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Jul 4, 2025 01:29 AM
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Platform
Canva
Category
Graphic Design
Topic
Infographics
AI summary
Learn to create effective infographics using Canva by focusing on a single message, customizing templates, and ensuring clear layout and design. Avoid common mistakes like excessive colors and tiny text for better readability.
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Creating Infographics with Canva
TL;DR:
- Infographics turn complex data into visual stories that people actually want to read
- Canva's templates give you a solid starting point, but customisation is where the magic happens
- Good infographics guide the eye through information in a logical flow
- Focus on one main message rather than cramming everything in
- Canva's free version handles most infographic needs, with Pro offering extra polish
Main Content
What Makes a Good Infographic
An infographic works when it takes something complicated and makes it instantly clear. Think of it as visual storytelling with data. The best ones feel almost obvious once you see them, but getting there takes some planning.
Your infographic should answer one clear question or solve one specific problem. If you're trying to explain three different concepts, you probably need three separate infographics.
Getting Started in Canva
Open Canva and search for "infographic" to see the template options. You'll find everything from simple vertical layouts to more complex designs with multiple sections.
Pick a template that matches your content structure rather than just choosing the prettiest one. If you're showing a process, grab a template with clear steps. If you're comparing options, look for layouts with distinct sections.
Customising Your Design
Colours that work together
Stick to 2-3 main colours plus neutrals. Canva's colour palette suggestions under the "Brand" tab can help if you're starting from scratch. Remember that colours carry meaning, so bright red might not work for financial advice infographics.
Typography choices
Use maximum two fonts. One for headings, one for body text. Canva's font combinations feature takes the guesswork out of pairing fonts that look good together.
Icons and images
Canva's icon library is huge, but consistency matters more than variety. Pick icons from the same style family so your infographic looks cohesive rather than like a collage.
Layout and Flow
People read infographics in a Z-pattern or F-pattern, depending on the layout. Place your most important information where eyes naturally land first.
Use white space to separate sections. Cramming too much information together makes everything harder to read. If your infographic feels cluttered, split it into two.
Hierarchy matters
Make your main headline the biggest text element. Supporting information should be smaller but still readable. Use colour or bold text to highlight key statistics or takeaways.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't use more than 5-7 colours total. Too many colours make your infographic look amateur.
Avoid tiny text. If someone can't read your infographic on a phone screen, the text is too small.
Skip the fancy fonts for body text. Decorative fonts work for headlines but make paragraphs hard to read.
FAQs
What's the ideal size for an infographic?
Depends where you're using it. For social media, try 800x2000 pixels. For presentations, 1080x1920 works well. Canva's preset sizes handle most situations.
Can I use Canva infographics commercially?
Yes, but check the licensing on any stock photos you use. Canva Pro gives you access to more commercially-safe images.
How do I make my infographic accessible?
Use high contrast between text and background colours. Include alt text when you post online. Avoid relying only on colour to convey information.
Should I include sources on my infographic?
If you're presenting data or statistics, yes. Add a small text box at the bottom with your sources. It adds credibility and helps people find more information.
Jargon Buster
Infographic - A visual representation of information that combines text, images, and design elements to explain complex topics quickly
Template - A pre-designed layout in Canva that you can customise with your own content and branding
Hierarchy - The visual order of importance in your design, usually created through size, colour, and positioning
White space - Empty areas in your design that give content room to breathe and make it easier to read
Wrap-up
Good infographics happen when you focus on your audience first, then pick the right tools to reach them. Canva handles the technical stuff so you can concentrate on making your information clear and compelling.
Start with your key message, choose a template that supports that message, then customise thoughtfully. Don't try to reinvent design principles - use them to make your content more effective.
The best infographic is the one that makes your audience think "now I get it" rather than "wow, that's complicated."
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