Images can add clarity to your argument or research. In APA, these are known as APA figures. When creating an APA figure, there are a few rules you need to follow. And, APA format lays those out clearly.
APA Figure Composition
Do you want to add a figure to your APA paper but are worried about composing it right? Figures in APA cover everything from pie charts and flowcharts to photographs and infographics. They work with your text to make your points pop, better than any explanation would.
When it comes to APA figures, the APA style manual has made your life easier. Every component to your figure has a specific place, purpose, and even title. Since images can speak louder than words, see how the label, title, image, legend, and notes all work together in an APA figure example.
Figure Number
APA format has its own style, starting with the figure number. The figure number of your figure always includes the word “Figure” followed by the number (i.e., Figure 1). The figures go in sequential order throughout the paper (i.e., Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, etc.)
APA Figure Title
Directly under the figure number (one double space), you add the title of your figure. Don’t just throw any old title on there. You want your title to be descriptive, concise, and clear. Therefore, the title, “Degrees in Modern Art in the United States,” is better than just, “Modern Art Degrees.” Why? Because it gives the reader precise information about where those art degrees are found and provides more clarity.
Image Set up
Now, it’s time to set up your image. This is the pride and joy of your figure and… the whole purpose. Other than being clear and easy to understand, there aren’t too many requirements per APA. However, if you use text in your image, it should be a readable san serif font between 8-14 points.
Legend for the Image
Images like maps, pie charts, bar charts, and illustrations could require a legend. The legend provides the reader with a clear understanding of what the symbols or colors stand for. For example, green stands for a bachelor’s degree, and blue stands for a master’s degree. Having a legend gives readers clarity about what is being shown and its significance. And any words in your legend should use title case, per APA figure formatting.
APA Figure Note
End your figure with a bang, by providing a clear note. The note lets the reader know the what and why of the figure. The note is classified into three different types.
- General – offer general information about the figure (i.e., citations or abbreviation clarification).
- Specific – set off by superscript numbers and clarify particular elements of the figure.
- Probability – explain any statistical information.
Tips for Creating Figures in APA
Figures provide further explanation or a visual representation of what is being discussed in the paper; therefore, it’s essential to be precise. If your figure is chaotic, then what purpose is it serving? When it comes to accurate figures, keep a few tips in mind.
- From your images to lines to fonts, everything should be crisp and legible.
- Label everything. Label clearly elements of the figure, units of measure, and axes.
- Make sure your title provides only relevant information.
- Ensure your note is on target and specific.
Where to Place APA Figures
APA gives you a few options when it comes to figures. You can include them in your paper when mentioned, or you can add them at the end of the paper. Either option is perfectly acceptable in APA 7. However, if you choose to put them at the end, they are placed after the reference list.
List of Figures APA
In APA 7, a list of figures is not required. However, you can add one for clarity in your paper. It’s similar to a table of contents and includes the titles and location of your figures. An example of a List of Figures looks like:
Chapter 2
2.1 Pie Chart 10
2.2 Bar Graph Statistics 10
Chapter 3
3.1 Three Dimensional Graph 15
3.2 Scatter Plot 17
Creating APA Figures for Your Paper
When it comes to creating an APA figure, it’s all about providing clarity. Therefore, you want to make sure to be clear from your title to your note. And remember to listen to your teacher. If they have different APA formatting rules, listen to them. Now that you’ve mastered creating a figure, it might be worthwhile to check out how to create a table.
FAQ Using APA Figures Correctly
How do you cite figures in APA?
To cite a figure in APA, you use the formatting rules for citing an image. Therefore, you include the creator's name, year, image title, the format of the image, and location.
How do you list figures in APA format?
In APA format, a List of Figures is created like the Table of Contents. Therefore, you provide a quick list of the title of the figure and the page it is located on. Just remember, a List of Figures is optional in APA style.
Where do tables and figures go in APA?
The tables and figures in APA format can go in two different areas of your paper. You can choose to place them in the body near the information they discuss, or on a separate page behind the reference list.
How do you write a list of figures?
Writing a List of Figures is not tricky in APA style. This is because it is similar to the Table of Contents you include. To create a List of Figures, you provide a title and a quick list of all the figures and pages they are located on.
What is APA format table?
A table in APA format is different from a figure. Tables have specific columns, headers, and statistical information they include within them. Therefore, they have their own rules for set up in APA format.