Do you feel lost whenever you use Photoshop for your infographics? Me too. It’s because of the complexity of the software that people often have a hard time figuring out the workarounds of the program .

Luckily, there are other programs that you can use to make your infographics as stunning as that of one ‘Photoshopped.” In this article, we’ll go through a step-by-step process on how to create an infographic in Google Slides.

What are the benefits of using infographics?

Infographics are a powerful visual communication asset that lets you illustrate your thoughts better than with just words. It allows you to convey a clear message to your audience.

Infographics also allow you to show your creative side. These visual aids make it possible to show stats, data, figures, and graphs that are otherwise hard to understand–and in an artistic and creative manner.

For you to have an effective infographic, you’ll need to understand that it is a mix of visual and verbal information. Every graphic design that you add should support other information in your infographics.

Infographics do not need to be fancy and flashy. They need to be informative and engaging so your audience will have a clear understanding of your message. 

Why use Google Slides?

If you’re not a graphic designer, you might think that creating an infographic is a nearly impossible task. And that’s where you’re wrong.

Even if you don’t have crazy Photoshop skills, you can still pull off stunning infographics. All you need to do is open your browser and go to Google Slides.

Google Slides works just like PowerPoint. It has graphic designs that you can add to your infographic to make it more presentable. It’s easier and much more accessible than other graphic design programs like Photoshop.

There are also free Google Slides templates that you can use so you won’t be starting from scratch. You can add Venn diagram templates and other informative diagrams to make your message even clearer.

For icons and other visual elements in your infographics, there are tools available online that can help you put these together. Here are two free online tools that can help you create icons for your infographics:

Tools you can use to improve your infographics

1. Google Drawings

Think of this tool as an online blank sheet of paper. You can draw anything that you like from scratch using Google Drawings. From diagrams to charts, really, anything.

What I like about this tool is you can add images, lines, shapes, and texts to it. You can also modify the font that you’re going to use. This gives your graphic designs a personalized touch. 

2. Canva

This tool is a highly versatile tool that allows you to make your own icons. There are a lot of presets and pre-installed templates that you can use.

You can also use this free online tool to make customized images. You can change the size of the image and add icons that will suit your infographic. Add some free design elements to your images for a more personalized touch.

Step-by-step process of creating a stunning infographic

1. Create a clear plan of your outlook

Know what you want to do with your infographic. If you make plans for your infographics, your outlook will become clearer and you can make your infographic with ease.

Establish your main goal so that you won’t stray away from your ideas. Planning will help you visualize your project clearly. 

2. Open a blank presentation

From the ‘File’ dropdown, choose ‘New’ and click on ‘Presentation’ to open a blank presentation. This is where you will start your infographic. 

You can also choose from the pre-installed templates found on Google Slides. You can also download free templates available online.

3. Adjust the size of your slide deck to your liking

After opening a blank presentation, the default ratio is 16:9. You can choose whether you want portrait or landscape orientation. For most of the infographics, the common size is 700 x 1800 pixels.

Keep in mind where your infographic will be displayed. If it’s for a laptop or a Chromebook, you should consider a landscape format. If it’s for mobile, as well as websites and printouts, portrait orientation is recommended.  

4. Choose the color you want for your background

Click on the ‘Background’ and set the color you want for your infographic. Normally, people choose white or black as their background. It is highly recommended that you choose solid colors that are not too flashy nor too bright to avoid distraction.

5. Add the title for your infographic

For the title, stick to your main goal. You can also add a subtitle. Just remember that when you add your title, it should be easily identifiable.

You can use separate text boxes for each word. This will allow you to adjust the size of different words while still maintaining their alignments. You’ll want to make this big enough to catch your reader’s attention.

6. Create the body of your infographics

For the body, you’ll want to keep a consistent design throughout your entire project. The body contains the most important information of your project. You should keep this as simple as possible.

The colors should relate to the general theme of your project. The fonts that you use should be easily readable.

7. Repeat step 6 until you finish all your output

Fill the remaining sections and keep the uniformity of your design. You don’t want to confuse your readers with your design.

Always remember that your message should be clear to your readers. Other graphic elements should only be supplementary to your main message.

8. Countercheck everything to meet your standards

Once you finish the project, countercheck your work to ensure it meets your standards. Include the following in your checklist:

• Color balance
• Readable fonts
• Graphic elements are not pixelated
• The message is clearly communicated to your audience

9. Save and share your infographic

You can save and share your infographics with your colleagues by clicking on the ‘Share’ button on the upper right corner of the screen. You can also limit the actions that can be done to your infographics by your viewers. All you need to do is adjust the permission from viewer, commenter, or editor.

If you share the link with your colleagues, they will have access to your work. They can easily comment on the things they find interesting (or boring). You can then edit your work in collaboration with your team using Google Slides.

Pro tips to make your infographics stand out

Making an infographic is one thing, making an outstanding infographic is another. In this section, we’ll discuss what defines a good infographic from a normal one.

1. Show a story

As with presentations, infographics should tell a story. It is composed of a series of panels that are similar to the multiple slides of a presentation.

Share a new experience with your readers through your infographics. It should have the necessary visuals to guide your audience throughout the journey.

Tell your story. If you manage to engage them in your storytelling, then it’s a guarantee that your work will be remembered..

2. Make your infographic a journey

Be sure that your title catches your readers’ attention. You’ll  need to use appropriate headings so that your audience stays on track while viewing your infographics. 

This monochromatic infographic from Futurism features a classic timeline that leads you on a journey.

The graphic elements should not overpower the visual to the point of distraction. Lead your readers on the path that you want them to take. Use focal points in your infographics for this. 

3. Stick with a key message

Stick with one key message — and one only. There should be a focus to your message that your readers will see at a first glance at your work.

Too much information won’t keep your reader’s interest. If you’re talking about marine biodiversity, don’t stray too far away from marine topics. Your readers will get the message if you stick with it throughout your work.

You can try showing your work to a sample audience who haven’t any prior knowledge of the topic. Based on their response, you can adapt and adjust how you deliver your key message. 

4. Make it visually appealing

Don’t make your infographic like a page in a book. Make it look appealing to your audience. If it fits the design, match the color scheme of your work to the color of your brand.

JBH made an infographic that resembles a cocktail menu in their The Mixology of Content Marketing.

The typography of your infographic also matters. If it is not readable, then your audience won’t break a sweat to try and read your infographic. No one will. So make sure that you use the right typeface for your work.

5. Keep it simple

No matter how flashy and grand your infographic may be, if the message is not communicated clearly, it is not an effective infographic. You need to keep it to the minimum without sacrificing the quality and design of your work.

Keep it simple. Keep it clean and fresh to the eye. Your work will be more visually appealing while minimizing any distractions from your message. The simpler your work is, the more impact it will make on your audience.