Finding and Using Images: Citing Images

Properly citing sources protects against plagiarism.

• Plagiarism is using someone else's work without giving them credit. This is a form of academic dishonesty that is considered a serious offense and is handled under SAIT policies.
• Properly citing a work is essential in an academic community but does not protect against copyright infringement.

The boxes below show examples of how to cite images in APA and IEEE citation styles.  

Figures and images adapted from other sources require a reference list citation according to the type of source being cited, but require a figure number, caption, and copyright attribution in place of the in-text citation. You are still required to include a reference list citation using the example listed at the top of the Images tab of the APA guide.

Begin the caption with the word "Figure" and a number, provide your own caption for the image, and then insert the image below. Follow this with a copyright attribution statement.

Example of In-Text Copyright Attribution:

Figure 1

Proper Desk Setup

Note. Adapted from Making the office safe, by Larry Smith, 2016, Pearson Publishers.

Exceptions to the Copyright Act typically allows you to include images in your course assignments without obtaining prior permission from the copyright holder. Images that are in the public domain or listed as "no attribution required" do not require a copyright attribution. It is good practice to seek out permission to use an image and to consistently attribute images in your work.

These guidelines vary from what is expected in the Business Report Writing Guidelines. Check with your instructor to clarify their expectations for attributing images.