There are lots of free online tools for creating pieces of infographics (charts and graphs) AND lots of tools for creating entire infographics AND lots of tutorials about using all these tools. The charts on this page describe some of them.
Adobe Illustrator is the tool of choice for professionals working with infographics. Since it's expensive and we all don't have access to it, it's not included in this list. It also has a steep learning curve.
Adobe Illustrator is the tool of choice for professionals working with infographics. Since it's expensive and we all don't have access to it, it's not included in this list. It also has a steep learning curve.
BENEFITS OF CREATING INFOGRAPHICS
- Makes us choose information carefully, analyze the information collected, and synthesize the essential elements. We learn that the ways we represent data are as important as the data we collect.
- Increases information fluency (the ability to process and interpret information)
- Increases visual literacy (the ability to view, interpret, evaluate, use and create visual media)
- Increases technological literacy (the ability to use technology creatively, productively, and effectively)
Tool for Creating Infographic Pieces (Linked) |
Description |
Allows you to create interactive maps. Requires sign-up. |
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Helps you identify the right chart based on what you are trying to show, and then lets you download the Excel or PowerPoint version of that chart to help you get your job done -- all in Tufte-compliant style. |
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Generate bar, line, area, pie, and XY graphs. |
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Easy-to-use drop and drag interface for creating charts, graphics, and info pictures. The free version allows you to work on a single diagram at a time. Registration is required for saving, exporting or emailing. Templates shorten the learning curve. |
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Allows users to present data visually, in moving, interactive graphs. Over 400 data sets can be downloaded to Excel, as a CSV file, or a PDF. Data sets range from how many broadband subscribers exist to employment to education to many other choices. Includes teaching ideas. |
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Lets you build and design maps from data that are already available or upload and store your own data to use for constructing your map. Requires an account (free). Upload data, share it with others, and design maps. |
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All kinds of charts, maps, bars, and statistical goodies to choose from. The chart gallery provides a large number of ready-to-use chart types. |
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Upload data from spreadsheets or CSV files. Use your data to create maps, graphs, and timelines. The Google map files created can be exported for use by others. Think collaborative projects! |
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Gives access to a very wide range of data that can be seen in graph, scatter plot, and map views. Many of the graphs are animated via a timeline. Limited changes can be made in these examples. |
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Value |
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Value |
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Download images or screenshots of MapMaker Interactive, modify them, and use them in any way, IF
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Elementary Make pictograms, like bar charts except they use a number of little pictures to show how many items there are in each row. |
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Easy: asks how many slices you want the pie to have, the values, the colors of the pieces and the background, the size of the pie graph, title, and 2D or 3D. |
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Stat Planet, already developed maps and graphs in English, French, and Spanish. Graph Maker and Map Maker let you create Flash-based maps and graphs with data sets provided from your own research or from various reputable sources available at the web site. Graphs in either bar, line, or scatter plots, as well as maps are possible. Can be animated over time and customized in a number of ways. Requires time to learn. |
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An online, versatile image editor and painting app. |
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An easy and intuitive to use timeline builder. |
Infographic Creation Tools (Linked) |
Description and Links to Instructions |
iPad app available. Template driven, easy and intuitive. Large library of images to choose from. Free, but you have to pay for Pro quality design assets individually. Getting started info can be found here |
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Free web-based infographic tool offers you a dozen free templates. They are customisable. You get access to a library of arrows, shapes and connector lines,. You can customize the text with range of fonts, colors, text styles and sizes. The tool also lets you upload your graphics and position them with one touch. You’ll want to upload your own images and icons. Downloads for JPG and PDF versions. Link to video on how to use Easel.ly |
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Express ideas with ease by combining images, graphics, audio, video and text on one digital canvas. (This one isn't free, but I know some of you have school access.) Video tutorial |
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For non-designers to create professionally designed infographics and visualizations in minutes. From pie charts and graphs, to multilayer datagrids, a built-in spreadsheet engine, and a simple drag-and drop interface. Your infographic can be published to social media or embedded on a webpage. The ability to download it as a stand-alone image requires an upgrade to a paid plan. More than 30 different types of charts to choose from. Anything from bubble charts and tree maps to simple pie charts. Embed videos from Youtube and Vimeo in your design Small selection of infographic templates. Instructions |
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Easy to use. Buttons are self-explanatory and you get the needed output in PDF or PNG format. Their video introduction is on their front page. |
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An Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator. Joanne says - often described as a free Illustrator-like option. Over my head, but for those of you more technical than I and who are allowed to download open source programs, here’s a link to a tutorial. There’s lots of help on their page. |
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Similar to Infogr.am in that it's designed to get non-designers creating good quality infographics quickly. Tons of freedom in building and editing your infographic using their simple graphic tools. They have categorized icons, resizable canvas, design-driven charts, and interactive maps to utilize. Intuitive. Allows you to edit anything and everything with ease. Embed videos from Youtube and Vimeo in your design. directions More directions Snappa is a graphic design tool that includes a free infographic maker. This one is aimed at non-designers. You won't have the kind of control on offer with some of the other tools, but it does promise you will be able to dash out an infographic in 10 minutes or so. Snappa offers preset templates that are optimised for social sharing on the web. There's a simple drag-and-drop interface, and access to thousands of hi-res, royalty free stock photos. |
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Simple and easy to use. You can choose from templates, customizable themes, and hundreds of charts and icons or upload your own images and backgrounds. You can animate pieces of the infographic! Requires sign in. Instructions |
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This free tool includes over 100 free fonts, millions of free images and thousands of quality icons, and there are options to include video and audio (including the ability to record a voiceover directly in the editor – handy). You can also animate your content to make things clearer. Allows you to create an online resume that is beautiful, relevant and fun, all with just one click. It enables you to express your professional accomplishments in a simple yet compelling personal visualization. |
Here's a handy Software Selection Guide to help you decide where to start.
From http://www.lrs.org/ala-mw-2016-data-visualization-for-the-rest-of-us-a-beginners-guide/ by Linda Hofschire
13 Incredible Tools for Creating Infographics - 2018
For those with access to Microsoft products, here are instructions for creating infographics in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
Microsoft Excel - instructions are linked here
Microsoft PowerPoint - Instructions are linked here
PowerPoint: PP directions is a link to a video on how to use PowerPoint to make infographics. Some teachers think it’s the easiest for students to start with. PowerPoint template is linked here. (Requires download.)
Microsoft Word - Here’s a link to a Youtube video on creating fast and easy infographics in Word and PowerPoint
From http://www.lrs.org/ala-mw-2016-data-visualization-for-the-rest-of-us-a-beginners-guide/ by Linda Hofschire
13 Incredible Tools for Creating Infographics - 2018
For those with access to Microsoft products, here are instructions for creating infographics in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
Microsoft Excel - instructions are linked here
Microsoft PowerPoint - Instructions are linked here
PowerPoint: PP directions is a link to a video on how to use PowerPoint to make infographics. Some teachers think it’s the easiest for students to start with. PowerPoint template is linked here. (Requires download.)
Microsoft Word - Here’s a link to a Youtube video on creating fast and easy infographics in Word and PowerPoint