How to create infographics in PowerPoint – part II

This is a continuation of part I. In the previous post I have described how to find data and prepare slide format. Also how to setup background for your infographics.

How to create a header

Infographics should have a distinct header. Text on a flat banner will make a nice one. I used a banner from banners for infographics for PowerPoint package.

Flat banners for infographics - PowerPoint format
Banners for infographics – PowerPoint format

How to create a bar chart manually

Simple and clean bar chart in PowerPoint for infographics
The simple and clean bar chart in PowerPoint for infographics

It may be surprising, but sometimes it is better to create a bar chart from scratch. I do it when I want to have a simple, clean and minimalistic chart. It is faster to create one by yourself than trying to format a PowerPoint chart. Here is step by step instruction:

    1. Create a rectangle which will correspond to a 100% length.
How to scale boxes to make custom bar in PowerPoint
How to scale boxes to make a custom bar in PowerPoint
  1. Duplicate rectangle (Ctrl-D).
  2. Change color.
  3. Change size in “Format Shape” -> “Dimensions” -> “Scale Width”. Set actual value of the stat you want to display, e.g. 26%.
  4. Nice extra touch to the bar chart is the indicator like this one. It is made with one rectangle and triangle.
How to create bar chart indicator
How to create a bar chart indicator

Custom callouts for data

Data call outs for infographics in PowerPoint
Data call outs for infographics in PowerPoint

You may like these callouts. In fact, it is a rectangle and a line with circles at the ends.

    1. First, you create a rectangle or you can reuse indicator from your bar chart.
    2. Create a line. Make it bold, and set arrows as circles.
How to create data call outs in PowerPoint
How to create data call outs in PowerPoint

3. Important little detail. Line color should be a bit darker or brighter than the box.

Summary

I hope you will find it useful. Let me know if you have any questions or problems when you create your infographics in PowerPoint. I read all the comments and emails.

The complete tutorial is available as video screencast:

Visualizations from www.infoDiagram.com

infoDiagram
infoDiagram
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