This guide provides information on the design and creation of infographics, including why infographics are used, tools for creating infographics, copyright with images, and recommended books.
It is created and monitored by the DHSS Library.
Infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data, or knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly. Their design makes it easier to grasp complicated concepts and subjects.
Infographics are great for making complex information easy to digest. They can be helpful anytime you want to:
(Midori Nediger, October 19, 2021, https://venngage.com/blog/what-is-an-infographic)
(Infographic created in PowerPoint.)
How do you design an infographic? An infographic is a visual representation of information. Rather than having blocks and blocks of text that people will never read, you give them the same information in a different way — and in one they will easily understand.
Here are the main steps infographic designers recommend one follow to design an infographic from scratch:
(Data compiled from Canva)
A free graphic-design tool website, founded in 2012. It uses a drag-and-drop format and provides access to over a million photographs, graphics, and fonts. Canva will no longer work properly using Internet Explorer.
Contains thousands of infographic templates that can be customized including reports, timelines etc.
Create infographics and reports with free and paid versions
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can create or edit vector graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, line arts, charts, logos and even complex images
Microsoft Office Infographic Tools
Templates help you create infographics in Excel and PowerPoint
Web-based tool that has some free themes (and a whole bunch more for the paid version) for creating simple infographics.
Create your infographic in three easy steps, making your data more accessible and memorable
Tell stories with data with this easy drag-and-drop infographic creator.
Turn your text into word clouds
You should assume that information and images you find online are covered by copyright. Verifying copyright and obtaining permission to use content can be a lengthy process; be sure you allow time for this.
Creative Commons: There are six different license types under Creative Commons (CC). They are listed here from most to least permissive. You need to read that license to see what it permits and what attribution it requires. You may be able to only use the image as-is or you may be allowed to modify it. Or, you may be able to use it for noncommercial purposes only. All CC licenses require you to acknowledge the owner of the image.
The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication
CC0 (aka CC Zero) is a public dedication tool, which allows creators to give up their copyright and put their works into the worldwide public domain. CC0 allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, with no conditions.