Create pictograms free online: a guide for families and teachers

Pictograms are simple images that represent a word or an idea. They are a key tool in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), widely used with autistic people, individuals with language difficulties or in early education. In this article we explain how to create pictograms online for free and how to use them at home and in the classroom.

What are pictograms used for?

• Visual schedules to anticipate the day's routine.
• Communication boards to express basic needs.
• Educational materials and worksheets.
• Signage for spaces in schools and centres.

How to create a pictogram in 3 steps

1. 1Search for the word or concept you need in the pictogram finder.
2. 2Pick the one that best represents the idea from the results.
3. 3Download it in high quality to print it or use it in your documents.

Tips for using pictograms effectively

The key is consistency: always use the same pictogram for the same concept, place them at the person's eye level and pair them with the written word to reinforce reading. Start with a few very clear pictograms and expand gradually as the person internalises them.

Ideas for the classroom and home

You can build a weekly panel with pictograms for each activity, laminated emotion cards, or step sequences for tasks like washing hands or getting dressed. If you combine pictograms with our collage tool or our add-text-to-photos tool, you can put together complete printable worksheets in minutes.