Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Infographics: present your data in a visually compelling way

Infographics are a great way to communicate data in a simple, attractive, easy-to-understand format.  They can be used in presentations, websites, reports, posters, flyers, or any other project that requires an eye-catching way to present data or information.

There are hundreds of infographics applications available today, so to help narrow your search for the perfect tool, we’ve chosen four of the best online infographics tools in regards to price, usability, and quality of design.  They are Piktochart, Infogr.am, Visme, and Easel.ly.

All of these tools can be used for free, but are limited in what they offer with their free subscription.  Below is a comparison of their features.

500 professionally-made, high-quality templates updated weekly.  Can either add your content and publish or customize the design.
Just over 20 ready-made designs. The most options in data mapping with 35 charts and 200 maps to choose from.  Some are GIF animated.

20 free ready-made design templates. Can either customize or add your data to the template and publish.

Offers some basic design layouts that you can add your data to and publish, but more focus on personal customization.
Large library of icons, photos, videos, charts, maps, etc. to add to your work.
No image library; you must add your own.
Large library of templates, icons, widgets, etc. to add to your work.
Small library of icons and images.
Can upload data in XLS, XLSX, or CLV format; from cloud; or enter manually.
Can upload in XLS, XLSX, or CLV format; from cloud; enter manually; or search online sources within application.
Can upload data in XLS, XLSX, or CLV format, from cloud, or enter manually.
Can upload data in XLS or XLSX.
Finished product can be embedded into a webpage, saved as HTML export or download as JPG, PNG, PDF. 
Finished product can be embedded into a webpage or downloaded as PDF, PNG, or interactive HTML export.
Finished product can be downloaded as JPG, PDF, PNG, saved as HTML export, or be embedded into a webpage.
Finished product can be downloaded as JPG or PDF.
Able to create design projects such as presentations, reports, etc. within application.
Only able to create infographics with the application, not design projects.
Able to create design projects such as presentations, reports, etc. within application.
Main focus is to create infographics with the application, not design projects.
Very intuitive.  Includes tutorials.
Includes tutorials.
Includes tutorials.
Lacks introductory materials.
Must pay more for better design features.
Can’t save your finished product to your computer (PNG or PDF file) without a paid subscription. Must pay more for better design features.
Only the first three creations are free, and your free icons and widgets are limited.  Can’t save as PDF or PNG for free.
Limited design options available.

If you have any questions about creating infographics or how to decide which tool best meets your personal needs, please contact the Schwerdtfeger Library or stop by Room 317.