Put a caption in Word it is a need that we are all going to experience sooner or later. Although it is not something complicated, it is true that it is not a functionality that we use a lot, so it is normal that you have doubts about it.
Don't worry, we are going to see how it is done and also some tips and tricks so that your captions are perfect. From now on, your reports or your class work will be much more professional.
What is a caption in Word and why is it important?
The caption is a small text that describes what we see in an image or in a table that appears inside the document that we are creating.
It must be a clear, concise and descriptive sentence. Able to provide information in the most synthesized way possible.
If you are wondering about its importance, here are five reasons why you should add a caption to images in a document:
- Improve understanding. It helps the reader understand the meaning of the image, which is especially helpful if the image is complex.
- Provide necessary information. In academic papers and professional documents, the caption allows you to cite the source of the image used. This gives credit to the original creator and avoids potential accusations of plagiarism.
- It makes content more accessible. If a visually impaired person uses a screen reader to access the text, this tool will also read the caption for them. Thus, this reader will better understand the content and will be able to know what the subject of the image inserted in the document is.
- Improve the presentation. The small texts that we place just below the images and graphs help to present the information in a more careful and orderly way.
- It has a visual impact. If we work well with the phrase that appears under an image in a Word document, we can complement the message and generate a greater visual impact on the reader.
How to insert a caption in Word in a few minutes
Put a caption in Word using the context menu
This formula is a bit more complex than the one we will see later, but it can be useful if you are looking for a more professional result.
The step by step is as follows:
- Insert the image or figure into the document. Right click inside it.
- In the drop-down menu, select "insert title".
- A drop-down appears in which you must follow the route "Options – Label". It lets you choose between: illustration, equation or table. If you are working with a photograph, choose the illustration option.
- Just below you will see the option "Position". By clicking on it you can choose to have the text appear above or below the image. By default, in the illustrations the text is placed as a caption, and in the tables it is placed as a title.
- Now place the caption of the photo you want in the section "Qualification".
- You will check that the expression «Illustration 1» that appears in the title box cannot be deleted. This option is very useful if you need the document photos to appear numbered, and for them to be differentiated from other content such as tables or reports. schemes. Otherwise, check the box "Exclude title tag" and only the numbering will remain.
- Click on "To accept" and you have it ready.
Put a caption in Word from the References section
This alternative is a little less professional, but also easier and faster.
- Select the graphic or image to which you want to add the caption.
- In the top menu click on “References” – “Insert title”.
- In the dropdown, click on "Label" and choose the type of graph.
- En "Position" Choose where you want your caption to appear in Word.
- Enter the text and click on "To accept".
Image footer with caption
This is something like curling the loop when it comes to being an expert in editing in Word to create very professional documents.
If you have decided that your text should end with a footer, and that you are going to insert a photo in it, you will like to know that this image can also have its own footer.
Doing so is much easier than it seems. follow the route “Insert – Header or Footer – Blank”. Now click on "Images", choose the one you want, add a text (your caption) and click on "Close header and footer".
Tips for creating good captions
Now that you know how to put a caption in a Word document, it's time to review some tricks to create captions that meet the objectives that we have seen before.
Conciseness
A caption should not be longer than one line. you have to be able to explain the image in a few words. If you go too far, you end up boring the reader and you get the opposite effect to what you wanted.
Clarity
uses a simple language with a consistent tone the one you used in the rest of the document. Remember that your goal is for the reader to understand the content and context of the image.
Relevant information
You're short on space, so don't include data that's too obvious or redundant. Make sure that the information you provide has value.
Attribution
If the image is not yours and it is not free of rights, in your caption in Word you cannot miss the author attribution.
Precision
Check both grammar and spelling from the image caption. This content has to be as well written as the rest of the document.
Trial and error
Writing a clear and concise sentence, which conveys valuable information, can be more complicated than writing a longer text. Because in the caption there is no place for superfluous content.
Your first writing may not be the most appropriate. If so, don't worry, make three or four versions and I'm sure debugging them you can get the perfect caption.
Put a caption in Word it's not complicated once you know the routes to follow, and it can make your documents look much more professional. Tell us in the comments how your experience has gone?