# LabCanvas blog

> Guides for scientific figures, presentations, structures and data.

URL: https://www.labcanvas.com/blog

- [ImageJ vs LabCanvas Image Analysis: an honest comparison](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-vs-labcanvas) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-vs-labcanvas.md), updated 2026-11-08): ImageJ/Fiji or LabCanvas Image Analysis? Six everyday jobs done in both, six newer ones (macros, vendor files, 3D, StarDist, big images) and which to use.
- [LabCanvas Image Analysis: measure microscopy images, western blots and gels in your browser](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/image-analysis-microscopy-western-blot) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/image-analysis-microscopy-western-blot.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to measure images in LabCanvas Image Analysis: guided assays (nuclear translocation, spots per cell, wound healing, FRAP, calcium, tracking, branching), western blots with a ladder and total-protein normalisation, cell counting with a trainable classifier, ROIs with ImageJ definitions, on the raw pixel values, with results sent to Graphs.
- [Image Analysis in LabCanvas: a complete guide to every tool and setting, with examples](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/image-analysis-complete-guide) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/image-analysis-complete-guide.md), updated 2026-11-06): Every tool in LabCanvas Image Analysis, tab by tab, with its settings and a real example: image check, display and scale, stacks and Z projection, background subtraction, filters, thresholds and binary operations, ROIs and Set measurements, Analyze Particles, a pixel classifier, spots, cell counter, western blot densitometry, colocalisation, colour deconvolution and eleven guided assays.
- [How to use ImageJ: a beginner's tutorial for the 10 everyday jobs (2026)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/how-to-use-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/how-to-use-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): How to use ImageJ and Fiji: get started, open an image, then 10 everyday jobs (scale, measure, threshold, count, background, blots) with exact menu paths.
- [How to set the scale and add a scale bar in ImageJ (with a calibration image to practise on)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-scale-bar-set-scale) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-scale-bar-set-scale.md), updated 2026-11-06): Set the scale in ImageJ (Analyze › Set Scale) from a micrometer, scale bar or pixel size, add a scale bar, and practise on a free calibration image.
- [Western blot quantification in ImageJ, step by step (and the 3-click way)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/western-blot-quantification-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/western-blot-quantification-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Quantify a western blot in ImageJ with Analyze › Gels, normalise to a loading control or total protein, and get fold change. Plus a 3-click way.
- [How to count cells in ImageJ (automatic and manual)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/count-cells-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/count-cells-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Count cells in ImageJ: automatic (threshold, Watershed, Analyze Particles) or manual (Cell Counter, Multi-point), plus cells per mm² and % positive.
- [How to measure length and area in ImageJ (with the right units)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/measure-length-area-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/measure-length-area-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure length and area in ImageJ: set the scale, draw lines or area selections (polygon, wand, threshold), press Measure, and get µm and µm², not pixels.
- [Grain size analysis in ImageJ (SEM, ASTM E112) + grain size number calculator](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/grain-size-analysis-sem) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/grain-size-analysis-sem.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure grain size from SEM images in ImageJ: closed boundaries, Analyze Particles, then ASTM E112 G from mean area or intercept, with a worked example.
- [How to measure leaf area with ImageJ (or from a phone photo, in the browser)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/leaf-area-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/leaf-area-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure leaf area in ImageJ from a photo or scan: set the scale from a ruler, threshold the leaf, run Analyze Particles in cm², with or without holes.
- [ImageJ online: can you run it in a browser? (ImageJ.JS, and a faster way)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-online) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-online.md), updated 2026-11-06): Yes: ImageJ.JS runs ImageJ 1.x in your browser via CheerpJ (WebAssembly). What works, what doesn't, Fiji online, iPad and Android, and a faster option.
- [Best ImageJ alternatives in 2026 (free, online and desktop)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-alternatives) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-alternatives.md), updated 2026-11-06): The best ImageJ alternatives compared: browser tools, Fiji, CellProfiler, QuPath, ilastik, napari, Icy, MIPAR, and Image Lab and Empiria for blots.
- [Lateral size of 2D flakes (graphene, MoS₂) from SEM or TEM in ImageJ](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/2d-flake-lateral-size) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/2d-flake-lateral-size.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure graphene or MoS₂ flake lateral size in ImageJ: scale, threshold, Analyze Particles with Feret diameter, edge flakes, overlaps and a size histogram.
