How to Cite an Image in MLA 9th Edition
MLA 9th Edition is the default for many literature and art-history courses. This tutorial shows how the container model applies to images, when to include an Accessed date, and how Works Cited entries differ from figure captions—with an MLA-ready generator on the page.
Image Citation Generator
MLA Style
9th Edition (Section 5.34)💡 "Copy Formatted" copies with HTML styling so pasting into Microsoft Word or Google Docs retains italicized titles and indentation automatically.
MLA container model for images
Creator Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Date of creation. Website or Museum Name, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Titles of artworks and photographs are italicized in title case. MLA generally omits the https:// protocol from the URL in the Works Cited list.
In-text citations and Fig. labels
In-text citations typically use (Creator) or (Creator, fig. 1) when you number figures. Captions begin with Fig. and can carry fuller source detail so the Works Cited entry stays concise.
If you discuss the image without embedding it, a parenthetical citation plus Works Cited entry is enough.
Website images versus works viewed in a museum
Website images need the site name and URL. Physical museum visits emphasize institution and city; digital museum pages can combine collection facts with the online URL.
For screenshots, identify the software or site shown so readers understand the interface you captured.
Accessed dates and unstable pages
Include an Accessed date when the online image may change or disappear. Stable museum object pages sometimes omit it per instructor preference, but many humanities departments still expect it for web sources.
If the image has no author, begin with the title. If untitled, supply a concise description in quotation marks or brackets as your department prefers.
Try the generator again
Prefer a type-specific page? Jump to cite an image in MLA 9th, cite a painting, or cite a screenshot.
Image Citation Generator
MLA Style
9th Edition (Section 5.34)💡 "Copy Formatted" copies with HTML styling so pasting into Microsoft Word or Google Docs retains italicized titles and indentation automatically.
FAQ
How do you cite an image in MLA 9th edition?
Creator Last Name, First Name. Title of Image. Date. Website Name, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
How do I cite an image from a website in MLA?
Credit the creator, italicize the image title, name the website as container, add the URL without https://, and include an Accessed date when required.
Does MLA require figure notes?
When you reproduce the image, label it Fig. and provide a caption. Pair that with a Works Cited entry for the same source.
How do I cite a screenshot in MLA?
Describe the screenshot subject, name the software or site, give the date relevant to the capture or publication, and include access details for online interfaces.