FIGURES, GRAPHS, AND TABLES

• Scientific readers don't always read every sentence. Make the information stand out for those who wish to skim the document.



• If you can place important results in an illustration, do so.



• If possible, place the figure on the same page as the text reference to it.



• A figure should have a descriptive caption below it or to the side.



• If a large figure has to be placed sideways on a page, the top of the figure should be on the left (binding side).



• A graph is a type of figure and should have a caption below it. Additionally, graphs should have a title and labels on the axes.



• Data points are represented with small circles to show discrete points. Graphs of equations are smooth curves. Never show discrete points.



• Tables should have a number and a title, which goes above the table.