Figures Basics
- Any illustration (chart, graph, photograph, drawing) should be cited as a figure instead of a table.
- Figures should complement the information in the text or to simplify the text.
- Number figures in the order they are mentioned.
- Figures should be large enough to read easily and convey only essential information.
- Guidelines indicate between 8-14 point font with a sans-serif typeface
- 12-pt Courier is often used for figure font
- Be consistent in the formatting and vocabulary of all figures within a document.
- If you abbreviate a word in one figure, you must do it in all figures.
- Also, keep vocabulary and abbreviations consistent between figures and tables.
- Make sure data are plotted accurately and proportioned.
- Place labels close to identified items.
- Axis labels on graphs must be parallel to their axes.
- The word “Figure” and the Figure number should be bolded
- The figure title is in title case and italics.
Figure 1
Response Selections
- When included, Figure notes should begin with the word “Note” in italics, followed by a period and space. The note is placed below the figure.
Note: For both tables and figures, put them as close to where they are first mentioned as possible without interrupting the text. Usually, a table or figure will appear after the paragraph in which they are first mentioned.
