As a former digital journalist and now a content material creator at HubSpot, I’ve designed every thing from breaking information graphics to viral memes — however infographics are the place actual influence occurs.
Whether or not it is a advertising and marketing funnel breakdown or a buyer journey map, an ideal infographic makes complicated concepts easy and shareable.
Actually, I want Canva for fast design, however on this information, I’ll stroll you thru how one can create an infographic in PowerPoint. I’ve been utilizing it since my faculty days and know all these little hacks to make it look good, move easily, and, after all — stick in individuals’s minds.
Even higher, I will throw in some useful ideas and provide you with examples of various varieties you’ll be able to work with utilizing our 15 fabulous infographic templates without spending a dime inside PowerPoint.
Desk of Contents
Advertising Use Circumstances for PowerPoint Infographics
PowerPoint infographics are a strong device to current data-heavy data in an accessible, digestible format — regardless of if you happen to plan to disseminate the infographic digitally or in individual.
You can even merely use PowerPoint as an infographic maker if it’s your most popular design software program.
Listed here are a number of the methods I like to make use of PowerPoint infographics:
1. Presenting a Case Research
I briefly needed to write case research at earlier jobs, and let me inform you — they’re the bane of my existence.
Writing an attractive, readable case examine is much from simple, so I recommend making a PowerPoint infographic showcasing the important thing info of your case examine.
You’ll be able to embody essential data similar to the issue your buyer skilled, the answer you served, and the end result.
You’ll be able to embody aesthetically pleasing graphics and dynamic typography — one thing you could not be capable to embody in a standard, one-page case examine.
2. Presenting Analysis
Since I write for HubSpot’s Advertising Weblog, I usually current knowledge, tendencies, and analysis in my content material.
When you‘re in the identical boat, you’ll be glad to know you need to use all the info visualization choices PowerPoint provides to current your knowledge in a digestible manner.
Because the infographic shall be bigger than a typical slide, you could be as descriptive as you need. Nevertheless, if you happen to’d prefer to reuse the identical data, you solely want to repeat it into a brand new presentation.
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3. Presenting a Pitch
You should use PowerPoint infographics to current a pitch to stakeholders or potential patrons.
On this case, your infographics can embody knowledge factors, testimonials, anticipated outcomes, and even descriptions of the prospect’s downside to emphasise the significance of buying your resolution.
Photographs and graphics could be more practical than simply phrases, and because you’re in PowerPoint, you’ll be able to create an infographic of any dimension, together with the horizontal 16:9 dimensions.
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4. Presenting a Multi-Step Course of
Whether or not you’re onboarding a brand new staff or informing stakeholders on a brand new course of, a PowerPoint infographic is an efficient medium to speak your message.
PowerPoint comes filled with loads of “course of” graphics, similar to text-filled arrows, cascading charts, and grids.
5. Presenting an Announcement
An advanced firm announcement — with many transferring elements or elements — deserves an infographic to make it simpler for stakeholders to learn and perceive.
You’ll be able to create one proper in your PowerPoint presentation and embody all pertinent data in a single handy slide.
Alternatively, you need to use PowerPoint as a design device and easily obtain your infographic for simple saving and sharing.
Do you know you’ll be able to add your PowerPoint shows to HubSpot?
Simply head to Library > Information, click on Add recordsdata, and choose your PowerPoint out of your laptop – or just drag and drop it in. As soon as uploaded, you’ll be able to add it as a downloadable hyperlink in emails, touchdown pages, or weblog posts.
Remember the fact that recordsdata are public by default, so if wanted, you’ll be able to regulate the visibility settings in HubSpot.
Easy methods to Create an Infographic in PowerPoint
Within the Design Tab, regulate the Slide Measurement to greatest suit your infographic.
Choose SmartArt from the PowerPoint navigation bar.
Discover a graphic that matches your knowledge from the Course of menu.
Add or take away knowledge factors, time stamps, or different key data.
Insert your knowledge into the graphic.
Edit the textual content and imagery of your SmartArt graphic.
Regulate the colour scheme to match your story.
Use numbering to enhance visible move.
Add ending touches and polish the structure.
Okay, now you realize the completely different makes use of for PowerPoint infographics — time for me to indicate you what you are right here for.
For higher comprehension, I’ll stroll you thru how one can make a easy timeline infographic in PowerPoint.
1. Within the Design tab, regulate the Slide Measurement to greatest suit your infographic.
To start making an infographic from scratch, you must readjust the scale of the PowerPoint Slide to provide you extra space to work with.
Start by opening a brand new PowerPoint. Within the high navigation bar, click on on Design and choose Slide Measurement.
