Caption box

A short explanation can be read independently near an image or diagram.

Visual traits

• Short explanatory text
• Adjacent enclosure

Expected changes

• Explanation is more likely to sit near an image or diagram
• The explanation is more likely to be distinct from body content

Definition

An enclosed element that places a short explanation near an image, diagram, or illustration and separates it from body content or background. It does not determine a particular typeface, subject, or final format.

In more detail

It places explanation close to the related subject. Box position, line treatment, background color, and text content can be chosen separately.

Includes

• An enclosed short explanation adjacent to an image or diagram

Excludes

• A frame around the whole page
• Spoken dialogue in a balloon
• A particular typeface or final format

What this does not imply

• A page-wide frame or speech balloon
• A particular typeface or subject
• A final format such as print

Variability

Length and position can vary as long as the relation to its subject remains clear.

Usage

• Specify only the short explanatory enclosure
• Specify caption content and typeface separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify a speech balloon when indicating dialogue

Typical uses

• Add a short explanation to an illustration
• Separate a note from body content

Possible failure modes

• It sits too far from its subject to identify
• It is treated like body content and the enclosure loses its function