The Tools at Your Disposal

Choosing the right tool for your level of expertise and engagement

It's important to recognize which tools work best for you, and when it's necessary to gain proficiency in a new tool. When it comes to creating infographics, basic design creation tools are of utmost importance. These tools can have a bit of a learning curve to them though, so it's recommended to have a grasp on your strengths and investment in learning these tools from the outset.

Canva

Canva is a web based design platform Links to an external site. that has a free option, as well as a paid subscription option. This site offers templates for a variety of graphic based publications, including templates for social media as well as templates specifically for infographics. This option is great for those of us with limited time on our hands to invest in learning a new tool, or for those more interested in plugging in our information into a template and getting it out there.

Adobe Products available through IU

While you are enrolled here at IU, you have access to all the Adobe software Links to an external site. as well as several options for learning how to use these programs through IT Training courses Links to an external site. offered in IU Expand. This option is great for people who are already familiar with design in some way or another, people who really love learning new software tools, and for people who are looking to bolster their resume. While some employers do encourage the use of Canva, Adobe products such as Photoshop Links to an external site., Illustrator Links to an external site., and InDesign Links to an external site. are often industry standard when it comes to graphic design.

Adobe Express- The Middle Path

If you don't have the time to do a deep dive in learning a completely new platform, but you do want to gain familiarity with Adobe products, then Adobe Express Links to an external site. (formerly known as SparkPost) might just be what you're looking for. This product functions a lot like Canva in that there are many different templates to choose from, but it also utilizes functions ubiquitous to Adobe products, such as layers.

Take time to explore your options

If one of these options immediately jumped out as a good fit for you, then start exploring the platforms and gaining familiarity with how they work for you. If you're not sure, create accounts for both, then poke around to see which feels most intuitive for you and your time efforts.