Creating Infographics with Canva
TL;DR:
- Infographics turn complex information into visual stories using charts, graphics and text
- Canva makes infographic design accessible even if you're not a designer
- Start with templates, then customise colours, fonts and layouts to match your message
- Focus on one main message and guide viewers through your content logically
- Download your finished infographic in multiple formats for different uses
Infographics work brilliantly when you need to explain something complicated quickly. They're perfect for breaking down data, processes, or concepts into digestible chunks that people actually want to look at.
Canva takes the technical headache out of design work. You don't need to understand colour theory or typography to create something that looks professional.
Why Infographics Work
People process visual information faster than text. When you've got statistics, step-by-step processes, or comparisons to share, an infographic does the heavy lifting. Your audience gets the key points without wading through paragraphs of explanation.
They're also highly shareable. A well-designed infographic gets passed around social media, embedded in websites, and used in presentations long after you've published it.
Getting Started in Canva
Log into Canva and search for "infographic" in the design types. You'll see hundreds of templates organised by topic and style.
Pick a template that roughly matches your content structure. If you're showing a process, choose a vertical flow design. For comparisons, look for side-by-side layouts. For data-heavy content, find templates with chart placeholders.
Don't worry about getting it perfect at this stage. Templates are starting points, not final designs.
Customising Your Design
Once you've chosen a template, start replacing the placeholder content with your own information. Click on any text box to edit the words, and use the toolbar to change fonts, sizes, and colours.
For images, click on existing graphics and either replace them with Canva's stock images or upload your own. Keep images relevant to your content rather than decorative.
The colour scheme matters more than you might think. Stick to 2-3 main colours that work well together. If you're creating this for a business, use brand colours to maintain consistency.
Arranging Your Content
Think about the flow of information. Your viewers should be able to follow your infographic from top to bottom without getting lost. Use headers to break up sections and numbers or arrows to show sequence.
White space is your friend. Don't cram every inch with content. Give your elements room to breathe so viewers can focus on what matters.
Group related information together. If you're showing statistics, keep them in the same section. If you're explaining a process, make sure the steps flow logically.
Design Tips That Actually Matter
Start with your main message. What's the one thing you want people to remember? Make that the most prominent element on your infographic.
Use consistent formatting. If you make one statistic bold and large, do the same for other statistics. This creates visual hierarchy and makes your infographic easier to scan.
Test the flow by stepping back and looking at your design. Can you follow the information easily? If you're jumping around or squinting to read something, your viewers will too.
Downloading and Using Your Infographic
When you're happy with your design, click the download button. PNG works well for social media and web use. PDF is better if you're printing or need crisp text at any size.
Canva's free version gives you PNG and JPG downloads. The paid version includes PDF and other formats, plus removes Canva's small watermark.
Consider creating different sizes for different platforms. What works on Instagram might be too small for a blog post or presentation.
FAQs
Can I use Canva infographics commercially?
Yes, infographics created in Canva can be used for commercial purposes. Check the licensing on any stock images you use, but most of Canva's elements are cleared for commercial use.
How long should my infographic be?
Keep it as short as possible while covering your key points. Vertical infographics work well for social media, but if you're embedding it on a website, consider how much scrolling you're asking of your readers.
What if I don't like any of the templates?
Start with the closest match and modify it heavily, or begin with a blank canvas. You can also browse templates by colour scheme or style rather than topic.
Can I collaborate with others on my infographic?
Yes, Canva allows you to share designs with team members who can edit or comment. This is particularly useful for getting feedback before finalising your design.
Jargon Buster
Template: A pre-designed layout that you can customise with your own content and colours
Stock Images: Pre-made photos and graphics that you can use in your designs, usually included with Canva subscriptions
Visual Hierarchy: The arrangement of elements to show their importance, typically using size, colour, and positioning
White Space: Empty areas in your design that give content room to breathe and improve readability
Wrap-up
Infographics turn boring data into something people actually want to look at and share. Canva removes the technical barriers, so you can focus on your message rather than wrestling with design software.
Start simple, keep your main message clear, and don't overcomplicate the design. Your first infographic won't be perfect, but it'll be a solid foundation for improving your visual communication skills.
Ready to level up your design skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth courses on creating content that actually converts.