Then, within the drop-down menu, choose both one of many predetermined sizes or click on Web page Setup.
Enter your most popular width and top dimensions and click on OK.
2. Choose SmartArt from the PowerPoint navigation bar.
To make a timeline graphic in PowerPoint, appropriate for any infographic, open PowerPoint and click on Insert from the highest navigation bar.
Then, choose the SmartArt icon beneath the navigation bar, the place you may discover a number of classes of graphics to select from.
3. Discover a graphic that matches your knowledge.
When you click on on SmartArt, you may discover the choices from lists to photos. I picked the Matrix one for my wants:
4. Add or take away knowledge factors, time stamps, or different key data.
As soon as you have inserted this graphic into your first PowerPoint slide, you’ll be able to add or take away icons to match the sorts of knowledge and inputs you’re presenting.
5. Insert your knowledge into the graphic.
At this level, the scale of your graphic ought to match the quantity of information you’ve.
Start to fill your graph with the data you intend to report and discover PowerPoint’s wonderful drag-and-drop options to assist prepare graphics as essential.
6. Edit the textual content and imagery of your SmartArt graphic.
As with the opposite graphics obtainable in PowerPoint’s SmartArt, you’ll be able to edit the textual content and the photographs related together with your timeline to your liking.
I’ve added 4 phrases to characterize every a part of the SWOT evaluation.
To insert pictures into my Matrix graphic, I right-clicked the sq. panorama icon and chosen “Format Form.”
Then I selected “Format Image” → “Image or texture fill” and uploaded one picture to every of the rounded squares.
Right here’s the way it appeared as soon as I uploaded all of them and highlighted the textual content.
To point out you what you are able to do additional, I made a decision to create one other slide. I made up a model referred to as Inexperienced Fairy for this goal, pretending I needed to spotlight its strengths for SWOT evaluation.
HubSpot’s SWOT Evaluation Template helps you assess strengths, weaknesses, alternatives, and threats — plus, it features a step-by-step information, a real-world instance, and a customizable worksheet to show insights into motion.
Get it now to save lots of time on designing.
7. Regulate the colour scheme to match your story.
I went to SmartArt once more, however this time, I selected the Vertical Curved Checklist.
Because the unique had solely three fields, and I wanted two extra, I added them by right-clicking → Add Form → Add Form After.
Then I added textual content to every field, so it initially appeared like this:
Actually, I didn’t prefer it. One thing felt off. So, I right-clicked, went to Format Form → Fill, and switched it to inexperienced.
8. Use numbering to enhance visible move.
At this level, I needed so as to add numbers to the circles, so I went to Insert → WordArt and picked a mode I favored.
Now, it was trying higher, however I didn’t just like the blue shade of the curved strains and circles, so I made a decision to vary them to match the remainder. I chosen the article, right-clicked → Format Form → Line, and picked a brand new shade.
9. Add ending touches and polish the structure.
It was virtually good, however I nonetheless needed to fine-tune it as a result of the left facet felt empty and disconnected. I examined how it could look with some textual content there.
I went with WordArt once more, picked a font I favored, and added the phrase “Strengths” on the left to tie every thing collectively.
Mainly, you’ll be able to design your infographic nonetheless you need – including background colours, extra visuals, or different components to make it stand out. This was only a fundamental instance, however there are lots of methods to refine it and make it look even higher, extra interactive, and extra catchy.
If these “design” issues usually are not your cup of tea, you’ll be able to obtain our infographic templates that open instantly in PowerPoint so you can begin creating quicker and simpler.
PowerPoint Infographic Ideas
1. Preserve your infographics easy.
I am a really wordy individual generally. I are inclined to overexplain in common dialog, and generally, I’ve to remind myself to not use so many pointless phrases to clarify easy ideas in my writing.
So, naturally, my infographics had been muddled with an excessive amount of data, pictures, and lengthy sentences after I first began making them early into my profession. Finally, I discovered the worth of Ok.I.S.S. (Preserve It Easy Sweetheart).
When designing your infographics, hold sentences brief and solely embody probably the most essential data. Imagery is useful, however do not go overboard. Ask your self if this picture or icon helps illustrate your level or whether it is simply distracting.
2. Use complementary colours.
Use a shade scheme that comes with greater than 3-4 colours that complement one another. Even higher, stick with your model‘s colours so your infographic matches together with your group’s aesthetic.
Keep away from too many colours or ones that conflict. In any other case, your infographic will look too busy and can distract away from the data you are attempting to convey.
3. Jazz it up with icons, borders, and fonts.
I do know I mentioned to maintain it easy, and it is best to, however that doesn‘t imply you’ll be able to’t have slightly enjoyable with icons, borders, and fonts.
