Using Graphics - When and How

When

Use graphics instead of text when they easily and effectively convey information.
Example: A floor plan is more efficient for describing the structure of a building than a text description.
Use graphics when they need less space than equivalent textual information.
Example: The description of a procedure may be much longer than an equivalent diagram.
Use graphics for decoration or fun, but only if it is appropriate for an application. Do not decorate applications just because you think it looks nice.

Align graphics so that their main contents points towards the text, not away from it.
Crop graphics to the relevant section; make them as small as possible and avoid irrelevant and distracting elements.
Example: Do not show a US map, if you want to illustrate data in Michigan - use a Michigan map instead.
Use high quality graphics.
Example: Do not draw graphics by yourself, involve graphic designers.
Care for the corrects format of the graphics.
Example: Use JPEG for photos, images with many colors and gradations; use GIF for diagrams, images with straight lines and images with less than 256 colors. Typically screen dumps work better in GIF format.

For more information see Use of Images!