Figures and Images

To include images, you need the graphicx package: \usepackage{graphicx}.

Supported image formats:

• JPEG (.jpg)
• PNG (.png)
• PDF (.pdf) - (Yes, PDFs can be images!)
• EPS (.eps)

Including an Image (\includegraphics)

The \includegraphics{filename} command inserts an image at the current location. Always specify its size or scaling.

\includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{myimage.png}

• width=0.5\linewidth: Sets the image width to 50% of the text width.
• width=5cm: Sets the width to exactly 5 cm.
• height=2in: Sets the height to exactly 2 inches.
• scale=0.8: Scales the image to 80% of its original size.
• angle=90: Rotates the image 90 degrees.

Floating Figures (figure Environment)

Like tables, figures usually float. LaTeX decides where to place them to optimize page breaks.

\begin{figure}[htbp]
    \centering
    \includegraphics[width=0.8\textwidth]{graph.png}
    \caption{A descriptive caption for the graph.}
    \label{fig:mygraph}
\end{figure}

• \centering: Centers the figure horizontally.
• [htbp]: Placement preference:
• h: Here (at this precise location in the code).
• t: Top of a page (default).
• b: Bottom of a page.
• p: Page of floats (all figures together).
• !: Override internal parameters (force harder).
• \caption: Adds "Figure 1: ..." text.
• \label: Adds an internal reference (e.g., Reference Figure \ref{fig:mygraph}).

Subfigures (subcaption)

To place multiple images side-by-side, use the subcaption package (\usepackage{subcaption}).

\begin{figure}
    \centering
    \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.45\textwidth}
        \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{image1}
        \caption{Image A}
    \end{subfigure}
    \hfill
    \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.45\textwidth}
        \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{image2}
        \caption{Image B}
    \end{subfigure}
    \caption{Two images side-by-side}
\end{figure}

Troubleshooting

• Image not found? Ensure the filename and path are correct. Use relative paths (images/logo.png) or absolute paths.
• Image too big? Use width=\textwidth to constrain it to the page width.
• Figure "floating away"? This is normal behavior. Use \clearpage to force all pending floats to place before continuing.