Infographics, also known as information graphics, are graphics that represent information, data or knowledge in a manner that is easy to read and understand. Software that creates quality infographics used to be costly, with some companies paying $30,000 or more for a single graphic. Thankfully, today there are many free tools that allow the user to create quality infographics. The top 10 are listed below.
1. Wordle
Wordle is a bit different from the other tools discussed here. Wordle will take words from text you supply and turn them into a word cloud. Words that appear more frequently will be more prominent.
2. Stat Planet
Stat Planet allows users to make graphics, maps and other charts for free. The plus addition allows for many data points and other options that the free version does not.
3. ChartsBin
ChartsBin allows users to create a map using data. This is a useful tool for times when the data is organized by country, region, state or area.
4. GapMinder
Gapminder is a free Adobe Air application. It ensures that the user has the current data, which it updates annually. It also creates stunning graphics.
5. Hohli
Hohli makes beautiful but simple online charts. Simply select a type of chart, fill in your data, adjust the sizes, colors and other features and then see your finished chart.
6. Creately
Creately allows the user to create professional looking flow charts and diagrams. At start up, the user selects from one of many different design types. The user simply plugs in the data to get professional results.
7. New York Times
The New York Times has some of the best infographics in the world. Their new Information Lab now allows users to create graphics based on recent articles and view graphics created by other readers.
8. Tableau
Tableau is a free, windows-only software that can be used to create beautiful charts and graphs. The graphs are colorful and unique.
9. ManyEyes
ManyEyes is an infographics design program created and managed by the IBM corporation. It can create maps, charts, word clouds or graphs for free using user submitted data.
10. Visual.ly
Visual.ly, like ManyEyes, can do everything the other programs can do. This company is arecent start-up company that is seeking to reinvent the world of infographics. Users can plug into Visual.ly’s warehouse of data and professionally designed graphics, for free, and create infographics that are as visually appealing as they are informative.
All of these programs are free. Explore them all to discover the one that best suits your needs.
Infographics are great to get exposure to your site, business or product. People are so overwhelmed with written content and have learned to tune it out. But a good infographic can capture attention and promote a call to action like few written articles can. Infographics have also become a great way to acquire links for your site and social votes. If you are genuinely interested in sharing information in a way that is visually appealing and interesting, as well as increasing exposure to your business, start infographing!
About the Author
Marcela De Vivo is a technology writer from Los Angeles, writing about search & content marketing, search engine optimization, and technology. She works with WhoIsHostingThis writing content and spends her spare time socializing on social networks. |