Top 9 Poster Tips

1. Top 9 Poster Tips
It’s not even 10!

2. 1. Breeeeeathe.
Many of you have never created a poster before and the process may seem like a total
mystery.
But a poster is just ONE BIG POWERPOINT SLIDE.
That’s it.
The size of the slide has been set much larger than normal, but you’re still simply
inserting content into a single slide.

3. 2. Make sure you start with a template.
We have created pre-sized powerpoint templates that will print out at that size. Make
sure to select the right size as called for by your assignment. Your instructor may have
included the template they’d like you to use in Blackboard.
Caution: If you create your poster using a regular powerpoint slide it won’t print out
properly!

4. 3. Insert text boxes and images.
To create your poster, you will be inserting text boxes, and copying/pasting images into your poster template.
Your instructor may have guidance on exactly what should go into your poster.

5. 4. Get Creative and change the Background.
The templates start here… …but can end here.
It’s fun to add an image to the background, or simply change the color of the template.

7. 5. Finding Images.
o ImageQuest is an excellent resource for
posters –check it before Google Images
because it provides a pre-made citation!
o Remember to cite your images!

8. 6. Check images for Pixelation.
Low quality images may look pixelated or fuzzy when they are printed out at the larger size. To check for this,
click on the View tab, click Zoom, and then enlarge to 100%. If the image looks clear you’re good to go! If not,
there’s no good way to “fix” that particular image so you may want to select another one, depending on just
how fuzzy it is.

9. 7. Check those References!
o You must cite your sources in a poster just as you would in a paper.
o The References/Works Cited section can, however, be in a smaller font than the rest of the poster elements.
o It’s preferable to remove hyperlinks from the URLS in references as they look a little odd since they’re usually
a different color than the rest of the text.

10. 8. Final touch-ups & tidying.
o Line up boxes.
o Are any bit falling off the edge of the slide? Those will be cut off.
o Make sure the title is centered.
o Are the images appropriate and of good quality?
o Is the font so tiny it won’t be readable? Font size 18-24 is the norm.
o Is your name on it?
o Spellcheck.
o Spellcheck.
o Spellcheck.
o Spellcheck.
o Spellcheck.
o Spellcheck.
o Spellcheck.

11. 9. Ask for help!
Librarians are available to help you find research and format your citations. We’re always happy to help!