Visuals like tables and figures (e.g. maps, graphs, charts, photos) can help the reader understand your ideas more fully. Make sure you correctly format and integrate your visuals into your writing.
Numbers
Number tables and figures sequentially, but separately (e.g. Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2)
Captions
Include a concise caption that clearly indicates what the table or figure illustrates.
- Table captions usually go above the table because we read tables from top to bottom.
- Figure captions can go above or below the figure depending on the discipline.
Cross-references
Refer to the table or figure in your writing, mentioning its number. For example, "Table 1 illustrates…" or …(see Figure 1).
Positioning
Position the table or figure close to where it is first mentioned in the text. Supplemental material (e.g. raw data or a copy of a questionnaire) can go in an appendix.
Interpretation
Point out key data or trends in your written text. Interpret the information for your reader as a figure or table doesn’t speak for itself.
Citations
Cite the sources of tables or figures you did not create yourself.