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ACS Style Guide

Tables and Figures

RULES:

  • Figures must be "called out" (discussed) in the text.
  • Every figure must have a caption.
  • Number figures sequentially using Arabic numerals in order of discussion in the document and parts of a figure are typically indicated with a number and letter (Figure 4a).
  • Captions include figure number and a brief, informative description preferably in non-sentence format.
  • If adapting or using part of a figure/table, permission must be acquired and include a credit line in your caption.
  • Figure titles should always go below figures, and table titles should always go above tables.
Your professor may have different citing expectations than library staff. Always check at the beginning of term and before starting assignments that the citing rules you are using are appropriate for your class.