The Use of Graphics and Imaging software in Professional Writing by Adam Glick

In professional writing, one uses many different forms of images to express their ideas or thoughts.   In most cases, a graphic will be used when words alone cannot explain the writers point. Some examples would be a graph, drawing, photograph, chart or maps.  All of these graphics allow the reader to comprehend data quickly, making their decisions faster as well. The fact that readers make faster decisions may help your document look more persuasive. 

However, not every aspect of writing can use the same type of graphic.

• To show objects and spatial relationships, one would use a drawing or a photograph.
  

• To show geographic information, one would use a map.
  

• To show numerical information, one would use a bar, line, picture, or pie graph.
  

• To show steps in a process or relationships in a system, one would use a flowchart or schematic.
  

• To show relationships in Hierarchy, one would use organization charts.
  

• To show supplement or replace words, one would use symbols or icons.
  

Tips for using graphics:

• Keep your graphics simple
• Use the least amount of words as possible
• Make sure the graphic has explanation close by

Imaging Software

There is a lot of different software on the market that allows the writer to edit their photos or designs in hopes of getting their message across more clearly.  Also, if a writer cannot find an image that best represents the message they are trying to get across, they can start from scratch and make their own.  The possibilities with imaging software are only limited to the writers imagination.

An example of such software would be photoshop.