

Is there a file size limit for multimedia files?
Yes, they should not exceed 50 MB.

What are the font and line/curve standards for multimedia files?
Use Arial, Helvetica, Times, or Symbol fonts. Lettering/text must be at least 8 points and superscripts/subscripts must be at least 6 points.

How do I submit my multimedia files?
Most of the file types submitted through the GEMS submission system are automatically converted to PDF for the review process. Dynamic content files should not be converted; therefore it is important that files be uploaded correctly. In the submission form, under Quantities, for animations and movies, select "Dynamic Content"; for spreadsheets with formulae and manipulatable data, select "Data Sets". This will ensure that files are available to reviewers and are not corrupted.

Do my multimedia files have to be published as auxiliary material?
No, multimedia files can be integrated into the article itself. The online article is the version of record.

How will my animation or video appear in the print version?
Animations can be presented in either of two ways in the print: as a still image or as a placeholder box. A caption notes the availability of the animation.

Where can I get plug-ins and applications for viewing multimedia files?
AGU provides an up-to-date list of plug-ins and applications that will allow readers to view multimedia files.

What is the cost to me for publishing and archiving multimedia files?
As a means of encouraging the use of multimedia and beyond-the-page options, all fees for multimedia have been waived through 2006.