Poster vs. Infographic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 24, 2023
A poster is a printed or digital display meant for decoration or advertisement, while an infographic presents information through visual representation.
Difference Between Poster and Infographic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A poster serves various purposes ranging from promotional advertisements to artistic expressions, while an infographic is designed to convey complex data or information visually.
Posters can carry text, artwork, photographs, or a combination of these elements. On the other hand, infographics combine graphic design with data, charts, icons, and short textual explanations to make information easily digestible.
Posters are often larger and meant to be viewed from a distance. Infographics, meanwhile, require closer attention to decipher the details and understand the presented information.
While both posters and infographics rely on visual appeal to engage their audience, posters often prioritize aesthetics and branding, whereas infographics prioritize clarity and data representation.
The creation process of a poster might focus on artistic elements and message delivery, but creating an infographic demands an understanding of data visualization and the ability to simplify complex information.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Decoration, advertisement, or expression
Visual representation of data or information
Content
Text, artwork, photographs
Data, charts, icons, and short textual explanations
Viewing distance
Often designed to be viewed from afar
Requires closer inspection
Focus
Aesthetics, branding
Clarity, data representation
Creation complexity
Artistic elements, message delivery
Data visualization, simplifying complex information
Compare with Definitions
Poster
A printed display intended for wall mounting.
The movie poster was hung prominently in the theater's lobby.
Infographic
A visual representation of information or data.
The infographic showcased the company's growth over the past decade.
Poster
A large photo or artwork meant for decoration.
I bought a poster of my favorite painting for my room.
Infographic
A tool to simplify complex information through visuals.
They used an infographic to explain the scientific process.
Poster
An advertisement or announcement displayed publicly.
They placed a poster in the town square for the upcoming festival.
Infographic
A digital design often shared on websites or social media.
The travel infographic highlighted top destinations for the year.
Poster
A picture of a celebrity, an event etc., intended to be attached to a wall.
He has posters of his favorite band, sports teams and holiday resorts up.
Infographic
A combination of graphics and text to convey a message.
The health department released an infographic about the benefits of vaccination.
Poster
A digital image or design shared on websites or social media.
The concert's poster went viral on social media.
Infographic
Infographics (a clipped compound of "information" and "graphics") are graphic visual representations of information, data, or knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly. They can improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system's ability to see patterns and trends.
Poster
A visual presentation used in academic or professional settings.
She received accolades for her research poster at the conference.
Infographic
A medium that uses charts, icons, and illustrations for clarity.
The infographic broke down the budget using various charts and icons.
Poster
(dated) A posthorse.
Infographic
A visual representation of information or data, such as a chart or a map, especially of information that is more easily imparted by such a representation than by written text.
Poster
A poster is a temporary promotion of an idea, product, or event put up in a public space for mass consumption. Typically, posters include both textual and graphic elements, although a poster may be either wholly graphical or wholly text.
Infographic
A visual representation of information.
Poster
A large, usually printed placard, bill, or announcement, often illustrated, that is posted to advertise or publicize something.
Infographic
Relating to infography
Poster
An artistic work, often a reproduction of an original painting or photograph, printed on a large sheet of paper.
Poster
One that posts bills or notices.
Poster
One that travels in speed or with haste.
Poster
An advertisement to be posted on a pole, wall etc. to advertise something.
I saw a poster for the film on the side of a bus.
Poster
(internet) One who posts a message.
Some posters left the online message board after the squabble.
Poster
A shot that hits a goalpost, scoring one point.
Poster
A shot that hits a goalpost instead of passing into the goal.
We got three posters in the third and lost.
Poster
(basketball) A dunk over a defending player.
Poster
(archaic) A swift traveller; a courier.
Poster
A large bill or placard intended to be posted in public places.
Poster
One who posts bills; a billposter.
Poster
One who posts, or travels expeditiously; a courier.
Poster
Someone who pastes up bills or placards on walls or billboards
Poster
A horse kept at an inn or post house for use by mail carriers or for rent to travelers
Poster
(transitive) To decorate with posters.
To poster the walls of a bedroom
Poster
A post horse.
Poster
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
Common Curiosities
Is the main goal of a poster to advertise?
Not always. While many posters are used for advertising, others might be for decoration, artistic expression, or academic presentation.
Are infographics more suited for digital platforms?
Infographics are versatile and can be used both digitally and in print, but they are particularly popular on digital platforms due to their ability to simplify complex information for quick online reading.
Is every visual representation considered an infographic?
No, infographics are specific visual representations of data or information, while other visuals might just be decorative or artistic, like posters.
Can infographics be interactive on digital platforms?
Yes, on digital platforms, infographics can be interactive, allowing users to engage with the content actively.
Can an infographic be printed and used as a poster?
Yes, infographics can be printed and displayed like posters, especially for educational or informational purposes.
How do I decide between creating a poster or an infographic?
Consider your primary goal. If it's about branding, aesthetics, or broad messaging, go with a poster. If it's about conveying detailed information or data visually, choose an infographic.
Do all posters have text?
No, some posters might be purely visual, focusing on artwork or photographs.
Why are infographics effective?
Infographics effectively break down complex information using visuals, making the data more accessible and easier to understand.
Can a poster also present data like an infographic?
Yes, a poster can present data, but it might not have the same structured design and clarity as an infographic.
Which is typically larger in size: a poster or an infographic?
Posters are typically larger in size, especially when intended for public display, while infographics vary in size, especially on digital platforms.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
