Diagrams and figures can be helpful in print documents. It is important to avoid presenting too many ideas in a single diagram or figure. The user needs to interpret the information in an illustration easily and quickly. If your illustration is overly complex or cluttered, the reader cannot use it.

Test your diagrams and figures before including them in a document. Typically, a figure or diagram elaborates on and communicates information in the text more effectively. It does not duplicate it.

You can use callouts to communicate essential ideas in a diagram or figure. Be careful not to clutter the presentation. If the reader has to ask even one question about a diagram or figure, you probably need to redesign it. You may need to break up a diagram or figure into several smaller components.

Always choose a style of presentation that is appropriate for the type of information you are communicating and the audience. For example, use links in online Help rather than print documents.