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Creating a Poster: Templates & Graphics

Poster Size

Posters should be sized 36" X 48". Before you begin to add content you will need to size your PowerPoint accordingly. 

1. Select the "Design" tab

screenshot of design tab in Microsoft PowerPoint

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Select "Page Setup"

Screenshot of page setup button in Microsoft PowerPoint

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Select "Custom" in the "Slides sized for:" menu

screenshot of selecting custom size in the slides sized for menu in Microsoft PowerPoint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Enter in 36" X 48" in the fields

screenshot showing adjusting a custom size to 36 by 48 inches in Microsoft PowerPoint

Gettysburg College Graphics

Gettysburg College's Office of Communications & Marketing website features an online Brand Standards page. 

PowerPoint Poster Templates

Images for Posters

Be aware of image sizes:

1. Use high resolution images; TIFF or GIF images seem to work best. 

2. The drop-and-drag method of adjusting an image's width or height can result in distortion.  It's better to resize images using commands such as "image size, scale, or fit content proportionately." Tools like PicMonkey or Pixlr can help you edit image sizes easily.

3. Images can become more pixilated the larger you make them. It is best to keep all photos at a minimum of 200 dpi for print.

 

Accessibility:

Add alt text to any images, charts, or figures you include in your poster. You should see an Alt Text option under the Picture Format menu once you've added an image.

Adding alt text helps screen readers communicate information to users, which is useful if someone views a copy of your poster online.