What counts as a figure
In APA style, any visual that is not a table is a figure. That includes:
- Graphs and charts (bar, line, scatterplot)
- Conceptual or theoretical framework diagrams
- Flowcharts, such as a participant flow or research process
- Photographs, maps, drawings, and screenshots
What each entry contains
- Figure number: Figure 1, Figure 2, in order of appearance.
- Figure title: exactly as it appears above the figure in the text (APA 7 places the number and title above the figure).
- Page number: the page where the figure appears, right-aligned with dot leaders.
Example layout
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study ...................... 12
Figure 2. Participant Recruitment and Selection Flow ............. 49
Figure 3. Mean Scores by Group Over Time ......................... 70
Figure formatting rules to check
| Element | APA 7 rule |
|---|---|
| Number | Bold, above the figure: Figure 1 |
| Title | One double-spaced line below the number, in italic title case |
| Image | Readable when printed; labels and legends large enough to read |
| Note | Below the figure, starting with Note., for explanations, abbreviations, and copyright attribution |
| Permission | Reprinted or adapted figures need a copyright note and, if required, permission |
Generate it automatically in Word
- Insert each figure caption with References > Insert Caption, label "Figure".
- On the List of Figures page, choose References > Insert Table of Figures, caption label Figure.
- Update the list after every revision so numbers and pages stay correct.
Common mistakes
- Figures copied from sources without a copyright note.
- Low-resolution images that blur when printed or converted to PDF.
- Figures that repeat the same data already shown in a table.
- Figure titles that differ between the list and the text.
Formats differ by university, program, and field. Your graduate school's thesis and dissertation manual and your committee always take priority over any general guide, including this one.
Frequently asked questions
Is a conceptual framework diagram a figure?
Yes. Number it, give it a title, list it in the List of Figures, and refer to it in the text.
Do I need permission to use a figure from another study?
You must always credit it in a copyright note. Published dissertations may also need written permission from the copyright holder, depending on the figure and your school's rules.
What if I only have one figure?
Most schools still require a List of Figures. A few allow you to skip it for a single figure; check your manual.