Referencing Images Quick Guide (Harvard)
Following the 3 steps below will help you to reference images accurately using Harvard style:
Step 1. When including images in your work, the first step is to consider HOW you are using the images you include, for this you need to answer the question:
| Is the image decorative or non-decorative? |
The following table will help you determine this:
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Decorative |
Non-decorative |
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Purpose |
Decorative images are primarily used to enhance the visual appeal of the work. They do not add substantive content or information. |
Non-decorative images convey information, illustrate concepts, provide examples, or support the ideas included in the assignment. They are integral to understanding the content. |
|
Relevance |
They are not essential to the understanding of the content and can be omitted without loss of meaning. |
They are important to the assignment. Removing these images would result in a loss of important information or context. |
|
Type of assignment* |
Commonly used in leaflets, posters, or presentations. NEVER used in written assignments. |
Used in written assignments and any other type of assignment in which the image is used for non-decorative purposes (e.g., convey information, illustrate concepts, provide examples, or support ideas). This could also include presentations and posters. |
|
Format |
No labelling needed (i.e., just citation, including author/creator and year). See example below. |
They always need to be appropriately labelled including figure number (Figure 1, Figure 2…) and image title. See example below. |
*You might also want to check your assignment guidelines and/or ask your lecturer what is expected from the specific assignment.
Step 2. Determine what is the source of the image. For this you will have to answer the question:
| Where did I take the image from? (e.g., website, journal article, book, online database, etc.) |
Step 3. Follow Harvard Cite Them Right guidelines to cite and reference the image depending on the source this has been taken from (Step 2). References for images take the same form as any other source you use, including a citation under the image and a full reference list entry in your reference list.
Example of an image taken from the Internet:
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Decorative |
Non-decorative |
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|
|
|
Citation (in the body of your work). This includes author/creator and year:
(Cranbrook Medical Practice, 2021)
|
Citation (in the body of your work). This includes figure number, title, and citation:
Figure 1. Healthy Meal Plate (Cranbrook Medical Practice, 2021)
|
|
Reference list:
Cranbrook Medical Practice (2021) Healthy Meal Plate. Available at: https://www.cranbrookmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/extra-support/lifestyle/healthy-eating-2/healthy-eating/ (Accessed: 30 May 2024) |
Reference list:
Cranbrook Medical Practice (2021) Healthy Meal Plate. Available at: https://www.cranbrookmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/extra-support/lifestyle/healthy-eating-2/healthy-eating/ (Accessed: 30 May 2024) |
N.B. This example shows an image taken from the Internet, with the reference list entry formatted according to Cite Them Right guidelines. When including images in your assignment, check the appropriate reference list guidance for each type of source, as the format may vary. The citation style used within the body of your work remains consistent regardless of the type of source.
Download this Quick Guide in pdf:
Further Reading
Cite Them Right Online Useful Links
Here are some common types and links to the Cite Them Right online guidance: