How can I ensure that my article complies with the format requirements of the journal?

Ensuring format compliance requires thorough adherence to the journal's specific author guidelines and templates. This process is entirely feasible through diligent, systematic verification. Authors must meticulously consult and adhere to the journal's official author guidelines, covering all stipulated elements: word counts, section structure, reference style (e.g., APA, Vancouver), figure/table formatting, citation rules, and manuscript file types. Utilizing journal-provided templates, if available, significantly minimizes formatting errors. Pay particular attention to niche requirements such as supplementary materials, ethics statements, or structured abstracts. Version control is crucial to avoid discrepancies between manuscript files. Achieve compliance by first downloading the journal's current guidelines and template. Carefully format the manuscript within the template, ensuring consistency in fonts, spacing, headings, and numbering. Use automated bibliography software correctly configured to the required citation style. Systematically cross-check each guideline point against the manuscript draft, focusing on critical elements like abstract structure, keyword count, and reference list format. Final verification should include generating and reviewing a PDF proof before submission. This thorough process safeguards against desk rejection and expedites peer review.