Open your document in your word processing program. Write your document completely and save. At the top of the window select the option for searching the document text.
Search for each reference to a graph in your document. List the graphs and corresponding page numbers in your document on a separate sheet of paper. Insert placeholder graphics in the positions where you want the graph to appear.
Create a generic placeholder graphic using the drawing tool of your word processor. Use the drawing tool to draw a square that has the same dimensions of the graph you will be inserting or an approximation of it. Use the color fill tool to color in the square in a noticeable color that will stand out in your text to make it easier to find later.
Scroll through the text until you get to the first section where you want a graph to appear. Ensure that there is a reference sentence in the section of the document you are working with that identifies the graph you are inserting. Write out your citation sentence and include the parenthetical notation at the end of the text to reference the graph using the lowercase abbreviation, for example, (see fig. 1).
Check the sizing of the graph in relation to your placeholder graphic and ensure they are the same size. Delete the placeholder graphic and replace it with the completed graph. Insert the graph from the spread sheet using the copy paste function or by inserting it as a spreadsheet element.
Adjust the line spacing and margins to allow the figure to be drawn close to the section of text that references it.
Insert a label below the graph corresponding to the label in the reference sentence using capital letters, for example, Figure 1. Assign each figure a number and proceed in numerical order based on where the figures appear in the text. A graph referenced to on Page 1 should be numbered before one on the third page.
Insert a source caption below the graph as well and cite the source of the graph information as you normally would cite a source in your works cited section. Scroll back to the beginning of your document. Cross-check your list of graph references and numbering with what appears in your document.
Correct any mistakes in citations for the general text that may have resulted from inserting the graphs into your document. Look for changes in page numbering and where certain text references and lines may have been forced to another page.