How to Make an Infographic (Free Templates & Tools)

To make an infographic, pick a template in Canva, map out your data as a clear sequence, then design top to bottom in sections — and export as PNG for the web or PDF for print. Templates handle the layout; your job is deciding what the data says and keeping it readable.

What makes an infographic work

An infographic is a story told visually, not a poster of numbers. The ones that get shared have three things:

• One clear point — not five competing ones
• A logical flow — the reader is guided, not left to wander
• Restraint — most of the space is empty

Before opening any tool, write your data out as a list. If it doesn’t make sense as a list, no amount of design will save it.

Free tools compared

Canva is the right starting point for almost everyone — the free tier is genuinely enough. For a blank-canvas approach instead, see Figma for beginners.

Step 1: Choose a size

Vertical is the standard for infographics — it suits scrolling and sharing.

Step 2: Structure it before you design

Work in this order, top to bottom:

1. Title — the single claim or question. “Coffee’s journey from bean to cup,” not “Coffee Facts.”
2. Intro line — one sentence of context.
3. Sections — 3 to 5 blocks, each with a heading and one idea.
4. The payoff — the number or conclusion that matters.
5. Source line — where the data came from. Skipping this destroys credibility.

If a section needs a paragraph to explain it, the section is too complicated.

Step 3: Build it in Canva

1. Go to canva.com → search “infographic”.
2. Pick a template with a layout close to your section count. Don’t fight the template.
3. Replace text first — paste in your headings and data. Design after.
4. Swap the visuals — use Elements → Charts for real data, not decoration.
5. Set a colour scheme — two or three colours plus neutrals. See best colour palette generators.
6. Align everything — use Canva’s guides; nudge with arrow keys.
7. Export: Share → Download → PNG for web, PDF Print for print.

New to the editor? How to use Canva covers the basics in minutes.

Step 4: Make the data readable

This is where most infographics fail.

• Charts over numbers. A bar beats “47%” every time.
• One number can be huge. Sometimes the best design is a single giant figure.
• Label directly on the chart rather than relying on a legend.
• Round numbers. 47.3% → “nearly half.” Precision is not the point.
• Annotate the insight, not just the value — “sales doubled” is the story, not “2×.”

Design rules that keep people reading

• Big type for headings, small for detail. Contrast creates hierarchy.
• Generous white space. Cramming is the #1 amateur mistake.
• Two fonts maximum — one for headings, one for body.
• Icons support, not replace words. An icon alone communicates little.
• Consistent spacing between sections — visual rhythm keeps people scrolling.
• Read it at phone size. If it’s unreadable there, most people won’t see it.

Common mistakes

FAQ

How do I make an infographic for free?

Use Canva — search “infographic,” pick a template, replace the text and data, and download as PNG. The free tier has plenty of templates.

What size should an infographic be?

800 × 2000 px for the web (tall and vertical), 1080 × 1350 px for Instagram/Pinterest, or A4/Letter at 300 dpi for print.

What’s the best free infographic maker?

Canva for ease and template range; Piktochart if your design leans heavily on charts and data.

How much data should an infographic have?

Roughly 5 key numbers, grouped into 3–5 sections. More than that and the reader stops reading — cut until the point is unmissable.

Do I need design skills to make an infographic?

No. Templates do the layout work; your job is choosing the right data and keeping it simple. See how to make a poster for related layout rules.