Five Rules for Integrating Visual Elements into your Document
- Give each visual a numbered caption that includes a clear descriptive title
- Refer to the caption number within the body text and discuss its content
- Label all units (x and y axes, legends, column box heads, parts of diagrams, etc)
- Provide the source of the data and/or visual image if you did not create it yourself
- Avoid distorting the data or image.
If copying and pasting an image, make sure all elements are clear and the print size is readable. A visual that has been shrunk down to an unreadable size does not help the reader understand your ideas. Whenever possible, try to orient the visual image in the same direction as the body text.