Infographics are a great way to present information visually. With colorful graphics, charts, images, and minimal text, infographics simplify complex data and make it easy for readers to understand key information at a glance.
Google Docs offers several built-in features that make it easy for anyone to create professional-looking infographics without advanced design skills. In this article, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide to making an infographic in Google Docs.
Why Create Infographics in Google Docs?
There are several benefits to using Google Docs to make infographics:
- It’s free. Google Docs is free to use for anyone with a Google account. There’s no need to pay for expensive design software.
- Easy to use features. Google Docs has simple drawing and image tools you can use to create shapes, charts, add icons, and more with just a few clicks.
- Real-time collaboration. Multiple people can work on the same infographic at once, allowing for seamless teamwork.
- Accessible from anywhere. Since Docs is cloud-based, you can create infographics from any device with an internet connection. There are also Google Docs apps for iOS and Android.
Step-by-Step Guide to Designing an Infographic in Google Docs
Follow these seven key steps to make an eye-catching infographic using Google Docs:
1. Set up your document
- Open a new Google Doc.
- Go to File > Page setup and change the page orientation to landscape.
- Adjust the page size to fit your infographic design. A width between 6-8 inches usually works well.
2. Add a background color or image
- Click ‘Insert’ > ‘Image’ to add a background photo.
- Use a solid color background by highlighting the entire document and selecting a color from the toolbar.
3. Draw shapes and lines
- Use the ‘Insert’ > ‘Drawing’ menu to add customizable shapes like rectangles, circles, arrows, and callout boxes.
- Use lines and arrows to connect elements or direct flow.
4. Incorporate charts and graphs
- Insert pie charts, bar graphs, scatter plots and more with Google Sheets.
- Copy and paste charts into your infographic doc. Resize as needed.
5. Add images and icons
- Insert relevant photos and illustrations using the image search tool.
- Use icons and emoji to draw attention to key data points quickly.
6. Include text sparingly
- Allow graphics and data visualizations to take center stage.
- Use text boxes and callouts to briefly summarize main points.
7. Style and organize content
- Use alignment tools, color, borders and spacing intentionally to organize.
- Group and layer objects to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.
Infographic Design Tips
Keep these best practices in mind as you create infographics in Google Docs:
- Prioritize visuals – Let colorful images, charts, and graphics tell the story. Only use enough text to supplement key data points.
- Be consistent – Stick to 2-3 complementary colors tied to your brand palette. Maintain alignment with all visual elements.
- Highlight important details – Use contrast, color, and bold fonts to draw attention to key statistics, facts, or takeaways.
- Direct flow intentionally – Use lines, spacing, and arrangement of elements to guide the viewer’s eye in order of importance.
Share and Repurpose Your Infographics
Once your infographic is complete, you can easily share via Google Docs share settings. Here are some ways to repurpose your design:
- Download image files and share on social media.
- Embed in blog posts and web pages.
- Present in videos or slide decks.
- Print for handouts, flyers, and conference booths.
Creating infographics in Google Docs is quick, easy, and free. With the steps in this guide, anyone can design beautiful infographics that effectively communicate complex stories to engage audiences across digital platforms.
