Use visual elements for a specific purpose in your text—to illustrate something, to help prove a point, or to guide readers, for example.

Tell the audience explicitly what the visual demonstrates, especially if it presents complex information. Do not assume readers will “read” the visual the way you do; your commentary on it is important.

Number and title all visuals. Number and label tables and figures separately.

Refer to each visual before it appears.

Follow established conventions for documenting visual sources, and ask permission for use if your work will become available to the public. (18c and e)

Get responses to your visuals in an early draft. If readers can’t follow them or are distracted by them, revise accordingly.

If you crop, brighten, or otherwise alter visuals to include them in your writing, be sure to do so ethically. (9d)