How to Create a Circle Infographic in Illustrator

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a Circle Infographic design. Infographics are an illustrative way of presenting information. They make complex information visually easier to understand. This is done with the use of color, arrows, icons and other graphic elements. Our tutorial will use various tools and processes that are super simple and easy to understand.

Step 1 - Create your outer circle

Start by selecting the Ellipse Tool and drawing one large circle. Next, draw a smaller circle inside. Hold down shift as you draw the circle to keep it in proportion. Then, with both circles selected, select the central alignment icons in your top toolbar. This will ensure they are perfectly aligned.

Now, locate your pathfinder panel. This may already be in your right toolbar, but if not, select Window > Pathfinder.

Then select the ‘Minus Front’ icon to remove the inner circle from the outer circle.

Step 2 - Create the arrow divides for the infographic

We want to create arrow divide elements that will divide the design into sections.

Add ruler guides

Firstly, turn on your rules by selecting View > Rulers > Show Rulers.

Select your circle then click and drag from your top ruler to draw a guide through the center of your circle. Do the same with the left ruler to create your vertical guide. These guides will help to ensure all our sections are evenly spaced.

Use the Rectangle tool

Now, select your Rectangle Tool and draw a square by clicking and holding shift. With the Selection Tool, hover your cursor over the corner of your square. You will notice the rotate arrows appear. Click and hold shift to rotate your square 45 degrees to form a diamond shape.

Change your fill to outlines and double click the outline button to change the color. This will help with visibility for the next few steps.

Use the Direction Selection Tool

With your Direct Selection Tool, select and remove the left node from the square to create an arrow shape.

Position the top and bottom of your arrow to the top section of your circle. Refer to the screenshot below for a visual. Ensure that your edges are lined up perfectly together.

We will be using the Pen tool next. Select your Pen Tool and draw a line into the center of the circle. Do this by clicking the bottom node of the arrow. Then, hold shift and select the central point of your circle.

Step 3 - Create your sections for the infographic

Now, select your new arrow line with the Selection Tool and the Rotate Tool from your left toolbar. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and select the central point of your circle. This will identify the turning point of your line.

In your rotate options, in the angle box, type in 360 divided by the amount of sections you want. I am creating six sections, so I will type in 360/6. Then select ‘Copy’.

You will have one new line appear. Press Option + D on your keyboard multiple times until your lines complete your circle.

Highlight all of your design with the Selection Tool and locate your Pathfinder Panel again. This time, select ‘Divide’.

Now, select your outer circle and press Object > Ungroup. You have now created your individual sections.

With the Ellipse Tool again, draw a circle in the center of your design.

Step 4 - Recolor your sections and add text

Select your shapes that you would like to be the same color. Then double click the fill button or swatch in the swatches panel to select your color. We have more great information on loading and saving swatches if you want to check it out.

I am using a pastel gradient to add depth to the central circle of my design.

Select the Type Tool to add text and numbers to each of your sections. I am using the font Fall Harvest by KA Designs.

Step 5 - Add finishing touches to the infographic

Now that all of your design elements are in place, you can apply different effects to make it stand out. I am going to add a stroke and a drop shadow.

Select all of your outer circle sections and open the Stroke panel by selecting Window > Stroke.

You can then change the stroke options to your desired effect. If you want to, change the color by double clicking the stroke button in your left toolbar.

I am going to add a white 2pt stroke.

I am now going to add a drop shadow. Select your outer sections and inner circle. Next select Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow. Select the preview box to see how your design changes with the settings. When you are happy, click OK.

You have now finished your circle infographic!

Step 6 - Save or export your infographic

I want to save my infographic for use in other projects. To save your document, select File > Save As.

You can then rename your document and locate where you would like to save it. Choose the format you want by selecting the 'format' drop down menu, then select Save. You could also batch export your artboards.

Well done on creating your very stylish infographic. If you enjoyed this tutorial you may also like our tutorials on how to create a floral logo in Illustrator, make an Instagram carousel, and create a seamless pattern in Illustrator.