Citing Visual Elements
Q:
Should I cite the images in my paper or PowerPoint?
A:
Whether it is an image or graph or chart or any other visual
element, and whether you are using Word or PowerPoint or any
(Untitled photograph of woman with papers)
other means of sharing information, if you did not create the
element yourself without assistance or information from an outside source, you must cite it with as
much source information as possible. The only exception is when using visual elements such as clip art
provided by the program in which you are using them. You don’t need to cite clipart.
When importing visuals from the Internet, use the templates and models below for parenthetical
citations to place below the visual elements and full citations to include in your References. Your intext parenthetical citations may be in a small, unobtrusive font in a light color so they are not
distracting, but they must be visible to your audience. Note how I cited the picture above.
Providing in-text parenthetical citations meets the minimal APA requirements. Providing captions for
images is a little more challenging, but captions will more properly integrate images with your writing.
Basic Format for an Electronic Image
In-text citation:
(Author, Year)
(Kulbis, 2006)
References page citation:
Author (Role of Author). (Year image was created). Title of work [Type of work]. Retrieved from URL
Kulbis, M. (Photographer). (2006). Men pray [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://accuweather.ap.org/cgibin/aplaunch.pl
Basic Format for an Electronic Image (No Author)
In-text citation:
(“Title of work,” Year)
(“Japanese Geisha,” 2006)
References page citation:
Title of work [Type of work]. (Year image was created). Retrieved from URL
Japanese Geisha [Photograph]. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.bergoiata.org/fe/divers28/10.htm
Basic Format for an Electronic Image (No Author, No Title, No Date)
Many images found on the Web are of this category, but you should still look for this missing information: try
clicking on the image, and/or looking at the bottom of the image. You can create your own title for the image.
In-text citation:
(Subject and type of work)
(Untitled photograph of woman with papers)
References page citation:
[Subject and type of work]. Retrieved from URL
[Untitled photograph of woman with papers]. Retrieved from
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/03/good.leader.traits.cb/
Some sources can be hard to cite. The key is to provide as much info as needed for your reader to be able to
identify and locate the piece you are using.
Captions
Graphic elements in essays should be labeled with a brief caption under the image that tells
1. the type of content (Figure, Table)
2. the title of the element or a brief description of the content as it relates to the essay
3. source information (the parenthetical information described above)
The image on page 1 of this guide could have the following caption:
Figure 1: Documents shared at professional meetings must properly cite source
content (Source: Untitled photograph of woman with papers)
Figure 1: Documents shared at professional meetings must properly
cite source content (Source: Untiled photograph of woman with
papers)
FAQs:
What about images used in print sources?
 If the source is online, you may be able to right-click and get a URL for the image itself. You will also see
“properties,” which may give year, title, etc.
 If you have a print source or have no info on the image itself, just cite the source that uses the image.
What about images in sources that are cited as coming from another source?
 Cite the source you are looking at. This is the source you are using and where your reader can find
what you see.
More guidance:



DeVry Addison “green sheets” APA Guide to Citing Sources (http://www.add.devry.edu/PDFs/APA_Style.pdf )
DeVry APA handbook (at bottom of course syllabus)
Purdue OWL – search for: Purdue OWL APA cite images (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/20/)
The information in this document is adapted from:
APA citation style guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.landmark.edu/library/citation-guides/landmark-college-citation-guides/apa-citation-style-guide/
See also:
http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/apacitingtables.htm
http://libguides.scu.edu.au/content.php?pid=161580&sid=1604798
http://libguides.unitec.ac.nz/content.php?pid=58156&sid=3092651
http://libguides.norquest.ca/apa6/figures
Not APA but useful: https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/search-attribute-open-source-images?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=33408472&_hsenc=p2ANqtz_rHJ0tZkNvLHmVv1Q0FagSwGQJG7MpuSGugtNKyR0Kapi01wxZqFbYg-BWwb4IV_-51fUNu_PzyKXvA0Qd7tbiHoz-yg&_hsmi=33408472