Pattern
Figure captions
Treat captions as part of the explanation, not as legal fine print.
When to use
- When an image, chart, or diagram needs interpretation
- When the main text refers to the figure directly
- When context would be lost without a caption
Avoid when
- When the image is purely decorative
- When the caption restates obvious visible facts only
Implementation notes
- Use smaller type but keep contrast and line-height comfortable
- Maintain tighter attachment to the figure than to surrounding prose
- Let captions wrap narrower than the image where helpful
Recommended surface: base