Infographics have become an increasingly popular means of communication for presenting complex data in a clear, visual way. If you’re looking for software to make an infographic, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take a look at the best infographic software and help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re a marketing professional, a student or a graphic design enthusiast, there’s an infographic-making software that will enable you to create stunning visuals.
The different types of software for making infographics
There are several types of software for making an infographic, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and graphic design skills. Here’s an overview of the three main types of software:
Graphic creation software
Graphic creation software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets are often used to create simple graphs, such as bar charts or pie charts. These programs are easy to use and can be handy for visualizing simple data, but they can have their limitations for more complex infographics.
Word processing software
Some word-processing programs, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, offer graphics and illustration capabilities that can be used to create simple infographics. However, they are not as flexible as dedicated graphic design software, and image quality may be inferior.
Online infographic creation software
There are many online programs available today that are specially designed to create professional-quality infographics, even if you’re not an expert in graphic design. These programs, such as Canva, Piktochart or Visme, offer a wide range of templates and features for creating infographics of all kinds, from data graphics to complex illustrations. They can be paid or free, with limited functionality or paid subscription options to unlock additional features.
The type of software you choose will depend on your needs, your budget and your level of graphic design expertise. If you’re looking to create professional-quality infographics, online infographic creation software may be the most convenient and easiest to use. If you already have graphic design experience, dedicated graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator may be more appropriate.
Criteria for choosing software to make an infographic
When choosing software to make an infographic, it’s important to consider several criteria to find the one that best suits your needs and your level of graphic design skill. Here are some criteria to consider:
Features required
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The software must offer the functionality needed to create the infographic you’ve got in mind. For example, if you want to create a data visualization infographic, you will need features to create graphs and tables, while a narrative infographic will require tools to create illustrations and animations. It’s important to think about your infographic’s objective and the features needed to achieve it.
Ease of use
If you’re new to graphic design, the ease of use of the software is an important criterion. Some programs are more intuitive than others, with user-friendly interfaces and clearly labeled functionalities. If you already have experience in graphic design, you may be at ease with more complex software.
The learning curve
Some software can be complex and require a longer learning curve to master all its features. If you have the time and patience to learn, it can be a good long-term investment. If you need to create an infographic quickly, choose software you can master quickly.
The cost
Infographic creation software can be free or paid, with monthly or annual subscription options to unlock additional features. Cost can be a determining factor, depending on your budget and needs. Don’t forget to consider the long-term cost, especially if you plan to create infographics regularly.
Availability
Some software needs to be downloaded to your computer, while others are online. Availability can be an important criterion, depending on your preferences and the tools you have at your disposal. Online software is often more convenient for collaborative working, or for accessing your creations from any computer.
The best software for making infographics
Here is a selection of the best software for making infographics, with their advantages and disadvantages as well as their prices.
Canva
Canva is an online graphic design software offering a wide variety of predefined templates for infographics, social networks, presentations and more. It features an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, with tools for adding text, shapes, icons, images and graphics. Canva also offers a large library of images and fonts to personalize your creations.
Benefits:
- Intuitive interface,
- Large choice of models,
- Large library of images and fonts,
- Tools for adding text, shapes, icons, images and graphics.
Disadvantages:
- Some features are only available for paid subscriptions,
- Some tools may be less precise than those of professional software.
Price:
Canva is available as a free version, with paid subscriptions starting at €9.99/month for additional features.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is professional graphic design software that offers a wide variety of tools for creating illustrations, vector graphics, typography and logos. It lets you work with vectors to produce high-quality images that can be resized without losing their resolution. Adobe Illustrator also offers features for teamwork, with collaboration and file-sharing tools.
Benefits:
- Large variety of professional tools for creating infographics,
- Work with vectors for high-quality images,
- Collaboration and file-sharing features.
Disadvantages:
- More complex interface for beginners, high cost.
Price:
Adobe Illustrator is available as a subscription from €24.59/month.
Piktochart
Piktochart is online software for creating infographics, presentations and reports. It offers a wide variety of pre-designed templates and graphics to facilitate the creation of infographics. It also offers tools for adding text, images, icons and graphics. Piktochart also features an export function for printing or downloading your creations.
Benefits:
- Intuitive interface,
- Large variety of templates and graphics,
- Export functionality.
Drawbacks:
- Limited functionality for the free version
Price:
Piktochart is available as a free version, with paid subscriptions starting at €24.17/month for additional features.
Vism
Visme is online software for creating infographics, presentations and reports. It offers a wide variety of pre-designed templates and graphics to facilitate the creation of infographics. It also offers tools for adding text, images, icons and graphics. Visme also features collaboration functionality for teamwork on the same creation, and animation functionality to bring your infographics to life.
Benefits:
- Intuitive interface,
- Large variety of templates and graphics,
- Collaborative functionality,
- Animation functionality.
Disadvantages:
- Little functionality
Price:
Visme is available as a free version, with paid subscriptions starting at €20/month for additional features.
