Visuals can convey information concisely and powerfully. Charts, graphs, and tables can simplify complex numerical data. Images—including photographs and diagrams—often express an idea more vividly than words can.
Your visuals and text should work together to achieve your purpose and meet your readers’ needs.
Visuals can support your text in these ways:
Visuals should support, not overshadow, the content of your document. Too many visuals without explanations might make your document difficult to understand. Try to strike a balance between the number and size of your visuals and the related text.
With access to the Internet, digital photography, and graphics software, you can download or create your own visuals to enhance your document.
If you download a visual, you must credit your source as you would for any print or web source.
Related topics:
Choosing appropriate visuals
Placing and labeling visuals
Types of visuals to suit your purpose
Using visuals responsibly