Printing your poster
Before you begin, decide where you will have your poster printed, and find out if they have any size or file type
requirements or limitations (do they want a PDF file instead of a PPT file?)
Printing an Oversized Poster
PowerPoint allows for a maximum of 56 inches by 56 inches. If you want to make a larger poster:
• set your poster size at half (1/2) of your final size
• have it printed at 200% magnification
For example, if you set your poster for 47 x 21” and print it at 200% magnification, your final poster size will be
94 x 42”.
Creating Your Poster
Either use a free template or start from scratch
Using Templates
Templates are a quick and easy way to create a poster. Possible sources:
• Google search: “free PowerPoint templates”
• http://postersession.com
• http://posterpresentations.com
Click on the template of your choice and save to your computer
Creating a poster without a template
Basically, you create one large slide in PowerPoint:
1. Start with a blank presentation, and pick the blank content menu.
2. Design , Page Set-up, “Slide sized for“ custom
3. Fill in the width (w) and height (h) in inches. PowerPoint allows a max width of 56”.
Basic tools to create your design
• Background color may be set under: Design Background
• Text or titles -- start by adding a text box: Insert Text box
o Text color or fill color of text box: Format Shape fill
• Graphics, including photos, graphs, clip art (use sparingly): Insert Picture or Clip Art
• Create charts and graphs using other software and import as “pictures.”
• Consider displaying grids and guides to help keep the elements evenly spaced: View Rulers or
Guides