In an age of information overload, infographics offer a perfect solution — they simplify complex ideas, make data digestible, and grab attention fast.
But designing a high-quality infographic from scratch can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? What tools do you use? And how do you make sure it actually communicates something useful?
In this article, you’ll learn a step-by-step guide to designing a successful infographic — even if you’re not a professional designer.
📊 What is an Infographic?
An infographic is a visual representation of data, ideas, or knowledge that’s meant to be quickly understood and easily shared. It combines text, icons, charts, and illustrations to deliver information in an engaging way.
Popular types include:
Timeline infographics
Comparison charts
Process flows
Statistical infographics
Geographic maps
Informational guides
🎯 Why Use Infographics?
✅ Boost Engagement – Visual content is 40x more likely to be shared than text
✅ Simplify Data – Makes stats easier to understand
✅ Improve SEO – Shareable infographics can generate backlinks
✅ Strengthen Branding – Custom visuals reinforce your identity
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Designing an Infographic
✅ Step 1: Define Your Goal
Before you open any design tool, ask yourself:
What is the purpose of the infographic?
Who is the audience?
What action should they take after seeing it?
Your goal might be to educate, compare options, show a process, or highlight stats. Be clear on this upfront.
✅ Step 2: Collect and Organize Your Data
Good infographics are backed by accurate, relevant data.
Use trusted sources (e.g., government reports, research papers, analytics)
Clean and organize your data by topic
Identify the most important insights
Eliminate unnecessary stats
Structure your content into clear sections, such as introduction, data points, conclusion, and call-to-action.
✅ Step 3: Choose the Right Layout
Layout is crucial to how your audience processes the information. Common structures include:
| Layout Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Vertical Scroll | Storytelling, timelines |
| Grid-Based | Comparisons, statistics |
| Circular/Flow | Processes, cycles |
Pick a layout that supports the narrative flow of your data.
✅ Step 4: Select a Design Tool
You don’t need advanced software to make great infographics. Here are a few beginner-friendly tools:
Canva – Drag-and-drop simplicity with pre-made templates
Piktochart – Focused on charts and business visuals
Visme – Great for animated or interactive infographics
Adobe Illustrator – For advanced designers
✅ Step 5: Start Designing
Here’s what to focus on during the design process:
Typography – Use 2–3 fonts max. Prioritize readability.
Color Scheme – Stick to a consistent palette (usually 2–4 colors).
Icons & Illustrations – Support your content visually, don’t distract.
Spacing & Alignment – Use white space and grids to make everything clear.
Charts & Graphs – Use pie charts, bar graphs, or line charts to make data visual.
Pro tip: Lead with the most important content at the top. Most viewers won’t scroll all the way down.
✅ Step 6: Add Your Branding
Include your logo, brand colors, and website URL
Maintain consistency with your visual identity
Use branded icons or illustrations when possible
This makes your infographic look professional and boosts brand awareness when shared.
✅ Step 7: Include a Clear Call-to-Action
What should the viewer do after reading?
Examples:
Visit your website
Download a guide
Follow your social media
Contact your business
Your CTA should be visible without being pushy.
✅ Step 8: Export and Share
Once your infographic is ready:
Export it in high resolution (PNG or PDF)
Make it mobile-friendly (responsive width)
Share on your blog, social media, email list, and Pinterest
Add alt text and description for accessibility and SEO
Bonus: Submit it to infographic directories to get backlinks!
🧠 Final Thoughts
Designing an infographic from scratch is not about being a graphic designer — it’s about organizing information in a way that’s visual, memorable, and impactful.
Start with a clear purpose, use trustworthy data, keep the design clean, and always prioritize your audience’s experience.
When done right, a great infographic can educate, inspire, and go viral — all in one scroll.