How to Cite an Image in APA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 11/01/2024

In APA Style, citing images requires attention to copyright guidelines and attribution requirements. Image citation guidelines vary depending on whether the image requires attribution. In this guide, both scenarios are covered in detail: images that do not require attribution and those that do.

CITING IMAGES REQUIRING ATTRIBUTION

If an image requires attribution, it is crucial to provide a copyright attribution in the figure note and include a full reference list entry. Many images available under Creative Commons licenses fall under this category, especially if they specify “attribution required.” Creative Commons licenses vary, so it’s essential to check each image’s licensing details before use.

KEY CITATION ELEMENTS FOR IMAGES REQUIRING ATTRIBUTION

When creating a reference list entry for an attributed image in APA Style, include these components:

• Author: List the creator’s name or the organization responsible for the image. If no individual author is provided, use the organization as the author (e.g., National Geographic).
• Date: Indicate the year the image was published or created. If the date is unavailable, use “n.d.” (no date).
• Title and Description in Brackets: Provide the image title or, if untitled, a brief description in italics, followed by a description in brackets, such as “[Photograph]” or “[Illustration].”
• Source: Include the name of the website or platform where the image is hosted, followed by the URL.

CITATION EXAMPLE FOR IMAGES REQUIRING ATTRIBUTION

CITING IMAGES WITH NO ATTRIBUTION REQUIREMENT

When an image’s license states “no attribution required,” there is no need to include an APA reference list entry, in-text citation, or copyright attribution. This guideline typically applies to images sourced from platforms like Unsplash, where certain images are marked as freely available for reproduction without attribution.

When using such images in an APA Style paper or presentation, follow these steps:

• Labeling the Image as a Figure: Include a figure number and a title directly above the image. This helps organize the visuals in the document and provides a point of reference for readers.
• Describing the Image (Optional): If desired, a short description of the image can be added in a figure note directly below the image. This is useful for clarifying any context or purpose behind the visual’s inclusion, though it is optional.

Use Sentence Case for Image Titles: In APA Style, titles of images should follow sentence case, where only the first word of the title and any proper nouns are capitalized.  Double-Check License Terms for Accurate Attribution: Some images may have specific attribution requirements beyond standard APA citation details, such as mentioning the exact Creative Commons license type. Ensure to follow any special instructions provided with the image’s license to meet ethical and legal standards. Be Mindful of Copyright and Fair Use Policies: When using images, especially for academic or commercial purposes, be aware of copyright laws and fair use policies. Ensure that the images you select are either in the public domain, have appropriate licenses, or fall within fair use criteria. This consideration protects both the creator’s rights and your own legal standing when using the images in your work. Ensure Consistent Formatting Across Citations: Maintain consistency in formatting all image citations throughout your paper or presentation. This includes using the same font, size, and spacing as other references. Consistency enhances readability and demonstrates attention to detail. Use Consistent Formatting for URLs: Always present URLs in full, without hyperlinks in printed documents, avoid “Retrieved from” for stable sources, use lowercase letters when possible, and break long URLs logically without inserting hyphens or spaces to ensure clarity and professionalism in your reference list.