How To Create Infographics in Google Slides

In the corporate world, data is only as good as its presentation. We often see clients struggling with complex data sets, believing they need expensive software like Adobe Illustrator to create compelling visuals. The truth is, Google Slides has evolved into a powerhouse for non-designers.

By shifting your perspective on this tool, you can democratize design within your organization. This guide covers exactly how to leverage Google Slides to build professional-grade infographics that communicate clarity and authority. Whether you are presenting to a global board or sharing insights with a remote team, mastering this skill is essential for modern communication.

Why Choose Google Slides for Infographics?

While tools like Canva or Piktochart are popular, Google Slides offers specific advantages for enterprise environments. It is completely free, collaborative in real-time, and integrates seamlessly with Google Sheets for live data updates. For teams already using Google Workspace, it eliminates the friction of learning a new platform.

Furthermore, vector shapes in Slides remain sharp at any scale. When you create assets here, they are easily editable by anyone on your team, unlike static images exported from specialized design software. This editability is crucial for fast-paced global markets where data changes weekly.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Infographic

Follow this proven workflow we use at PitchWorx when prototyping quick visual assets for clients:

1. Adjust Page Dimensions: Go to File > Page Setup. Switch from ‘Widescreen’ to ‘Custom’. A standard infographic size is 800 x 2000 pixels (or 8.5 x 20 inches).
2. Set the Background: Right-click the slide and select ‘Change Background’. Choose a soft, neutral color to reduce eye strain, rather than stark white.
3. Build the Skeleton: Use View > Guides to create a grid. Section your vertical canvas into a Header, Body (3-4 key data points), and Footer (sources and logo).
4. Visualize Data: Don’t just paste tables. Use Insert > Chart to add bar graphs or pie charts. Link these to a Google Sheet so your infographic stays current automatically.
5. Add Iconography: Use the ‘Insert Image’ search feature or a third-party add-on to find consistent icon sets. Ensure all icons share the same line weight and style.

The “Non-Designer” Checklist

Before you hit download, run your design through this checklist to ensure it meets professional standards.

• ✅ Contrast Check: Is the text legible against the background? (Dark text on light background is safest).
• ✅ Font Limit: Are you using maximum 2 font families? (One for headers, one for body text).
• ✅ Breathing Room: Is there ample whitespace (padding) around the edges and between sections?
• ✅ Data Integrity: Are all charts clearly labeled with legends and values?
• ✅ Brand Alignment: Did you use your official brand hex codes?

Common Infographic Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned professionals stumble when transitioning from standard slides to vertical infographics. The most common error we see is information density. Just because you have more vertical space doesn’t mean you should fill it with text.

According to the Nielsen Norman Group, users rarely read word-by-word; they scan. If your infographic looks like a document, you have failed. Keep text blocks under 50 words and let the visuals carry the weight of the narrative. Avoid using low-resolution images that pixelate when resized, and never mix flat icons with 3D clipart—it creates visual confusion.

Mini Case Example: The Quarterly Report

We recently consulted for a fintech startup that needed to present quarterly growth to investors. Their original deck was 40 slides of spreadsheets—dense, unengaging, and difficult to digest.

The Solution: We condensed the highlight metrics into a single-page vertical infographic using Google Slides. We used a dark-theme layout to match their app interface, utilized bright green data bars for contrast, and divided the layout into “User Growth,” “Revenue,” and “Projections.”

The Outcome: The investors appreciated the “at-a-glance” clarity, and the founders could easily update the numbers in the linked Google Sheet for the next month without needing design support. This approach validates that presentation design services are not just about pretty slides, but about strategic communication architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print a Google Slides infographic?

Yes. If you set your page setup to standard paper sizes (like A4 or Letter) or high-resolution custom dimensions, you can download the file as a ‘PDF Document’ for high-quality printing.

How do I make the background transparent?

Google Slides does not natively support exporting with a transparent background. You would need to download the slide as a PNG and use an external tool to remove the background, or use solid colored backgrounds that match your destination platform.

Is Google Slides better than PowerPoint for infographics?

For real-time collaboration and web-based sharing, Google Slides is superior. However, PowerPoint offers more advanced vector editing tools and image manipulation features for complex designs.

Can I animate an infographic in Google Slides?

Absolutely. You can apply standard animations to elements within your vertical slide. However, these animations only work when presenting digitally and will not be visible in a static PDF export.

Where can I find free icons for Google Slides?

Google Slides has a built-in search via ‘Insert > Image > Search the web’. Additionally, you can install add-ons like ‘Noun Project’ or ‘Flaticon’ directly into Slides to access millions of vector icons.