View examples of correctly used directionals. (PDF)
In captions
Run directionals at the beginning of captions; type treatment should be consistent throughout an issue.
No directionals are necessary when:
- A caption is graphically linked to the photo it references.
- A caption uses an arrow or another similar character that indicates the appropriate photo.
In text
Internal directionals should be placed as close as possible to the noun (object/photo/diagram) they are referencing.
WRONG: Rebecca likens her paintings to quilting, opposite.
RIGHT: Rebecca likens her paintings, opposite, to quilting.
References to diagrams located on the same spread as the reference do not need directionals.
References to diagrams located on another spread do need directionals.
References to photos always need directionals whether they are located on the same or another spread.
Examples of diagram references:
(Diagram 1)—bold parens to match text inside
(Diagram 1 on page 22)—roman parens because inside text is a mix of typefaces
(Diagram 1; note direction of drawn line)—roman parens because inside text is a mix of typefaces
(Stem Stitch Diagram)—bold parens to match text inside
Examples of references to text:
- For more appliquéing tips, see Linda’s suggestions left. (sidebar, not use title)
- For more appliquéing tips, see “Piece by Piece” on page 18. (sidebar, use title)
- Referring to Assemble Four-Patch Units on page 72, use … (subhead within instructions)
- Referring to Cut and Assembly A blocks, Step 1, on page 80, use … (referring to specific step)
Example of a combined diagram and photo reference:
- Referring to photo on page 00 and Quilt Assembly Diagram, …
Use commas to set off directionals UNLESS:
- The noun that the directional refers to is preceded in the sentence by the words “the,” “this,” or “these.”
- The directional is preceded by the word “at” or “shown,” which introduces the reader to the directional. (But words like these usually are unnecessary.)
A see-through bag, above, is ideal for keeping all the pieces together.
The see-through bag above is ideal for keeping all the pieces together.
The scrappy muticolor option shown on page 43 offers one possibility.
Referring to the photo opposite for placement, lay out the pieces.
Spatial references
Do not use opposite typeface for spatial references in copy.
RIGHT: There is ample storage below the sink.
Do not use opposite typeface for spatial references within a photo.
RIGHT: The living room table left of the window, top right, accommodates eight.
Opposite, right, left, or WHAT?
If the entire photo is on the opposite page, use opposite.
If the photo jumps the gutter, do not use opposite.
Multiword directionals
Do not use a comma in two-word directionals, such as top right and bottom left.
One element of a three-word directional should be set off with a comma: opposite, top right.
Three or more photos
Use middle instead of center.
Overprinted captions
Use this photo when a caption is printed over a photo. If that is the only caption on the photo, a directional is not necessary, though it is recommended if other captions are present on that spread. an overprinted caption on a spread-bleed photo never needs a directional.
Punctuation following a directional
It should be in the same typeface as the directional.
See also Captions
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