Writing & StyleStyle guide
Are Figure Titles Italicized?
APA figure formatting gives the figure number and title distinct treatments: the figure number is bold and the title immediately below it is italicized title case. The rule is specific to APA manuscript presentation.
Yes in APA-style manuscripts: write the figure title in italicized title case beneath the bold figure number.
Key details
Core Issuehow an APA-style manuscript formats a figure title
Registeracademic, edited, citation, and style-governed writing
RulePurdue OWL’s current APA guidance places the figure title under the bold figure number and formats the title in italicized title case.
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not treat this as a universal rule for every image caption, chart label, website figure, or publisher template; follow the applicable style system.
Further guidance
Recommendation
For an APA-style figure, put the figure title directly under the figure number and italicize the title in title case.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- APA Tables and Figures (opens in a new tab)Purdue Online Writing Lab, Purdue University · Current Purdue OWL APA guidance for italicized table and figure titles