Creating Infographics using Canva
A good infographic can help to simplify complex information in a concise and visually appealing
manner. They are an intersection of data, text, and message, combined into one artistic
representation, and they are an excellent method of storytelling. It can be daunting to set out to
create an infographic from scratch, but there are resources out there to help make this task simple.
In this video we will dive into Canva as an infographic creation tool with step-by-step
instructions. You will find it easier to get started if you have developed your visual plan,
have some design tips in mind, and have collected your images and icons ahead of time.
Canva is a freemium tool, which means it includes both free-to-use
and pay-to-use content. Using Canva for free means that you
will be limited to using the platform’s free graphics, templates, and features.
To begin creating in Canva, you need to first log in to your account. Go to www.canva.com
and press “log in” if you already have an account.
If not, you will need to create one. To do this, click the “Sign up” button.
Now that you have access to the site, it’s time to begin creating.
You will first need to decide whether you want to start your project from scratch or if you would
like to use a pre-populated template. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks.
Although a blank canvas can seem daunting, it can also open up more possibilities.
Starting from scratch allows you:
· To choose the size and orientation of your infographic.
· It has the most control over your infographic’s design.
· And you are able to build an infographic that will be unique and completely of your own design.
Working off a template does not mean half your work is done. Instead, it should set
you on a trajectory that you explore through modifying and customizing the base template.
Working with a template:
· Can provide you with some visualization examples and inspiration.
· Will not allow you to resize your infographic.
· Will run you the risk of submitting an infographic
that looks similar to your classmates'.
Dedicate some time to carefully choosing your template as it is
hard to switch between templates once you have started building.
If you are starting from scratch, Tap the “Custom size” button on the home page.
Choose the unit of measurement that you wish to work with and then define the size
of your infographic. It may take a couple of tries before you find that perfect size.
We recommend anywhere from 600 –1200 px wide and 2000 –5000px long.
If you are working with a template, on the homepage, tap “Create a design” and then locate
and tap on Infographic. Browse through the various templates and their respective categories. If you
find a category that applies to your project, tap the see all button to see similar designs.
Make sure the template you choose is labeled as free.
Pay-to-Use Content can be identified by a crown icon beside the resource or feature of the site.
For example, resizing your infographic template is a feature that is only included with Canva Pro.
If you are not sure whether a picture, graphic, or template is free to use,
bring it into your infographic and then tap on the download button.
If you have used any paid content, you will see a cost to download your project. Some templates
may not have a paid-resource crown but may still have paid-for images embedded within the design.
Once you have established whether you’ll be creating from scratch or from a template,
it is time to begin building and stylizing your infographic.
Thinking about your infographic style early in the project can help ensure
your design remains consistent. Remember, your infographic is meant to communicate a message
and the design of your infographic should not hinder it from doing so.
Selecting or modifying a background is generally one of the first steps one takes when crafting
their infographic. Look for the “Background” button on the left-hand-side of the screen. If
you do not see it there, check the “More” button that is usually found at the bottom of the menu.
Here you can decide if you want a solid colour, a pattern, or image as a background. To insert
any text, Tap on the Text button on the left-hand side. From here, you will be able to add heading,
subheading, and body text by tapping on the corresponding button. You can also choose from
several pre-created WordArt templates to add a bit of emphasis and excitement to your infographic.
To help your design stay consistent, Canva has a wide range of font styles.
Navigate to the styles tab by clicking “more”, then “styles”. Here you will find some prepared
styles to apply to your infographic, these include a heading and subheading font, as well as a colour
palette. You can browse these and select the style that works best for you. Alternatively,
you can click on “colours” and “fonts” to create your own colour palette and font style.
These methods will apply to all the text on your infographic, but if you want to edit a specific
text entry you can click on the text entry block and use the edit menu that appears above your
infographic to edit the specific text’s size, colour, alignment, font, and more. You can change
your colour palette or font style at any point of your build, so do not be afraid to experiment.
The media possibilities on Canva are almost endless. You can use photos, videos, audio,
graphics, charts, graphs or tables. It can, at times, be difficult to find that perfect (free)
picture or resource for your infographic. If you are not able to find something within Canva, an
alternative is to find a creative commons resource online. Canva accepts both PNG and JPEG image
files. To upload an image/graphic into Canva, tap Uploads > Upload media > Device. Now locate
the media you wish to upload on your computer. Do not forget to cite any content that is not yours.
To add elements directly from Canva, tap on the “Elements” button to add lines,
shapes, graphics, photos and more. Use the search feature to help narrow your options.
Once you find a resource you would like to use, click on the resource to import it into
your infographic. If you want to visualize any data, find the format you would like to use,
such as a chart or graph, then you will be able to input the appropriate numbers or information.
Just like in any academic paper, citing your resources is very important. If you used any
external sources or images, you will need to site these. Leave a bit of space at the
bottom of your infographic for your citations. Unless instructed differently, you can provide
an abbreviated citation that credits the person who made the resource and where you found it.
Play around with the layout and design of your infographic until you have something
that you’re happy with. Once you have completed your infographic and have carefully reviewed it,
it is time to download it from Canva. Tap the “Download” button. Here you will be given the
choice of what format to export your infographic. For most academic assignments, we recommend
exporting as a PDF Print. Alternatively, you can also choose to export as a JPEG or PNG file.
Once you have selected your file format, tap “Download”.
Congratulations! You are done. Double check that your infographic looks right in its final form,
and that your citations and image credits are all there.
Then share your completed infographic with the world!