peitu

Peitu is a term used primarily in Chinese-language publishing to refer to illustrations that accompany a text. It is the pinyin rendering of the Chinese characters 配图, literally meaning images paired with content. In practice, peitu encompasses photographs, drawings, charts, and other visual elements included to complement article text, reports, or online posts.

Etymology and scope: The characters 配图 denote images that are added to support or clarify written material. The concept is universal across media, but the specific term peitu is most common in Chinese contexts. In English-language publishing, similar ideas are described as illustrations, figures, or image captions rather than under a single equivalent term.

Usage and practices: Peitu selection aims to enhance understanding, engagement, or storytelling. Images should be relevant to the text, of appropriate quality, and properly licensed. Captions are typically used to explain the image, provide credit, and indicate date or source. Accessibility considerations include providing descriptive alt text for screen readers and ensuring sufficient contrast and legibility.

Copyright and ethics: Images used as peitu must have the appropriate rights for the intended use. This may involve licensing, fair use where applicable, or utilizing original or royalty-free media. Ethical considerations include avoiding misleading imagery and accurately representing the content or data depicted.

See also: 配图, illustration, image caption, figure, photograph in publishing.