- [Analyze Particles in ImageJ, explained (every option, with examples)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/analyze-particles-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/analyze-particles-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Every Analyze Particles option in ImageJ, shown on a TEM image: size, circularity, Show, Exclude on edges, Include holes, and why it finds 0 or 1 particle.
- [Calcium imaging analysis in ImageJ: ΔF/F₀ traces step by step](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/calcium-imaging-delta-f-over-f) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/calcium-imaging-delta-f-over-f.md), updated 2026-11-06): Calcium imaging in ImageJ: ROIs on cells, Multi Measure, background, F₀ (first frames or a percentile), ΔF/F₀ = (F − F₀)/F₀, traces and peak counting.
- [CellProfiler vs QuPath vs ImageJ: which image analysis software should you use?](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/cellprofiler-vs-qupath-vs-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/cellprofiler-vs-qupath-vs-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): CellProfiler, QuPath or ImageJ/Fiji? A fair comparison by job (batch cell measurements, whole slides, general analysis), with a nuclei count step by step.
- [Colocalization analysis in ImageJ: Pearson vs Manders and Costes thresholds](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/colocalization-analysis-pearson-manders) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/colocalization-analysis-pearson-manders.md), updated 2026-11-06): Colocalization in ImageJ and Fiji: what Pearson’s r and Manders’ M1/M2 each answer, Costes thresholds, Coloc 2 vs JACoP, a worked example and pitfalls.
- [Count bacterial colonies in ImageJ (or from a plate photo, free online)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/colony-counter-online) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/colony-counter-online.md), updated 2026-11-06): Count colonies in ImageJ: oval on the dish, threshold, Watershed, Analyze Particles. Then CFU/mL from the count and dilution, with a worked example.
- [Measure contact angle from a drop photo in ImageJ](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/contact-angle-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/contact-angle-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure contact angle in ImageJ with the Angle tool along the tangent, or from drop height and base width: θ = 2·arctan(2h/d). Worked example, plugins.
- [Count γH2AX or 53BP1 foci per nucleus in ImageJ (Find Maxima, step by step)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/count-foci-per-nucleus) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/count-foci-per-nucleus.md), updated 2026-11-06): Count γH2AX or 53BP1 foci per nucleus in ImageJ: nuclei as ROIs, Find Maxima with the right prominence, counts per nucleus and % of cells with ≥5 foci.
- [How to measure d-spacing from HRTEM lattice fringes in ImageJ (profile and FFT)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/d-spacing-hrtem-lattice-fringes) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/d-spacing-hrtem-lattice-fringes.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure d-spacing in ImageJ: a wide line across 10 fringes and Plot Profile (d = L ÷ N), or FFT spots read with Measure. Worked on Au (111), 0.235 nm.
- [IHC DAB quantification in ImageJ with colour deconvolution](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/dab-ihc-quantification) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/dab-ihc-quantification.md), updated 2026-11-06): Quantify DAB IHC in ImageJ/Fiji: colour deconvolution with H-DAB vectors, % positive area, optical density, and why DAB intensity is not linear.
- [Feret diameter, circularity, aspect ratio and solidity in ImageJ, explained](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/feret-diameter-circularity) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/feret-diameter-circularity.md), updated 2026-11-06): What ImageJ shape descriptors mean: Feret and MinFeret, circularity, AR, roundness and solidity, with formulas, drawn shapes and real TEM and SEM numbers.
- [Deep-learning cell segmentation in Fiji: StarDist, Cellpose and Weka (step by step)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/fiji-stardist-cellpose-segmentation) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/fiji-stardist-cellpose-segmentation.md), updated 2026-11-06): When a threshold fails, segment cells in Fiji with StarDist, Cellpose or Trainable Weka: install, settings, then label image to ROIs and measurements.
- [Stitch microscope tiles in Fiji (Grid/Collection stitching, step by step)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/fiji-stitching-tiles) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/fiji-stitching-tiles.md), updated 2026-11-06): Stitch overlapping microscope tiles in Fiji with Grid/Collection stitching: grid type, overlap, file names, fusion, and why an ImageJ montage is wrong.