You continue to need your picture to face out, so think about incorporating these components (sparingly) to depart an enduring impression in your viewers.
See how efficient these strains are on the class slide in District #1’s presentation.
4. Emphasize numbers.
When you‘re presenting quantitative knowledge, use your shade scheme to emphasise essential numbers. Use the boldest and/or brightest colours to attract viewers’ eyes to the numbers.
You might also wish to use shapes like circles or squares to additional spotlight the data.
Are PowerPoint infographics helpful for entrepreneurs?
Completely. A well-designed infographic in PowerPoint could make an enormous distinction in how advertising and marketing knowledge is obtained.
From expertise, visuals assist lots with these three issues:
1. Presenting Outcomes & Pitching
A transparent, data-driven infographic makes funds requests less complicated to know – and extra prone to get authorised.
Really, persons are 30 occasions extra prone to provoke fee when prompted by visuals.
Additionally, when pitching shoppers and sending proposals, a compelling visible story usually wins over lengthy blocks of textual content. DemandSage analysis exhibits that folks keep in mind 65% of information when paired with a related infographic.
2. Aligning Groups on Technique
Infographics hold advertising and marketing plans from getting misplaced in translation throughout departments. Talking from expertise – laying out a technique with out visuals or a stable presentation is a waste of breath. Folks hear it, nod, and neglect 5 minutes later.
And if we have in mind that our brains course of pictures as much as 60,000 occasions quicker than textual content, it’s simple to see why infographics are such a strong device for communication and higher understanding.
Plus, when the staff hits a roadblock or blanks on one thing, they will all the time re-open this presentation and shortly discover what they want with out back-and-forth.
3. Inner Coaching & Onboarding
A fast visible information could be more practical than a prolonged doc when coaching new staff members.
Dr. John Medina says we neglect 90% of what we hear after three days. However throw in an image, and immediately, we keep in mind 65%.
Supply
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PowerPoint Infographic Examples
1. Information-Centric Infographic Instance
We have loaded this template with quite a lot of completely different charts and graphs, which you’ll be able to simply replace with your personal knowledge. (Excellent-click on a graph, select Edit Information, and you’ll customise the values in an Excel spreadsheet.)
What to Add to a Information-Centric Infographic
Column chart: Use for evaluating completely different classes or for exhibiting adjustments over time (from left to proper).
Pie chart: Use for making part-to-whole comparisons. (Word: They work greatest with small knowledge units.)
Line graph: Use this visualization to indicate knowledge that adjustments constantly over time. Perfect for displaying volatility, tendencies, acceleration, or deceleration.
Doughnut chart: Use a pie chart. This stylistic variation means that you can put a quantity, graphic, or different visible within the heart of the chart.
Bar chart: Use a column chart. (The horizontal bars make it simpler to show lengthy class names.)
What I like: I like this infographic as a result of whereas it highlights loads of qualitative knowledge, every thing ties completely collectively due to its shade scheme. It sticks to simply three colours, maintaining the infographic clear and uncluttered.
When to make use of: I strongly recommend utilizing an infographic just like the one above when it’s essential current a hefty quantity of essential knowledge as a part of a cohesive, visible narrative.
2. Timeline Infographic
Telling the historical past of a selected business, product, model, pattern, or tactic could be a nice matter for an infographic.
Whereas there are a number of various methods which you can visualize time — together with in a circle, which is what we did with our Google algorithm updates infographic — the timeline is by far the most typical and best design methodology to make use of.
Timeline Infographic Greatest Practices
Analysis. Analysis. Analysis: The perfect timeline infographics aren’t simply fantastically designed — additionally they inform an ideal story based mostly on in depth analysis. So, earlier than you begin the design part of your infographic, put within the time to floor the most effective data potential.
Slender the scope: Timelines that cowl lots of or hundreds of years can definitely be attention-grabbing, however they will additionally require weeks or months of analysis. To maintain your sanity, persist with shorter time intervals.
Preserve your copy concise: Infographics are purported to be visible. If you end up writing 100+ phrases for every date in your timeline, a weblog publish could be the higher content material format.
Why I prefer it: Clearly marked spots for textual content and pictures make it simple to customise the infographic. Clear strains, a constant shade scheme, and a balanced structure give it a elegant, skilled look.
When to make use of: When you’re trying to clarify the historical past of a subject or predictions for the long run, a timeline infographic could be a nice illustrative device
3. Fashionable Design Infographic
Right here, we targeted extra on making the design really feel dynamic as an alternative of sticking to strict straight strains.
