Adding images to your LaTeX documents is crucial for enhancing visual appeal and conveying complex information effectively. This guide provides a step-by-step approach on how to insert pictures, customize their size and positioning, and manage captions and references.
Including Images with the graphicx Package
LaTeX requires the graphicx package to handle images. Include it in your document’s preamble:
usepackage{graphicx}The includegraphics command inserts the image:
includegraphics{image_filename}Replace image_filename with the name of your image file (e.g., my_picture). LaTeX will search for common image formats like PNG, JPG, and PDF. It’s best practice to place your images in a dedicated folder (e.g., “images”) and specify the path:
graphicspath{{./images/}} 
Example of inserting an image
Controlling Image Size and Rotation
Customize the image dimensions using optional parameters within square brackets:
includegraphics[scale=0.5]{image_filename} % Scales the image to 50%
includegraphics[width=5cm, height=3cm]{image_filename} % Sets specific width and height
Example of changing image size
Rotate images using the angle parameter:
includegraphics[angle=90]{image_filename} % Rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise
Example of rotating an image
Positioning Images with the figure Environment
The figure environment allows for floating images, automatically placing them optimally within the document:
begin{figure}[h] % 'h' suggests placing the figure here
centering % Centers the image
includegraphics{image_filename}
caption{This is a caption.}
end{figure}
Example of positioning figures
Other positioning options include ‘t’ (top), ‘b’ (bottom), and ‘p’ (separate page).
Wrapping Text Around Images
The wrapfig package enables text to flow around smaller images:
usepackage{wrapfig}
begin{wrapfigure}{r}{0.25textwidth} % 'r' for right, adjust width as needed
centering
includegraphics[width=0.2textwidth]{image_filename}
caption{Wrapped figure.}
end{wrapfigure}
Example of plot
Adding Captions and Labels
Captions provide descriptions for figures:
caption{This is a detailed caption.}Labels enable cross-referencing:
label{fig:my_figure}Refer to the figure in your text using ref{fig:my_figure}.
Example of figure with label
Conclusion
Mastering image inclusion in LaTeX allows for creating professional and visually engaging documents. By utilizing the graphicx package, figure and wrapfig environments, and effectively using captions and labels, you can seamlessly integrate images into your work. Remember to compile your document twice for cross-references to function correctly.
