How to Create Infographics in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a strong tool for making simple infographics because it combines shapes, icons, SmartArt, charts, and text on a single slide. Microsoft says SmartArt lets you quickly create a visual representation of your information, and PowerPoint’s design tools make it easier to turn ideas into clearer visual content.

For most people, the easiest way to create an infographic in PowerPoint is to combine a clean slide layout with SmartArt, icons, and a small amount of text. Microsoft also says you can convert text into SmartArt, use picture-based SmartArt layouts, and even convert SmartArt into individual shapes if you want more control over the final design.

Step 1: Start with a Simple Slide Layout

A good infographic slide should not feel crowded.

A practical approach is to use:

one strong title
one main visual structure
a few short text blocks
clear spacing between sections

This is a design recommendation based on how Microsoft presents SmartArt and visual layouts as simplified ways to communicate information, rather than a direct Microsoft checklist.

Step 2: Use SmartArt to Build the Main Visual

SmartArt is one of the easiest infographic tools in PowerPoint.

Microsoft says you can create a SmartArt graphic from scratch and choose from many layouts to communicate your message or ideas. It also says SmartArt is meant to make a visual representation of information quickly and easily.

This is useful for infographic sections like:

processes
timelines
comparisons
lists
relationships
hierarchies

Step 3: Convert a Bullet List into SmartArt

If you already have the content written as a list, PowerPoint can help convert it into something more visual.

Microsoft says you can select your text, then on the Home tab choose Convert to SmartArt Graphic and select the style you want.

This is useful when:

you already wrote the points
you want a faster infographic workflow
you want a visual layout without building it manually

Step 4: Choose the Right SmartArt Type

Microsoft says SmartArt offers many layout categories, and some layouts are better suited for certain types of information than others. It also provides a full list of SmartArt graphics so users can choose the layout that fits the message best.

A simple way to match layout to purpose is:

use List layouts for grouped facts
use Process layouts for steps
use Relationship layouts for comparisons or connections
use Picture layouts when visuals matter more

Step 5: Add Pictures or Icons When They Help

An infographic usually works better when the viewer can understand it quickly.

Microsoft says some SmartArt options support pictures, and you can insert pictures into picture-based SmartArt layouts.

This is useful for:

people or team slides
product comparisons
visual category summaries
step-by-step image-based guides

Step 6: Use Shapes for More Custom Designs

Sometimes SmartArt is enough, but sometimes you want more freedom.

Microsoft says you can convert a SmartArt graphic into shapes through SmartArt Tools > Design > Convert > Convert to Shapes.

This is useful because once the infographic becomes individual shapes, you can:

move parts more freely
style each section differently
create a more custom infographic layout

Step 7: Keep Text Short and Visual

Infographics work best when they are visual first.

A practical rule is:

use short labels
avoid large paragraphs
let shapes, icons, or charts do most of the communication

This is an inferred design guideline based on Microsoft’s SmartArt guidance, which repeatedly emphasizes using layouts to visually represent ideas rather than writing long blocks of text.

Step 8: Use Charts for Number-Based Infographics

If your infographic includes data, a simple chart can make it stronger.

PowerPoint supports charts, so if you need to show:

percentages
trends
comparisons
category totals

a chart can become one section of the infographic. This is consistent with PowerPoint’s general chart support and SmartArt’s role as a visual communication tool, though the search results here are more focused on SmartArt than charts. The recommendation is an inference.

Step 9: Use Flow Charts for Process Infographics

If your infographic is about steps or workflow, a process graphic works well.

Microsoft says you can add a flow chart to a slide by going to Insert > SmartArt, choosing the Process category, and then selecting the flow chart you want.

This is especially useful for:

how-to infographics
workflows
timelines
staged explanations

Step 10: Animate Carefully if Needed

If the infographic will be presented live, a light amount of animation can help reveal parts in sequence.

Microsoft says you can animate a SmartArt graphic, and after adding the animation you can use Effect Options to animate shapes One by One. It also says the Animation Pane can be used to manage those effects.

This is useful when:

you want to explain one section at a time
you do not want the whole infographic to appear all at once
you want a cleaner presentation flow

Best Types of Infographics to Make in PowerPoint

PowerPoint works especially well for:

process infographics
list infographics
comparison infographics
timeline-style visuals
data summary slides
classroom infographic presentations

This is based on Microsoft’s SmartArt categories and flow-chart support, which are especially suited to structured visual information.

FAQ

Can you create an infographic in PowerPoint?

Yes. PowerPoint works well for infographic-style slides because Microsoft says SmartArt can quickly create visual representations of information, and PowerPoint supports layouts, pictures, and shape-based design.

What is the easiest way to make an infographic in PowerPoint?

One of the easiest ways is to use SmartArt. Microsoft says you can create SmartArt from scratch or convert a list into SmartArt from the Home tab.