- [Fiji vs ImageJ: what's the difference, and which should you download?](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/fiji-vs-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/fiji-vs-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Fiji is ImageJ with plugins, Bio-Formats, an updater and scripting built in; ImageJ2 is the rewrite underneath. A comparison table and which to download.
- [FRAP analysis in ImageJ: mobile fraction and half-time, step by step](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/frap-analysis-mobile-fraction) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/frap-analysis-mobile-fraction.md), updated 2026-11-06): FRAP in ImageJ: bleach, reference and background ROIs, Multi Measure, double normalisation, an exponential recovery fit, then the mobile fraction and t½.
- [Free western blot quantification software (now that Image Studio Lite is gone)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/free-western-blot-quantification-software) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/free-western-blot-quantification-software.md), updated 2026-11-06): Image Studio Lite is discontinued. Quantify western blots free in ImageJ (Analyze › Gels), step by step, with Image Lab and IOCBIO Gel compared.
- [How to cite ImageJ and Fiji (with a methods sentence to copy)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/how-to-cite-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/how-to-cite-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Cite ImageJ (Schneider et al. 2012), Fiji (Schindelin et al. 2012) or ImageJ2 (Rueden et al. 2017): DOIs, APA, Vancouver, BibTeX and methods sentences.
- [3D projection and 3D viewing in ImageJ (Image › Stacks › 3D Project)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-3d-projection) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-3d-projection.md), updated 2026-11-06): Make a rotating 3D view of a Z-stack with Image › Stacks › 3D Project in ImageJ, set the slice spacing, use Orthogonal Views, or Fiji's 3D Viewer.
- [Crop, rotate, resize and convert images in ImageJ (without changing your data by accident)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-basic-image-editing) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-basic-image-editing.md), updated 2026-11-06): How to crop, rotate, resize, zoom and convert to 8-bit or grayscale in ImageJ, and what each command does to pixel values and the scale, measured.
- [Deconvolution in ImageJ and Fiji: what it does and how to run it](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-deconvolution) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-deconvolution.md), updated 2026-11-06): What deconvolution does (the PSF, Richardson–Lucy), why FD Math Deconvolve fails on real images, and how to run Richardson–Lucy in ImageJ and Fiji.
- [FFT bandpass filter and edge detection in ImageJ (with before/after examples)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-fft-bandpass-edge-detection) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-fft-bandpass-edge-detection.md), updated 2026-11-06): FFT in ImageJ step by step: Process › FFT, Bandpass Filter settings, stripe removal and Find Edges, with before/after pictures and when filtering is safe.
- [Check for saturated pixels in ImageJ: histogram, HiLo LUT and the numbers](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-histogram-saturation) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-histogram-saturation.md), updated 2026-11-06): Check saturation in ImageJ with Analyze › Histogram, the HiLo LUT and Min/Max, on a clipped example with its spike at 65535 and what it does to data.
- [LUTs in ImageJ: which lookup table to use (and colour-blind-safe choices)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-lut) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-lut.md), updated 2026-11-06): ImageJ lookup tables compared on one image: Grays, Fire, viridis, HiLo and the rest, how to add a calibration bar, and colour-blind-safe channel colours.
- [ImageJ and Fiji on a Mac: install, Apple Silicon and "can't be opened" fixes](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-mac) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-mac.md), updated 2026-11-06): Download ImageJ or Fiji for Mac (Apple Silicon or Intel), fix "can't be opened" and "damaged" errors, set the memory, and the no-install option.
- [ImageJ macros for beginners: record a macro and batch-process a folder](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-macros-batch-processing) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-macros-batch-processing.md), updated 2026-11-06): Record an ImageJ macro with Plugins › Macros › Record, run it from the editor, then batch-process a folder with Process › Batch › Macro. Step by step.
- [Make a movie from an image stack or time-lapse in ImageJ (AVI, GIF, MP4)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-make-movie-from-stack) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-make-movie-from-stack.md), updated 2026-11-06): Turn a folder of frames or a time-lapse stack into an AVI, GIF or MP4 in ImageJ: Image Sequence, a time stamp, a scale bar, frame rate, and saving.
- [Plot Profile in ImageJ: line scans, wide lines and intensity profiles](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-plot-profile) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-plot-profile.md), updated 2026-11-06): Plot Profile in ImageJ: draw a line, press Ctrl K, set the line width to average noise, copy the values, plot two channels and profile a rectangle.
