Directionals
View examples of correctly used directionals. (PDF)
Every photo, illustration, chart, or graph must have a reference on the page (either through a caption, directional in text, or both). Directionals may be placed at the beginning of a caption or internally, but treatment should be consistent throughout the same issue.
Internal directionals
should be placed
as close as possible
to the noun they
are emphasizing.
Always use commas
to set off internal
directionals.
The comma following
the directional
should be in the
same typeface as
the directional.
WRONG: The
blooming roses create
refreshing fragrances,
left, near
the patio.
RIGHT:
The blooming roses,
left, create
refreshing fragrances
near the patio.
No directionals
are necessary when:
• A caption is graphically linked to the photo it references.
• A caption uses an arrow or another similar character that indicates the appropriate photo.
Set off internal
directionals for
individual photos
and graphics in
a typeface opposite
that of accompanying
text (for instance,
italic type within
roman copy). Do
not use opposite
typeface for directionals
to other elements,
such as body copy,
sidebars, photo
collages, or entire
stories or packages.
The porch, left,
features ample
seating.
Trace the patterns
on pages 57 and
59.
See the Buying Guide
on page 112.
Do not use opposite
typeface for spatial
references in copy.
There
is ample storage
below the sink.
Do not use opposite
typeface for spatial
references within
a photograph.
The
living room table
left of the window,
top right, accommodates
eight.
Opposite, right, left, or WHAT?
If a photo jumps the gutter, do not use opposite. If the entire photo
is on the opposite page, use opposite.
Multiword directionals
Use two-word directionals this way: top right and bottom left. One element of three-word directionals should be set off with a comma: opposite, top right.
Three or more photos
Use middle instead of center.
Overprinted captions
Use this photo when a caption is printed over a photo. If that is the only caption on the photo, a directional is not necessary, although it is recommended if other captions are present on that spread. An overprinted caption on a spread-bleed photo never needs a directional.
Captions, SR6.1
Directionals, SR6.2
Back to Stylebook Table of Contents
