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IEEE · Elsevier · Springer · 2026

Journal Article Format — structure & journal templates

The IMRaD structure, journal-specific templates, declarations and citations — exactly how to prepare a manuscript for submission.

Updated June 2026·8-min read·By LivoDraft
Quick answer

A journal article is a peer-reviewed research paper prepared to a specific journal's format — its template, citation style, word limits and declarations. It uses the IMRaD structure (Abstract → Introduction → Methods → Results → Discussion → Conclusion) plus a back-matter Declarations block, but must match the target journal's author guidelines (IEEE, Elsevier, Springer, etc.).

Overview

What is a journal article?

A journal article is a research paper prepared for submission to — and peer review by — a specific journal. It reports original work in the IMRaD structure, but every detail (template, citation style, word/figure limits, declarations) must match the target journal's author guidelines.

Distinction

Journal article vs research paper

A research paper is the general document. A journal article is that paper formatted exactly to a target journal — its layout, reference style and declarations. Choosing the journal first means the format is fixed before you write.

Templates

Journal templates

IEEEElsevierSpringer (LNCS/LNEE)ACMWileyMDPI
✓

Each publisher fixes the layout and citation style — IEEE = numbered [1]; Elsevier/Springer often author-year. LivoDraft applies the right format when you pick your target journal.

Structure

The structure

  1. Title, Authors & AbstractAffiliations, keywords, 150–250 word abstract.
  2. IntroductionProblem, related work, contribution.
  3. Methods · Results · DiscussionThe IMRaD core, with tables and figures.
  4. ConclusionContributions and future work.
  5. DeclarationsAuthor contribution, conflict of interest, funding, ethics, data availability, AI-use.
  6. ReferencesIn the journal's required style — all real and verifiable.

Draft a journal-ready manuscript

Pick your target journal — LivoDraft applies the matching format, drafts the IMRaD article, adds declarations, and builds a DOI-verified bibliography in the journal's style.

Draft my article  →See pricing
FAQ

Journal article FAQ

What is a journal article?+
A peer-reviewed research paper prepared to a specific journal's format — template, citation style, word limits and declarations — following IMRaD but matching the journal's author guidelines.
Research paper vs journal article?+
A research paper is the general document; a journal article is that paper formatted exactly for a target journal's template, style and declarations.
IEEE, Elsevier or Springer template?+
Use the one your target journal specifies — its author guidelines define the layout and citation style.