Figures can effectively summarize data, methods, or concepts. These figures include a variety of visual formats, such as graphs, charts, drawings, and photographs. Each type effectively summarizes data, illustrates methodologies, or clarifies complex concepts, making them accessible and understandable for the reader. 

You must provide complete citations for figures and tables in your paper and in your reference list. 

Citation Guidelines:

Figure #

• Appears above the figure, bolded
• The number will reflect if it is the first (1), second (2), third (3), etc. figure in the paper.

Figure Title

• The title appears one double-spaced line below the figure number in italics title face.

Note

• The note appears below the figure and describes what the figure is about and how it relates to the content of the paper. 
• If the image was taken from a source and is not clipart, the note should include a copyright attribution statement.

Citation

• If the figure was taken from source material, a reference for the figures should be included in the reference list.

• Figures must add to the reader’s understanding of the content of the paper; they should not be added just to provide visual interest.  For more information, see section 7.22 of the APA Publication Manual (7th ed.).
• Figures must be used ethically. Copyright laws must be followed; citing a source does not make its use copyright compliant. A good rule of thumb: Use figures from ClipArt, Creative Commons, or the library’s rights-cleared image database, Image Quest.
• You must provide complete citations for figures and tables in your paper and in your reference list. 

Review the following Academic Writer tutorials to learn more about the figures' components and guidelines for referring to them in your paper. 

                      Figure Components opens a new window                                             Figure Guidelines opens a new window