How to cite images in PowerPoint in 3 simple steps

1. MLA Style

Step 1: Label the Image with a Number
Label the image using the word “Fig” (short for “Figure”) followed by a number. For the first image in the presentation, the citation begins with “Fig. 1.”
Use bold formatting for both the abbreviation and the number, followed by a period.
Example:
Fig. 1.

Step 2: Include a Title or Description of the Image
If the image has a title, enclose it in quotation marks. If not, provide a brief description of the image.
Follow the title or description with “from:” to lead into the source.
Example:
Fig. 1. A mural of a colorful bird from:

Step 3: Provide the Source with Full Citation
Include the full citation of the source directly in the image caption. While MLA does not mandate including this in the Works Cited section, doing so adds clarity.
If the image is online, you can include the direct URL instead of page numbers.
Example:
“Bird Mural Art,” 15 Feb. 2021, pxhere.com/en/photo/12345. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Step 4: End with Copyright or Creative Commons License Information
Add copyright or license details to the caption.
If you cannot find copyright or license details, do not use the image in your presentation.
If available, include the information and end with a period.
Example:
Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0.

Complete MLA Caption Example
Fig. 1. A mural of a colorful bird from: “Bird Mural Art,” 15 Feb. 2021, pxhere.com/en/photo/12345. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0.

2. APA Style

Step 1: Label the Image with a Number
Write “Figure” followed by a number in italics beneath the image. End with a period.
Example:
Figure 1.

Step 2: Describe the Image in the Caption
Provide a brief description of the image with the first letter capitalized. APA does not require the original title of the image, only a short description.
End the description with a period.
Example:
Figure 1. A group of students studying in a modern library.

Step 3: Provide Source Information
Write “Adapted from,” followed by the title, author, year of publication, and URL.
If the image is a reproduction, ensure you indicate the source.
Example:
Adapted from “Modern Library Spaces,” by John Doe, 2021, retrieved from https://www.unsplash.com/photos/xyz123.

Step 4: End with Copyright or Creative Commons License Information
Include information verifying the image’s usage rights. Use the abbreviated license name if applicable.
Example:
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Complete APA Caption Example
Figure 1. A group of students studying in a modern library. Adapted from “Modern Library Spaces,” by John Doe, 2021, retrieved from https://www.unsplash.com/photos/xyz123. CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

3. Chicago Style

Step 1: Label the Image with a Number
Label the image using the word “Figure,” followed by a number and a period.
Example:
Figure 1.

Step 2: Add an Image Caption
Include the title of the image (if available) or a brief description. Write a sentence connecting the image to the presentation content.
Example:
Figure 1. The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giambattista Tiepolo depicts a contest between Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

Step 3: Provide Full Citation as a Footnote or Bibliographic Entry
List the artist’s name, title, year of creation, dimensions, materials (if applicable), and the source.
If the slide is too long, you can include this information in a separate footnote or in the Bibliography section.
Example:
Giambattista Tiepolo, The Banquet of Cleopatra, 1743-44, oil on canvas, 250.3 x 357.0 cm, accessed 24 May 2018, http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/col/work/4409.

Complete Chicago Caption Example
Figure 1. The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giambattista Tiepolo depicts a contest between Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Giambattista Tiepolo, The Banquet of Cleopatra, 1743-44, oil on canvas, 250.3 x 357.0 cm, accessed 24 May 2018, http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/col/work/4409.