- [ROI Manager in ImageJ: measure many regions, save them and open them anywhere](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-roi-manager) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-roi-manager.md), updated 2026-11-06): Open the ROI Manager in ImageJ (Analyze › Tools › ROI Manager), add ROIs with T, measure them on every channel, save RoiSet.zip and reopen it later.
- [ImageJ threshold methods compared, with pictures](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-threshold-methods) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-threshold-methods.md), updated 2026-11-06): All 16 ImageJ auto threshold methods on one image, with the threshold and % area each gives, which method suits which image, and how to apply it.
- [Install ImageJ or Fiji on Windows 10 and 11](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-windows) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/imagej-windows.md), updated 2026-11-06): Download and install Fiji or ImageJ on Windows 10 and 11: the right zip, where to unzip it (not Program Files), Java, memory, and where files go.
- [How to make a kymograph in ImageJ and measure velocities](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/kymograph-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/kymograph-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Make a kymograph in ImageJ: a line along the track, Image › Stacks › Reslice, then a line on each streak gives velocity = Δx ÷ Δt, with a worked example.
- [Z Project in ImageJ: maximum, average and sum projections compared](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/maximum-intensity-projection) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/maximum-intensity-projection.md), updated 2026-11-06): Image › Stacks › Z Project in ImageJ: what Max Intensity, Average, Sum Slices, SD, Min and Median give, when Sum beats Max, and how to check depth.
- [How to measure fluorescence intensity in ImageJ (Mean, IntDen, RawIntDen and CTCF)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/measure-fluorescence-intensity-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/measure-fluorescence-intensity-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure fluorescence in ImageJ: Mean, IntDen and RawIntDen explained, CTCF = IntDen − Area × background worked through, and the 8-bit and saturation traps.
- [Merge, split and overlay channels in ImageJ (and make a composite figure)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/merge-channels-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/merge-channels-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Merge channels in ImageJ with Image › Color › Merge Channels, split them with Split Channels, overlay with Add Image, and build a colour-blind-safe figure.
- [Image integrity: what you may and may not do to microscopy and blot images](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/microscopy-image-integrity) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/microscopy-image-integrity.md), updated 2026-11-06): What journals allow when you adjust microscopy and blot images: linear whole-image changes, gamma disclosed, no cloning or selective edits, in ImageJ.
- [Nanoparticle size distribution from TEM images in ImageJ (step by step)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/nanoparticle-size-distribution-tem) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/nanoparticle-size-distribution-tem.md), updated 2026-11-06): Nanoparticle size from TEM in ImageJ: scale, threshold, watershed, Analyze Particles with Feret, then the size histogram and mean ± SD, worked through.
- [Nanorod and nanowire length, width and aspect ratio from SEM images in ImageJ](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/nanowire-length-aspect-ratio-sem) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/nanowire-length-aspect-ratio-sem.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure nanorod and nanowire length, width and aspect ratio from SEM images in ImageJ: Feret, MinFeret, fit ellipse, edge rods, and why not to watershed.
- [Neurite length and branching in ImageJ: Skeletonize and Analyze Skeleton](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/neurite-length-skeleton-analysis) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/neurite-length-skeleton-analysis.md), updated 2026-11-06): Neurite length and branching in ImageJ: threshold, Process › Binary › Skeletonize, then Analyze Skeleton (Fiji) or a macro. Why diagonal steps matter.
- [Nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio in ImageJ: quantify NF-κB, YAP or TFEB translocation](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/nuclear-cytoplasmic-ratio) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/nuclear-cytoplasmic-ratio.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio in ImageJ step by step: nuclei from DAPI, a cytoplasm ring with Enlarge and Make Band, and an N/C table per cell.
- [How to open .czi, .nd2, .lif and other microscope files in ImageJ (Bio-Formats)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/open-czi-nd2-files-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/open-czi-nd2-files-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Open Zeiss .czi, Nikon .nd2 and Leica .lif files in ImageJ with Bio-Formats (built into Fiji), keep the pixel size, and fix "Unsupported format".
