USING GRAPHICS

Graphics (often called 'figures' in reports) make technical information clearer by presenting it visually. Some simple guidelines will help you to make the most of the power to create graphics which computers now give to writers.

Keep your graphics simple. They should illustrate only one idea - and the reader should be able to understand that idea immediately.

Use very few words in graphics: title, labels, scales, numbers and essential information. Don't be tempted to add arrows or comments within the graphic.

Place a graphic on the page where you refer to it. Make the point that you want the picture to illustrate; present the picture; add any discussion as appropriate.