Data’s always daunting but if you could present it visually, it becomes more digestible. This way of representing data in visual form is called Infographics. While there are plenty of apps like ChartBlocks, Google Charts that let you make charts and graphs, but you cannot build powerful infographics. Other features like text customization, icon packs, editable background, and multiple layer support are missing. That’s why we need apps that not only generate infographics but let you manually create one. So, now that you know the difference, here is my list of the best apps to create infographics.
Table of Contents
1. Canva
Canva is an app that not only lets you edit and make infographics but you can also publish logos, posters, banners, etc. The UI feels lively and you have plenty of template options to choose from right at the home screen. The templates are divided into subcategories like charity, business, education, etc. Having said that, you can either choose to start off from scratch or pick up a template.
In case you have pictures, you can upload them or choose from Canva’s photo library. In addition to that, you can also import images from Pexels or Pixabay. My favorite option was the ability to add a QR code in the graphics. This really helps to engage the viewer in real-time. Canva might be the perfect option if you need to be on top of your social media game.
Platforms: Android, iOS.
Download Canva (Android | iOS )
2. Adobe Spark
Unlike Canva, Adobe Spark is a toned-down version. While it has most of the features, it targets minimal users. I really liked the simplicity of the app. To begin with, the home screen has a bunch of templates with categories like school, travel, food, etc. There is also a “My Posts” section wherein you can save your creatives.
Moreover, you can import images from your phone as well as the web. There is also an option to add icons but it doesn’t support multiple values in illustrative charts, so you’re left are with static icons. Apart from that, you can control opacity, shape, spacing, etc of individual elements by tapping on them. The export options include various presets like Instagram posts, IG stories, etc.
Adobe Spark also has a pro version starting at $11/month that eliminates the watermark and have access to premium templates.
Platforms: Android, iOS.
Download Adobe Spark (iOS | Android )
3. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is to infographics as Adobe Photoshop is to image editing. The primary reason being that Illustrator works in vectors. So you don’t have to think about your output being pixelated regardless of the size. Adobe Illustrator has a vast number of tools to enhance your infographic. For example, you can choose the color palette, use pictures, choose from over 17,000 plus fonts and add custom icons.
Adobe Illustrator is free for Android and iOS
The only setback would be for someone who is just starting out. Illustrator is a powerful software and has a steep learning curve. In addition to that, you don’t have a template database so you’ll have to work your way from the ground up. Hence, I wouldn’t suggest it for someone who doesn’t want the hassle of learning new software altogether. While the Adobe Illustrator desktop variant costs a whopping $22.99/month, it is free for Android and iOS.
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android
Download Adobe Illustrator for PC (Windows | iOS | Android )
4. Piktochart
Infographics hold intricate data and to churn a good output quickly is often an idea far fetched. Piktochart with its tools claims to help you do that in just a few minutes. You require no prior design experience and to help you more, it gives you over 800 templates to pick from. All the tools you need like background, text, etc are in a tool-box on the left side. You can also preview the infographic and change the quality of the final file.
Read: Check out 9 Best Pixabay Alternatives for your Next Project
Piktochart has a “Design Component” feature which comprises three options – Lists, Timelines, and Comparisons. These options give you a specific template under each heading. Apart from the usual settings like background, image, and opacity, you can also modify texts and charts. Though the app is free to use, to get features like unlimited image uploads, custom fonts you have to switch to the pro pack starting at $24.17/month.
Visit Piktochart
5. Visme
Visme has a similar interface when compared to Piktochart. You get to choose between processes, comparisons, timelines, reports, and charts. Although the app essentially works in blocks like Piktochart, you have far more icon options.
Visme provides you the option to directly import your spreadsheets and excel sheets. In case you want to manually type it, there is a section dedicated to text, statistics, figures, and diagrams. So, you don’t have to think about missing diagrams if you’re information is full of data. In case you’re very serious about this, you can join in the weekly webinars for free! Visme only offers five projects for free and further, you would have to upgrade to the standard version starting at $14/month.
Visit Visme
6. Easelly
If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re looking for tools to grow your business, Easelly is the ideal option. It is neatly organized to avoid wastage of time looking for tools. In terms of UI, all the tools are stacked up at the top like template selection, background, charts, etc. Unlike other apps, you can make an infographic without signing in but the output, in this case, is restricted to low quality.
Everything that you can possibly think of making can be done with drag and drops, double taps. It also supports layers so stacking up elements is convenient. Although some features are constant across all the apps, the ability to do it fluently is what makes Easelly special. The only downside is its ability to only export low-quality graphics in the free version. If you want to export it to high-quality images or PDFs, you can get the pro version which comes at $4/month.
Visit Easelly
7. Venngage
Another web-based tool that is widely used by social-media creators is Venngage. It starts by suggesting you templates after you fill in your professional details, so you get tailored templates to start with. The editor looks diverse and packed with tools. There is a widget section where you can pick texts, icons, charts and any other tool you might need.
In addition to that, there is a quick tool-bar section, giving you quick controls like undo-redo, layer selection, etc. If you feel stuck at any point there are video tutorials to help as well. You can quickly make a copy in a different size after you’re done with the infographic.
Venngage is pretty diverse but there are limitations. To start off, I wish rather than giving me so many templates to work with, an option to start with a blank canvas would’ve been much better. Also, you cannot export or share in the free version. The premium subscription comes at $ 19/month and gives you more templates, chat support and the option to export it to PNG or PDF.
Visit Venngage
8. Animaker
A picture speaks a thousand words but if you can explain your data using a video it’ll make the user visualize it far better. Animaker is a web-based app that helps you explain your data in a video form. It might not have the simplest UI to understand but spending time with the software helps you get along. The left side is dedicated to scenes(a section of the video) while the right focuses on design elements like characters, fonts, etc.
There is a timeline at the bottom which lets you add scenes and edit the animation as well. It doesn’t have icons per se but it lets you add human characters and custom clip-arts. Because it’s not a conventional infographic app, you cannot upload audio that can be used as a voice-over or background audio. But, you get access to Animaker’s free library. The personal upgradable option comes at $12/month which removes the two-minute video cap, provides download support, vast characters, and audio library.
Visit Animaker
9. Infogram
Similar to Canva, Infogram lets you not only make infographics but also YouTube thumbnails, Instagram posts, etc. It has a familiar UI with all the edit options stacked on the right. While you do have the option to add texts, edit fonts and insert shapes, what makes it stand apart is its ability to integrate with other apps like Flickr, Giphy, Slideshare, etc. If you collect a lot of data and store it online you can connect cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. In addition to that, you also have the option to import excel files also.
Visit Infogram
Closing Remarks
There are no winners as such from the list but if there is one application that I think you should stick to, it would be Canva. It has many options besides just being able to create infographics. You can sync it across multiple platforms so you wouldn’t have an issue with continuity. So, here was my list of best apps to create an infographic, if you think, I left out any, do leave a comment!
Also Read: 14 Best Google Sheets Add-Ons to Manage and Manipulate Data (2020)
