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Finding & Using Images

Recommendation on where to find images for projects and how to cite them in MLA.

Citing Images in a Presentation

In APA, all types of graphical displays besides tables are considered figures. The standards for good figures include simplicity, clarity, continuity, and informational value.

Figure Components

  • Number: The figure number (e.g. Figure 1) appears above the figure in bold. Each number would be unique and progress.
  • Title: The figure title appears one double-spaced line below the figure number in italic title case (e.g. Anatomy of a Dolphin (Delphinidae))
  • Image: The image portion of the figure would be the chart, graph, photograph, drawing, or other illustration itself.
  • Legend: A figure legend, or key, if present should be positioned with the border of the figure and explain any symbols in the figure.
  • Note: Add Note. if needed under the image. There are three types of notes: general, specific, and probability. These will appear below the figure to describe the contents of the image if information needs to be explained (e.g. units of measurement, definitions of abbreviations, citation and copyright attributions, etc.) that cannot be understood from the title, image, and legend. Not all figures will have notes. If you list the citation information, list From then the citation information. You will also need to include a copyright statement. See examples.

Still list citations on the reference page for images.

Examples

​Example 1: If you used the image "as is" from the orginal source.

Figure 1

Correct Positioning in a Massage Chair

chair massage

Note: From Cuttingham, A. (2016). Make your own magic. Massage & Bodywork, 31(6), 23-28. Copyright 2016 by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Example 2 If you made some changes to the image from the original source use Adapted in front of the source information,

Figure 2

Anatomy of a Dolphin

Note. Red boxes are around organs related to a dolphin's breathing. Adapted from American Oceans. (2024). Understanding dolphin anatomy. https://www.americanoceans.org/facts/dolphin-anatomy/. Copyright 2024 American Oceans.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

References

American Oceans. (2024). Understanding dolphin anatomy. https://www.americanoceans.org/facts/dolphin-anatomy/

Cuttingham, A. (2016). Make your own magic. Massage & Bodywork, 31(6), 23-28.

Subjects: Research Tips