Four Tips for Successfully Using Clip Art
- 1. Don't fall for good looks alone
There is some beautiful and charming clip art around. But, before you add clip art to your document, be sure that it relates to your text and that you're not including it just because it's pretty. The piece of clip art or image should illustrate a point, support the message you're trying to convey and be readily understood by readers. Don't include an image just because you like it, but rather because it serves a specific purpose and enhances the overall look of your document.
- 2. Size Matters
Readers should be able to read and understand your graphics easily. If they are too small or too large, the incorrectly sized image can make your document look messy and may actually detract from its overall effectiveness. An image that is too small will cause readers to struggle to make it out. If the image is too large, it distracts readers from the text and increases the file size of the document. Larger files can be slower to download and more costly to print. Remember, you want to include images that emphasize what you're saying, not take away from the message.
- 3. Numbers Matter, Too
Including too many images can make your document look cluttered and unorganized, which ultimately detracts from your document's overall appearance and effectiveness. Include only those images that convey key pieces of information or serve a specific purpose.
- 4. Give credit where credit is due
Because so many images are easily accessible on the Internet, you may be tempted to grab and use any image you see. If you use copyright-protected images within your document, you must also cite the source for each image. However, there are several sites that allow free use of their clip art as long as you agree to their terms of use.
How to Download Images
Essential Clip Art Information