- [Open DICOM files in ImageJ (and a series as a stack)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/open-dicom-imagej) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/open-dicom-imagej.md), updated 2026-11-06): Open DICOM files in ImageJ with File › Open, a whole series as a stack with Import › Image Sequence, read the tags, measure HU, and open compressed DICOM.
- [Particle tracking in ImageJ (TrackMate) and MSD: a practical guide](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/particle-tracking-msd) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/particle-tracking-msd.md), updated 2026-11-06): Track particles in ImageJ with TrackMate (Fiji) or Find Maxima, then get the diffusion coefficient from the MSD: MSD = 4Dt in 2D, with a worked example.
- [Porosity and pore size from SEM images in ImageJ (AAO, membranes, coatings)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/porosity-pore-size-sem-image) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/porosity-pore-size-sem-image.md), updated 2026-11-06): Porosity and pore size from an SEM image in ImageJ: threshold the pores, read %Area as porosity, then Analyze Particles for pore areas and diameters.
- [Use ImageJ from Python with PyImageJ (a gentle start)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/pyimagej-python) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/pyimagej-python.md), updated 2026-11-06): Install PyImageJ, start ImageJ from Python with imagej.init, run your ImageJ macro, and get the image as NumPy and the Results table as pandas.
- [Rolling-ball background subtraction in ImageJ: how to choose the radius](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/rolling-ball-background-subtraction) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/rolling-ball-background-subtraction.md), updated 2026-11-06): Subtract background in ImageJ: Process › Subtract Background, a rolling ball radius at least the largest object's, Light background off for fluorescence.
- [Wound healing (scratch) assay analysis in ImageJ: % closure step by step](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/scratch-wound-healing-assay-analysis) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/scratch-wound-healing-assay-analysis.md), updated 2026-11-06): Measure a scratch wound in ImageJ: variance filter, threshold and Analyze Particles per frame, then % closure and closure rate, with a worked example.
- [Sholl analysis in ImageJ/Fiji and online (step by step)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/sholl-analysis) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/sholl-analysis.md), updated 2026-11-06): Sholl analysis step by step: circles around the cell body, crossings per radius, the Sholl plot, critical radius and ramification index, in Fiji (SNT) or with an ImageJ macro.
- [Tube formation assay quantification in ImageJ (and the Angiogenesis Analyzer)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/tube-formation-assay-quantification) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/tube-formation-assay-quantification.md), updated 2026-11-06): Quantify a tube formation assay in ImageJ step by step: total tube length, junctions, segments and meshes, plus the Angiogenesis Analyzer and AngioTool.
- [Watershed in ImageJ: separate touching particles (and when not to)](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/watershed-touching-particles) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/watershed-touching-particles.md), updated 2026-11-06): Split touching nuclei and nanoparticles with Process › Binary › Watershed in ImageJ, with before and after counts, and why it cuts nanorods to pieces.
- [Crystal structure and 2D-material figures: VESTA, Mercury, CrystalMaker, Avogadro, OVITO and LabCanvas compared](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/crystal-structure-visualization-software) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/crystal-structure-visualization-software.md), updated 2026-11-08): Which tool for crystal structure and 2D-material figures? VESTA, CrystalMaker, Mercury, Avogadro, Jmol, OVITO, the Materials Project viewer and LabCanvas compared: licence, platforms, file formats, rendering and how to cite each.
- [Free tools for scientific figures in 2026: BioRender, Inkscape, Affinity, Canva, PowerPoint and more](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/free-tools-scientific-figures) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/free-tools-scientific-figures.md), updated 2026-11-08): An honest comparison of tools for scientific figures: BioRender, Mind the Graph, Inkscape, Affinity, Canva, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator and LabCanvas. What each free plan includes, publication rights, file formats and who each one suits.
- [Journal figure size guide: column widths, DPI and fonts for 38 journals](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/journal-figure-size-guide) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/journal-figure-size-guide.md), updated 2026-11-08): Figure requirements for 38 journals in one table: single, 1.5 and double column widths in mm, maximum height, DPI for photos and line art, fonts and file types, each linked to the journal’s author guidelines.
- [A free GraphPad Prism alternative: graphs and statistics in your browser](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/graphpad-prism-alternative) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/graphpad-prism-alternative.md), updated 2026-11-08): Looking for a free GraphPad Prism alternative? What LabCanvas Graphs does (data tables, t tests, ANOVA, curve fits, survival, cluster analysis, 70 graph types checked against SciPy), what it does not, and when Prism is still the better choice.
