Overview of AAAI Press Formatting Instructions for LaTeX Authors
The document titled "AAAI Press Formatting Instructions for Authors Using LaTeX — A Guide" provides comprehensive guidelines for preparing manuscripts intended for submission to conferences or publications facilitated by AAAI Press. This guide serves as a vital resource for authors to ensure uniformity and adherence to standardized formatting protocols when using LaTeX, which is a widespread document preparation system in academic publishing, particularly in fields like computer science.
Core Formatting Requirements
The paper emphasizes several essential requirements for manuscript preparation:
- Use of AAAI Style Files: Authors must strictly use the provided 2025 AAAI Press LaTeX style files (aaai25.sty) and the corresponding bibliography style files (aaai25.bst). These files ensure that the documents adhere to specific visual and structural standards.
- PDF Compilation: It is imperative that the final output is a PDF compiled using PDFLaTeX, with all fonts embedded, thereby ensuring fidelity across different viewing platforms and devices. Notably, the use of PostScript (.ps) and Encapsulated PostScript (.eps) files for figures is discouraged in favor of .jpg, .png, or .pdf.
- Document Integrity and Readability: The paper specifies constraints on typographic alterations—such as spacing, font sizes, line spacing, and document layout alterations—prohibiting modifications that could disrupt the uniform appearance essential for scholarly publications. Additionally, type 3 fonts, which adversely affect print quality, are not permitted.
- Manuscript Structure: Authors are provided with guidance on document segmentation from introduction to references, emphasizing a two-column format on US letter-size paper, with precise margin and column dimensions. The paper must maintain a consistent 10-point font size in Times Roman or Nimbus.
Submission and Compliance Processes
The document delineates a meticulous checklist for submission to ensure the manuscript is publication-ready:
- File Submission: Authors must submit their LaTeX source file along with a fully compliant PDF, any necessary bibliography (.bib) files, and all pertinent graphics. The guidelines underscore that submissions must be concise and free of unused files.
- Electronic Submission and Naming Convention: Specific protocols are outlined for electronic file submission, including a naming convention based on the surname of the first author to streamline the submission process.
- Copyright Requirements: Submissions must include signed copyright forms, and the appropriate copyright notices must be visibly incorporated in the document.
Prohibited Practices and Common Pitfalls
Authors are cautioned against the use of certain commands, macros, and packages that could disrupt the document's format, as outlined in comprehensive tables within the document. Additionally, the guide identifies common pitfalls in formatting that could lead to rejection or the need for resubmission, such as improper font inclusion, inadequate figure resolution, and undesirable styling adjustments.
Implications and Future Directions
This document is integral for maintaining the quality and cohesion of publications within AAAI Press proceedings, reflecting broader standards in academic publishing that prioritize consistency, accessibility, and readability. As the field of artificial intelligence continues to expand, adherence to such standardized guidelines ensures that scholarly communication remains clear and professional. The emphasis on accessibility, particularly through restrictions on color use, suggests a forward-looking approach considering the needs of a diverse readership, including those with visual impairments.
In the evolving landscape of AI research, the implications of these guidelines permeate not only the format but also the dissemination and impact of academic work. Adopting and adhering to these standards facilitates the engagement of researchers across different domains, contributing to a cohesive and collaborative academic community.