We didn’t add any charts besides for 3 circles in every part, however there’s loads of area if you wish to add your personal. Simply go to Insert > Chart and decide the model you want.
Fashionable Design Infographic Greatest Practices
Experiment with new shade palettes. There are tons of free shade palettes on-line. Do a Google picture seek for “Coloration Palette.” Once you discover a palette you want, drag the picture instantly into your PowerPoint presentation.
Subsequent, choose the Coloration Fill bucket, select Extra Colours, and click on on the eyedropper icon. With the eyedropper device, you’ll be able to choose colours out of your palette and use them for components in your infographic.
Take the time to control shapes. PowerPoint has an intensive library of shapes — together with banners, ribbons, and arrows — that you need to use in your infographic design.
By clicking and dragging on the little yellow diamonds that seem on these shapes, you’ll be able to customise them. For instance, you may make the sharp ends of a ribbon longer or shorter. You can even make the physique of an arrow thinner or thicker.
What I like: This contemporary design is smooth, simple to comply with, and leads your eyes completely by means of the infographic to digest the data. Plus, there’s extra room for creativity right here.
When to make use of: In case your infographic is an equal mixture of quantitative knowledge and textual content, this contemporary design may help you show each sorts of data seamlessly.
4. Flowchart Infographic
On the floor, a flowchart infographic could seem easy and enjoyable. However I guarantee you, loads of thought and planning wants to enter guaranteeing the completely different sections logically move into one another.
In our flowchart PowerPoint template, we created a fundamental flowchart construction, with constructive responses guiding viewers to a conclusion on the backside left of the infographic.
There are additionally unfavorable responses guiding viewers to a separate conclusion on the backside proper of the infographic.
Flowchart Infographic Greatest Practices
Draw out the branches beforehand. Earlier than you dive into PowerPoint, get out a pen and paper and do a tough define of your flowchart. Take a look at for weaknesses in your logic by answering questions in each potential mixture and seeing the place you find yourself.
For greatest outcomes, have a buddy or coworker run by means of the flowchart, too.
The smaller the scope, the simpler the execution. The extra questions or phases you add to your flowchart, the tougher it is going to be to create (and the tougher it would probably be for viewers to know). So, attempt to slender the main target of your flowchart.
What I like: Colours and shapes are strategically used to distinguish between constructive and unfavorable conclusions of the move chart. Discover the inexperienced circles used for “Sure” and pink circles used for “No”.
When to make use of: I recommend utilizing flowcharts to map out completely different outcomes and conclusions to your viewers to assist them comply with/perceive processes and workflows.
5. Aspect-By-Aspect Comparability Infographic
We all know generally you want an infographic to display a comparability. That’s why we created the side-by-side comparability infographic template to make it simple so that you can examine and distinction two various things.
Aspect-By-Aspect Comparability Infographic Greatest Practices
Use applicable knowledge. It is best to make use of knowledge that may simply be described in a chart. Use pie charts, graphs, or different knowledge factors to obviously and pretty examine and distinction.
Use borders. Including borders to your pictures will assist make them really feel like their a part of a cohesive design. In PowerPoint, you’ll be able to management the scale, model, and shade of borders beneath the Format Image tab.
Save your infographic as a PNG file. This can be a greatest apply for all infographics however is especially related when publishing an infographic that incorporates images. The PNG extension provides higher high quality than different choices. To save lots of your completed infographic as a PNG file, you merely want to decide on File > Save As … and choose PNG from the dropdown.
Able to create your personal side-by-side comparability infographic? Obtain 15 free infographic PowerPoint templates to get began.
What I like: Each side of the infographic use complementary colours, which makes it much more interesting by inverting the colour scheme in each sections.
When to make use of: This infographic template is nice for evaluating completely different classes, concepts, or outcomes, and because you don‘t must create or customise loads of shapes, it’s lots much less work.
Make your slides communicate louder than phrases.
PowerPoint is filled with so many options that assist you current concepts in the easiest way potential. My recommendation? All the time select the proper template. It’ll prevent effort and time because you received’t must construct every thing from scratch.
However if you happen to want to start out from zero, a minimum of attempt to visualize your idea in your head or, even higher, sketch it out on paper. This manner, you received’t find yourself with cluttered slides that say lots but talk nothing.
Bear in mind: No person desires to sit down by means of a presentation that appears like a nasty Wikipedia web page. PowerPoint infographics exist for a purpose — to maintain issues clean, snappy, and truly memorable.
So, if you happen to’ve been pitching concepts or explaining methods with simply phrases and boring docs, it’s time for a change. Make it visible, make it partaking, and for the love of all issues good — make it make sense.
Editor’s observe: This text was initially revealed in March 2013 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
