How to Make an Infographic Step by Step: Complete Guide and Tips

In the digital age, visual content rules. Infographics not only capture the audience’s attention, but they also simplify complex concepts and make information easier to remember. Whether for an academic project, a business presentation, or a social media post, knowing how to design a good infographic is an essential skill.

In this article, I will teach you step by step how to make an infographic from scratch and also give you some tips that will make your work stand out.

What is an infographic?

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data, combining text, graphics, icons, and colors to communicate a message in a clear, quick, and attractive way. Instead of using blocks and blocks of text that no one will read, you present that same information in a different and much easier-to-understand way.

Its main goal is to inform visually. Therefore, it’s not enough to make it pretty: it must also be clear, coherent, and useful.

Step 1: Define the objective and main message

Before opening any design program, ask yourself these questions:

• What do I want to communicate?
• Who is my audience?
• What action do I want them to take after seeing this infographic?

Having a clear intention from the start will help you make better visual and narrative decisions. If the infographic is overloaded or lacks a coherent flow, the reader will get lost.

Summarize your infographic’s message in a sentence of no more than 15 words. That will be your “north” throughout the process.

Step 2: Research and gather the data

Information is the most important part, which is why this step is key. After all, it’s the foundation of your infographic. Whether you’re working with statistics, processes, lists, or comparisons, make sure to:

• Use reliable sources. Ensure that all the information you include is trustworthy.
• Verify the data.
• Select only the most relevant information.

Do not overload the infographic. Instead of including all the data, choose the most important or surprising ones.

If you have a lot of data, group them by thematic sections. This will make the design easier later on.

Step 3: Create a layout or sketch

Before opening Illustrator, Photoshop, or any design tool, make a layout of how you will distribute the information. You can use paper and pencil or tools like Figma or Miro to make quick wireframes. Establishing in advance where each element (text, images, graphics…) will go will save you time and frustration.

Think about:

• Visual hierarchy: What should be seen first? What is the logical order?
• Format: Vertical or horizontal? One column or several?
• Content blocks: Title, subtitles, sections, key data, conclusion.

Do not start designing without knowing what you want to convey. Think of the structure as if it were a story. Introduction, development, and closure.

Step 4: Choose the format and design tool

Recommended tools:

• Figma / Adobe Illustrator: More creative freedom, but require design knowledge.
• Canva: Ideal for beginners. It has pre-designed templates, so there may already be similar designs out there.
• Piktochart / Venngage: Focused on infographic creation.
• PowerPoint / Google Slides: Surprisingly effective for simple infographics.

Choose the one that best suits your needs and skills. If you use templates, customize them well. A generic infographic loses impact and credibility.

Step 5: Design with intention

This is where the magic happens. Take your layout and turn it into an impactful visual piece. Keep these design principles in mind:

1. Use a consistent color palette

Choose between 2-3 main colors. You can use tools like Coolors.co or Adobe Color to generate harmonious palettes.

Remember we have a whole series of articles revolving around the use of color in graphic design, here they are for you:

• The Meanings of Colors

• Basic Properties of Color

• Creating Color Schemes

Use a striking color only to highlight the most important parts (key data, titles, etc.). Avoid neon or overly bright colors that can be irritating to the eye. Keep in mind that many social networks have white backgrounds, so choose colors that contrast well so your infographic doesn’t get lost.

2. Choose readable fonts

Do not use more than two types of fonts. One for titles and another for body text. Avoid decorative fonts in long texts. Play with the different weights and styles of the fonts to add variety and hierarchy without needing to introduce more than 2 fonts.

Although taking care of typography is always important in graphic design, when you have the opportunity to show something visually, do it. Don’t rely on sophisticated fonts to attract attention. Ensure that the fonts complement each other well and with the graphic elements. They should never detract from the visual impact.

3. Apply visual hierarchy

Use size, color, and spacing to guide the reader’s eye. The title should be the first thing seen, followed by the most relevant data.

4. Use icons and graphics

Icons, illustrations, and graphics make the information more visual but use them with purpose, not just to fill space.

Use graphics only if they help to better understand the data. A pie chart with 20 categories is more confusing than useful.

5. Leave white spaces

Don’t try to fill every corner. White space helps the information breathe and makes your design look more professional. The more space, the less overwhelming it will be for the reader. Don’t overload, a clean and organized design is more attractive and easier to follow.

6. Set the tone

The tone should match the theme, so if the content is serious, your infographic should be too; if it’s light-hearted, you can afford a more casual tone. A poorly chosen tone can confuse the reader, and infographics should be clear and understandable.

Step 6: Review and edit

When you finish your design, take a break and look at it with fresh eyes. Sometimes projects are long or the topic doesn’t excite you. Check:

• Spelling and grammar.
• Consistency of colors and fonts.
• Readability on different screen sizes.
• Alignment and distribution of elements.

Ask for a second opinion. Sometimes others see mistakes or improvements that one does not notice.

Step 7: Export and share

Export your infographic in PNG or PDF format, depending on its intended use. Ensure it has good resolution (at least 150-300 dpi for printing).

If you are going to share it on social media, adapt the format to each platform:

• Instagram: Square or vertical (4:5-1080×1350 px).
• LinkedIn / Facebook: Horizontal or square.
• Pinterest: Long vertical (1000×2100 px or more).

Data overload is counterproductive. Don’t include anything unnecessary. Try to summarize it in a maximum of six main points and, if necessary, divide them into smaller sections to post in carousels or threads. You’ll increase engagement.

Extra tips for successful infographics

• Don’t overuse text. An infographic is not an article. Summarize and simplify.
• Avoid visual clichés. Use original icons and illustrations if you can.
• Be consistent. Use the same visual styles for all elements.
• Try different formats. Sometimes a visual list works better than a bar chart.
• Measure the impact. If you share it online, see what types of infographics generate more interaction.

Conclusion

Infographics work because that’s how our brain functions. Visual elements attract our attention and help us retain information more easily. They influence what we buy and the websites we visit (something very valuable for brands).