Where should I place my figure if it will break essay layout? I've been struggling with the placement of a figure in my essay (using APA style if that helps). Basically, I reference it in a paragraph that is fairly close to the bottom of the page, but probably has about 5 more lines until the bottom. The problem is, I want to put the figure below the paragraph, but it would be too small to fit in the five lines, but if I move it to the next page then the gap looks too big!
Is there a correct way to go about this? Should I put it after the next paragraph so there is no space? Should I put it above the paragraph where I first reference it?
Thanks! Here is a screenshot of what I have at the moment:
Because this is a question about style and layout, it could be opinion based, but from what I have read:

It is generally considered better to place a figure before the text that refers to it. This allows the reader to find the figure more easily. Because you state &quot;figure 1 below&quot; (well done!) this is not a problem in your case.

Professional editors sometimes shorten/rephrase prior sentences to solve the problem you are describing. Obviously there is no point to do this before the text is in its final form.

Your observation that a reader may want to see the figure and paragraph referring to it on the same page is correct, but the best way to solve the problem depends on the details of your manuscript. Typesetting and getting a perfect layout can be really hard. There is no &quot;one size fits all&quot; solution to your problem, and there are no strict rules about what is best.


Finally, and most importantly: don't worry too much. Perfectionism is a good trait (especially for a scientist), but most people will judge the content, not the layout.