- [The LabCanvas Figure editor: vector scientific illustration in your browser](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/figure-editor-scientific-illustration) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/figure-editor-scientific-illustration.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to make journal figures and graphical abstracts in the LabCanvas Figure editor: vector tools, 700+ adjustable science objects, lab glassware that connects, LaTeX equations, and export at the width and DPI your journal asks for.
- [LabCanvas Slides: scientific presentations built from editable figures](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/slides-scientific-presentations) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/slides-scientific-presentations.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to build lab meetings, conference talks and lectures in LabCanvas Slides: a slide strip, layouts and themes, transitions and motion paths, speaker notes, full-screen presenting and a vector PDF of the deck.
- [LabCanvas Research Poster: conference posters that arrange themselves](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/research-poster-maker) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/research-poster-maker.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to make an A0, A1 or 48 × 36 in research poster in LabCanvas Research Poster: blocks that stack in columns and re-flow their text, themes and block styles, QR codes, and a print-ready vector PDF.
- [MolDraw online: free chemical structure drawing in your browser](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/moldraw-chemical-structure-drawing) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/moldraw-chemical-structure-drawing.md), updated 2026-11-08): Draw molecules and reaction schemes online, free, with nothing to install. LabCanvas MolDraw: atoms, bonds, rings and charges, reaction arrows, structures from PubChem, SMILES, a 3D view of the same molecule, and placing structures in figures.
- [The LabCanvas 3D Studio: adjustable 3D models of cells, nanomaterials and devices](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/3d-studio-scientific-3d-models) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/3d-studio-scientific-3d-models.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to make 3D scientific renders in the LabCanvas 3D Studio: adjustable models of cells, viruses, nanoparticles, 2D materials, MOFs and devices, molecules from PubChem, proteins from the PDB, crystals from CIF files, and renders placed in figures.
- [The LabCanvas Protein viewer: PDB structures styled for figures](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/protein-viewer-pdb-structures) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/protein-viewer-pdb-structures.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to show a protein structure in the LabCanvas Protein viewer: load any PDB ID or your own PDB and mmCIF file, choose cartoon, surface or ball-and-stick, colour by chain or secondary structure, select residues on the sequence and snapshot a transparent PNG for your figure.
- [LabCanvas Graphs & statistics: 70 scientific graph types with checked statistics](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/graphs-statistics-scientific-plots) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/graphs-statistics-scientific-plots.md), updated 2026-11-08): A visual guide to LabCanvas Graphs & statistics: Prism-style data tables, 70 graph types from scatter dot plots to Kaplan–Meier, volcano and PAE plots, t tests, ANOVA, curve fits and survival tests checked against SciPy, and graphs that stay linked to their figure.
- [LabCanvas Optics: draw optical setups with the beam path simulated live](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/optics-optical-setup-simulator) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/optics-optical-setup-simulator.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to build optical setup diagrams in LabCanvas Optics: lasers, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, gratings and detectors on a breadboard, rays and beams traced as you move parts, interference, ready-made setups and clean schematics for figures.
- [The LabCanvas Pixel editor: edit micrographs and photos inside your figure](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/pixel-editor-microscopy-images) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/pixel-editor-microscopy-images.md), updated 2026-11-08): How to adjust microscopy images and photos in the LabCanvas Pixel editor: crop, levels, curves and exposure, false-colour lookup tables, healing and clone stamp, selections and masks, with an edit log for your methods section.
- [What is LabCanvas? One workspace for scientific illustration, data and presentation](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/what-is-labcanvas) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/what-is-labcanvas.md), updated 2026-11-08): A guide to LabCanvas: ten connected apps for figures, molecules, 3D crystals, graphs, slides and posters, the workflows between them, ready-made templates, and why one editable canvas makes scientific illustration faster to learn and easier to change.
- [A BioRender alternative for scientific figures: what LabCanvas does differently](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/biorender-alternative) ([Markdown](https://www.labcanvas.com/blog/biorender-alternative.md), updated 2026-11-08): Looking for a BioRender alternative? An honest comparison with LabCanvas: adjustable objects, vector tools, 3D and graphs, and when BioRender fits better.