how to cite figures in chicago

Daniel Parker

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27-01-2025

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Chicago style, also known as the Chicago Manual of Style, offers two main citation systems: author-date and notes-bibliography. Both systems handle figure citations differently, so understanding the nuances is crucial for proper academic writing. This guide explains how to cite figures in both systems.

Author-Date System: Citing Figures

In the author-date system, figure citations are handled primarily within the text itself, rather than in footnotes or endnotes. The figure is referenced directly, with the relevant information included in parentheses.

Basic Format: (Figure 1). This simple format is sufficient for most cases.

More Detailed Citations: For more complex scenarios, you might include additional information:

• Source: If the figure is from another source, you might include the author and year. For example: (Smith 2023, fig. 1).
• Page Number: If the figure appears on a specific page in the source material, include the page number: (Smith 2023, fig. 1, p. 15).
• Specific Part: If referencing a detail within a complex figure, describe it. Example: (Figure 3, panel B).

Placement: Figure citations should appear immediately after the reference to the figure within your text.

List of Figures: Always include a "List of Figures" at the beginning of your paper (after the table of contents, if applicable). This list provides a visual overview and includes figure numbers and titles. Example:

List of Figures:

• Figure 1. Average Temperatures in Chicago
• Figure 2. Population Growth of Chicago

Notes-Bibliography System: Citing Figures

The notes-bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes for citations, including figure citations. Here’s how to do it:

1. In-text reference: Briefly mention the figure in your text. For instance, "As shown in Figure 1,..."
2. Footnote/endnote: Place a superscript number after your in-text reference. In the corresponding footnote or endnote, provide full details about the figure's source, including author, title, publication information, and figure number.

Example Footnote:

1. Source name, Title of Source, (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year), Figure 1.

Example with More Detail:

1. Jane Doe, Chicago's Architectural History, 2nd ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020), fig. 3, p. 115.

List of Figures: The notes-bibliography system also requires a "List of Figures." It serves the same function as in the author-date system.

Creating Effective Figures

Remember that proper citation is only half the battle. You also need to ensure your figures are well-designed and clearly communicate your information:

• Clear labeling: Each figure should have a clear, concise title and labeled axes (if applicable).
• High resolution: Use high-quality images to avoid blurry or pixelated figures.
• Consistent style: Maintain consistency in font sizes, styles, and colors throughout your figures.
• Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of your figures for users with visual impairments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I cite a figure from a website?

A: In both systems, cite the website author (if available), the website title, the URL, and the date of access. For the notes-bibliography system, this information would go in the footnote/endnote. For the author-date, the information would go in parenthesis.

Q: What if the figure doesn't have a figure number?

A: If the original source lacks a figure number, you can create your own for clarity. Note this in the citation if you do so. For example: (Source name, Title of Source, Figure 1, as numbered by author).

Q: Can I use images from the internet without citation?

A: No. Always cite the source of any image you use, regardless of where you found it. Using images without proper attribution is plagiarism and could have serious consequences.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your figures are properly cited and contribute to a well-researched, academically sound paper using Chicago style. Remember to consult the latest edition of The Chicago Manual of Style for the most up-to-date information.