Make infographics in Adobe Illustrator

In this lesson we will learn how to do infografichesfy poster (infographics) using Adobe Illustrator. We will create dynamic charts, data which can be changed at any time, a very simple way, and learn to do shading and shadows to the elements.

The final result:

Step 1

Before you start creating infographics, you need to work hard to find the information you need. We used statistics from the Internet ( Slideshare.net ). The first graph, which we will create will show the number of Internet users in social networks, mobile subscribers and the general population. Use the Bar Graph Tool to create an area in the current document. As a result, the window should open up a table where you want to enter data.

Select the required table cell can be done with the cursor. After entering information, click on Apply (check mark) in the data chart.

Step 2

Our newly created object is dynamic, that is, we can always change the name and number of categories and / or data. If you close the chart window data, go to Object> Graph> Data . We can change the chart type, after it had already been formed. To do this, go to Object> Graph> Tape .

Design graphics will be changed only after you click OK in the dialog box.

Step 3

Let’s take a look at the box-type graphics. As you can see, we can change the width of the field, indicate the position of the axis, and even add a shadow.

Moreover, you can edit the value and category axis.

But, as you all know, this is clearly not enough to make the right kind of schedule. And there are many graphic designers make the same mistake: they convert the dynamic graph is a group of regular vector objects using graphics ungroup (Shift + Cmd / Ctrl + G) . But since you lose the ability to edit your data.

We do not make this mistake, and keep the function of dynamic graphics. You will learn how to change the appearance of the graph a little later.

Step 4

Now let’s create two dynamic graphics. To create a graph «World Internet Usage» (internetworldstats.com ) use the tool Pie Graph .

We used the tool Column Graph Tool to create a graph “Information Sources” ( technorati.com )

The principle of operation of these graphs is different from working with the first schedule.

Step 5

Now let’s create the overall design of our infographics. For this purpose we use a style of origami (it is now quite popular). With the Rectangle Tool (M) create a rectangle and fill it with radial gradient from white to blue.

The width of the rectangle 600px (customer requirement). Its height can be changed in the process of adding items.

Step 6

With the help of Pen Tool (P) , create a form of paper tape on which the name of the place after the infographic. Fill an object with a linear gradient from white to gray.

The direction of the gradient corresponds to the direction of the light source. All of the following elements will be covered by this common source.

Step 7

Add a couple of forms to create the effect of curved paper with Pen Tool (P) and apply them to the linear gradient.

In order to create a contrast between the light background and paper tape, we will add a bit of shade.With the Ellipse Tool (L) , create a circle with a radial gradient from gray to white.

Convert the circle into an ellipse with the Selection Tool (V) and the key Opt / Alt .

Change the layer mode to Multiply for the disk and put it under a paper tape.

Using this technique, create a shadow in the upper part of the tape.

Step 8

Create another paper tape, as shown in the figure below.

Creating a technology of such facilities has been described above. Put the vector map of the world on this tape. You can download the map  here .

Step 9

It’s time to go back to our schedules. Place the ribbon under the first schedule and scale it down a bit, as shown in the screenshot below.

Select a schedule, go to Object> Transform> Scale and set the desired value

Step 10

On the example of this schedule, let’s see how to convert its elements, without losing the dynamic functions. To begin with try to remove the axis. Select one axis with  Direct Selection Tool (A) and click on “Delete.”

You can see that this is impossible. But we can remove the stroke and the object will be invisible.

Make a two axis invisible.

To make the invisible room, turn off the fill.

Step 11

Select a category name using the Direct Selection Tool (A) and change the text in a text panel(Window> Type> Character) . You can also change the color of the text and its position. These and other changes will not result in the loss of the dynamic state of the graph.

Using the Lasso Tool (Q)  or the Direct Selection Tool (A ), select items, as indicated in the figure below, hold down Shift, lengthen the columns with Direct Selection Tool (A) .

Step 12

Now let’s work with the speakers. Go to Window> Appearance and change the fill color to blue. Add a white border.

Step 13

Now let’s create a simple seamless pattern. Change the preview mode on the Pixel (View> Pixel Preview) , it is to place the elements in the cells of the pixel grid. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) , and create ten squares of size 1 x 1 pixel as shown in the figure below.

Select all the squares, go to Edit> Define Pattern and press the OK button in the dialog box.

Step 14

Select a column chart and add a new fill in the panel of Appearance. Apply this template and fill to reduce the Opacity to  60% .

Add one more fill and apply a linear gradient to it, which consists of two blue sliders, one of which has a0%  opacity.

Step 15

Create a shadow of a column. Add a new fill and place it below all the panel Appearance . Apply a linear gradient from black to light gray color.

Select the form and go to Effect> Warp> Arc Lower , and set the parameters indicated in the figure below.

Now go to Effect> Distort & Transform> Transform   and select the following options in the dialog box.

Change the blending mode to Multiply to fill.

Step 16

In order not to repeat the entire sequence of actions for the rest of the columns, save the styles in the corresponding panel.

Apply this style to the bottom of the column. Change the color of a linear gradient.

Apply the same styles for medium-sized speakers and remove the fill from the shadows.

Step 17

With the help of a tool Type Tool (T) write some data.

Let’s see if our schedule is still dynamic. Go to Object> Graph> Date

As you can see, still dynamic.

Step 18

Modify the design of other graphs using the methods described above.

The final result:

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