On this page, you will find instructions on how to insert figure descriptions, update the list of figures and create a new list of figures.

In most academic texts, figures are used to illustrate and visualise, for example, data, work processes or models. Figures refer to diagrams, photos, sketches and other images.

If you have many figures, it may be appropriate to have a list of figures of these at the beginning of the paper. Having a list of figures is not mandatory, and if you have three or fewer figures in the text, it may be good to consider whether the reader will benefit from the list of figures at all. In order for the list to be generated automatically, you need to insert figure descriptions.

If you use others' figures, it is important that you ensure that you have permission from the creator. You can read more about what applies on the library webpage:

About copyright

How to insert a figure description

When inserting a figure you should also make a figure description with numbering. It makes it easier for the reader and it becomes clear what the figure describes and from where you have downloaded it (reference).

The figure description is usually below the figure. Follow these instructions to insert a figure description. Word will automatically adjust the numbering of the figures when you add or remove figures in your text.

Click on the tab References in the menu bar
Click on Insert caption
Choose Figure under Label
Under Caption you can describe your table (do not forget the period after the figure number). Done!

If you have not made the figure yourself, the description must also contain reference information. Read more about how to cite figures on the library website:

How to cite pictures, figures, tables and maps.

Film: How to insert a figure description (02:28)
Written version of the film (.docx)

How to update the list of figures

If you have many figures, it may be appropriate to have a list of figures. Having a list of figures is not mandatory, and if you have three or fewer figures in the text, it may be good to consider whether the reader will get important help from the list. In the SLU library's templates, there is a list of figures inserted that you can use by updating it. You can do it easily by following these steps:

- Place your cursor in the list of tables
- Right-click and choose Update Field

The list of figures should now be updated and show the figure descriptions that you have entered in your document.

Create a new list of figures

If you need to create a new list of figures you can follow these instructions.

Windows:

Go to the tab References on the menu bar and click on Insert Table of Figures.
Under General you will find Caption label, choose Figure in the drop-down menu. When you press OK, the list of tables is created automatically.

Mac:

Go to the tab References on the menu bar and click on Insert Table of Figures in the Captions group
Under the Caption label box choose Figure in the drop-down menu and press OK. The list of tables is now created automatically.