multifigure

Multifigure is a term used in various disciplines to describe an image, diagram, or illustration that contains multiple figures or panels within a single overall figure. The word is formed from multi- and figure, and its precise meaning depends on the context and the conventions of a given field.

In art and illustration, a multifigure composition may present several figures together in a single scene or plate, often to convey interaction, comparison, or narrative sequence. In museum labels, textbooks, and instructional plates, multifigure layouts help organize related imagery in a compact, coherent format.

In scientific and academic publishing, multifigure commonly refers to a single figure that contains multiple panels (often labeled a, b, c, etc.). Each panel displays related data, images, or schematics under the same caption, allowing direct comparison or complementary presentation of results. In this sense, multifigure is closely related to terms such as multi-panel figure, composite figure, or multiplot.

In data visualization and software workflows, the concept overlaps with workflows for creating multipanel figures, where a user generates several subplots within a single figure canvas. The terminology can vary by journal, publisher, or software, and some guidelines prefer explicit terms like multi-panel or subfigure.

Limitations and usage notes: Multifigure is not universally standardized. When preparing materials for publication or presentation, authors should follow the specific style guide or journal instructions, which may dictate preferred terminology (for example, multi-panel figure or figure with subfigures). The core idea remains a single figure composed of multiple, related visual elements.

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