Adding infographics to your PowerPoint presentations is an excellent way to communicate information visually. Infographics simplify complex data and make it easier for audiences to understand key points.
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to add different types of infographics in PowerPoint, along with tips for creating high-quality infographics.
Why Use Infographics in Presentations
Here are some of the key benefits of using infographics in PowerPoint:
- Simplify complex concepts: Infographics take complicated statistics, processes, relationships etc. and present them visually. This makes it easier for audiences to grasp key information.
- Enhance engagement: Infographics add visual interest to presentations instead of just having text-heavy slides. This results in higher audience engagement and recall.
- Save time: Rather than explaining concepts verbally, you can convey a lot of information quickly through well-designed infographics.
- Add credibility: Data presented as infographics is more credible and authoritative compared to raw numbers.
- Reinforce brand image: You can maintain visual consistency by using infographics aligned with your brand style guide.
Types of Infographics for Presentations
There are many types of infographics you can add to PowerPoint slides:
1. Statistical Infographics
Statistical infographics visualize numbers and metrics using charts, graphs, and other data visualization best practices. They are ideal for displaying survey results, research data, business metrics etc.
Statistical infographic example
2. Timeline Infographics
Timeline infographics present information sequentially along a timeline to depict the chronology of events. They work well to showcase the history and progression of a product, company, industry etc.
Timeline infographic example
3. Process Infographics
Process infographics use visuals like flowcharts, step icons, arrows etc. to outline different stages in a workflow or methodology. They help explain complex processes simply.
Process infographic example
There are also comparison, geographic, hierarchical and other types of infographics that serve different presentation needs.
Steps to Add Infographics in PowerPoint
Follow these steps to add an infographic to your PowerPoint slides:
1. Choose a Relevant Infographic
Decide what kind of infographic would best suit your content and select one aligned to your topic. For example, statistical infographics for numerical data, process infographics to demonstrate workflow etc.
You can choose from PowerPoint’s built-in infographic templates or search online for pre-made infographics on your topic.
2. Insert the Infographic
Once you’ve selected the infographic, insert it into your PowerPoint presentation using one of these methods:
- Copy and paste the infographic as an image onto the slide
- Save the infographic file and insert it from your computer
- Link the infographic from an online source (if editable options are available)
3. Customize the Infographic
Edit the infographic design and content to suit your brand style and messaging. For instance, change:
- Colors
- Fonts
- Icons
- Graphics
- Data labels
- Content flow
- Emphasized elements
Use PowerPoint’s editing tools to modify infographic elements quickly.
4. Maintain Legibility
When editing infographics, ensure all text remains readable and data is clearly presented. Avoid cluttering the infographic too much.
Use white space wisely to divide information into digestible sections. Enable audience comprehension at-a-glance.
5. Seamlessly Integrate
Infographics should blend into the overall presentation design. Maintain visual consistency by using colors, fonts, effects etc. aligned with the slide deck theme.
Let the infographic occupy sufficient space on the slide without cramming other elements around it.
Tips for Creating Good Infographics
Here are some tips to create effective infographics for presentations:
- Prioritize key information over non-essential data
- Use minimal text and more visual cues
- Maintain 2-3 highlight colors for visual consistency
- Utilize charts, icons and illustrations relevant to your message
- Include informative headers and data labels
- Allow whitespace to avoid clutter
- Use a sans-serif font for clarity
- Check for font size legibility on projector screens
- Cite data sources for credibility
The right infographics make it quicker for audiences to comprehend concepts. Use them strategically in your PowerPoint decks to simplify complex messages and drive your point home.
