37.11 Constructing figures and graphs

Good figures can be hard to produce, but their purpose should always be kept in mind: To display the data in the simplest, clearest possible way. In general, figures:

• Should be discussed (not just simply presented) in the text.
• Should be clear and uncluttered.
• Should typically have captions below.
• Should includes units of measurement (such as kg) where appropriate.
• Should be able to be understood without reference to the paper, as far as possible.
• Should have any colours or different line types explained.
• Should use easy-to-read fonts and colours: Make sure the writing is sufficiently large when the figure is placed in the article.
• Should not include chart junk such as artificial third dimensions (Su 2008).