Guide to ACM Manuscript Submission Templates

Submitting research to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) requires adherence to specific formatting standards. These standards ensure consistency, readability, and compatibility across ACMs extensive digital library. Whether you are submitting to a conference or a journal, using the correct template is the first critical step in the publication process.

The Purpose of Standardized Templates

ACM utilizes a standardized manuscript format to maintain a professional appearance and to ensure that metadatasuch as author names, affiliations, and citation datais machine-readable. By using the official templates, authors facilitate the seamless integration of their work into the ACM Digital Library, ensuring proper indexing and discoverability.

Primary Formatting Options: LaTeX and Microsoft Word

ACM provides two primary pathways for manuscript preparation:

• LaTeX: This is the preferred format for most researchers in computer science. ACM provides a class file (acmart) that handles layout, fonts, and bibliography styles automatically. This is widely considered the most efficient way to achieve compliance with ACM's strict requirements.
• Microsoft Word: For those who prefer word processors, ACM offers a structured template. While this template simplifies the process of document creation, authors must be diligent about using the provided styles to ensure that headings, captions, and references align with publication requirements.

Key Components of an ACM Manuscript

Regardless of the software chosen, all ACM submissions must include specific structural elements:

• Title and Author Information: Must follow the specified order and format, including ORCID identifiers where applicable.
• Abstract: A concise summary of the research, typically limited to 150-200 words.
• CCS Concepts: ACM Computing Classification System codes must be included to help categorize the paper within the digital library.
• Keywords: A small selection of terms that describe the primary focus of the research.
• References: ACM mandates the use of specific bibliography styles, often requiring the use of BibTeX for LaTeX users to ensure accurate formatting of citations.

Workflow Tips for Authors

To avoid common pitfalls, consider the following best practices:

• Start Early: Begin drafting your manuscript within the template rather than copying and pasting from an existing document at the final hour. This minimizes the risk of breaking formatting styles.
• Use Overleaf: ACM has partnered with Overleaf to provide a pre-configured environment for LaTeX users. This platform automatically manages the template files, reducing the technical burden on the author.
• Verify Compatibility: If your paper includes complex figures, algorithms, or code blocks, test how they render within the template early in the writing process.

Submission Readiness

Before submitting, perform a final review against the checklist provided in the ACM author guidelines. Ensure that all figures are of high resolution, all equations are correctly typeset, and that the chosen template version matches the requirements of the specific conference or journal to which you are applying. Proper attention to these details will expedite the peer-review process and ensure your work is presented to the highest standard.