How to take and process digital images for publication

The ability to take and process digital images is important in histopathology, cytopathology and pathology-centric research. In particular publishers demand that digital images are presented in a certain format. Since recording, processing and preparing digital images are often in the hands of the researcher, we should know how to handle digital images and prepare them for publication. This paper outlines the basic principles of digital imaging, what defines image resolution and how to prepare digital images for publication. Common pitfalls in preparing digital illustrations are reviewed together with the ethical constraints around the processing of scientific images.