Glossary
Page and colour charges
Page charges bill by length and colour charges by the number of colour figures in print. They predate open access, are levied by some subscription journals, and are not covered by APC waiver policies.
Reviewed 1 August 2026
In practice
Why they still appear
They originated when printing was the main cost. Some society journals retained them, and they can arrive as an unexpected invoice after acceptance.
They are outside waiver policies
Country-based waivers apply to article processing charges. A waived APC does not remove a page or colour charge.
Common misconceptions
A journal advertising no APC may still bill page or colour charges.