Cite Images

When using images from outside in your work, you should always credit the source of these materials.  For websites and social media posts, these citations are often very simple: you simply link to the original source with a URL hyperlink, maybe mention the author and title of the image, and you're done.

For a research paper, the requires are more precise.  Here's an overview of what to do.

Step 1: Place Your Image

The image needs to be located near the section of your paper that references it.  Depending on your word processing program, it may be difficult to position a figure in a precise location.  To avoid confusion, select the Break Text option for your image and center it.  There should be no text to the right or left of your image.

Step 2: Write the Caption

In MLA, your first caption will start with "Fig. 1:" for almost all visual elements.  The two exceptions are "Table 1:" for tables and "Ex. 1:" for sheet music.  With each new figure, table, or musical score, increase the number.

Here, you capitalize "Fig." or "Figure," but not in the text reference.

Step 3: Reference the Figure

Be sure to reference the figure in your text.  This is to tell your reader when to pay attention to the image, and you should also explain how the image relates to your points about the topic.

Step 4: Write the Complete Citation

If you provide enough information in the caption, you don't need to provide additional information in the Works Cited page.

Information to include (as applicable) would be the artist's name, title of work, date of production, and URL.  You may also provide the media or other relevant notes.