1. Creating a poster is easier than you think.
Remember, posters should be created in PowerPoint and all information should be placed on one slide.

2. Creating a Poster
The first step in creating a poster is to open a new document in PowerPoint
Once you have opened a new document, click on Design – which is located at the top of the page, two tabs to the right of Home
Once you have clicked on Design, you will be able to change the size of your slide as well as add light colors and/or a background

3. Creating a Poster
To make size changes, click on the Page Setup tab that is located at the top left of your screen
After you click on the Page Setup tab, a screen will appear, allowing you to enter the dimensions of your slide (see next slide).

4. Creating a Poster
Optimal dimensions are 56 inches (height) and 42 inches (width) – slide orientation is landscape. This will allow you to create a 42 X 60 poster, which is the average size required for Poster Presentations.
42 inches (width – how high)
56 inches (height – length)

5. Creating a Poster
Once you have set-up your slide dimensions, you are now ready to start working on putting together your actual poster.
You can now decide whether you would like to add color or a background
Background varieties can be added by clicking on the various theme boxes as seen below

6. Creating a Poster
Color can be changed by clicking on background styles
I recommend, if you chose to add color, that you do not go too dark or add too much
Remember, you do not want color or designs to take away from your poster presentation
The main focus of a poster is to present your findings

7. Creating a Poster Now, lets talk about putting your data on your slide
You will need to create text boxes on your PowerPoint slide
This is quite simple. The first step is to click on the Insert tab, which is just right of the home tab

8. Creating a Poster
After clicking on the Insert tab, you will see the text box option in the information bar. Click on this.
When you click on the text box option, you will get a small pointer, that you can move to create your text box

9. Creating a Poster
Remember, text boxes can be used in a variety of ways. You can create columns, headings, and many other set-ups using text boxes
TIP:
Use your poster space wisely. I recommend printing then laying out your slides (on a table or floor) as you would like them to appear on the poster. This will allow you to figure out the best layout for your poster.

10. Now, lets discuss what should be included in your poster
Creating a Poster
Now, lets discuss what should be included in your poster
First – you will need to put in a TITLE
This can be done by clicking on the area that says “click to add title” or if you used a blank slide, add a text box at the top and put in the information
Underneath your title you should put your name as well as the names of any other individuals who have worked with you on the project that you will be presenting
See next slide

11. Click to add Title Click to add text Add text box if needed
Click here and
add your title
Add names below title
Click to add text
Office Theme – Title and Content Slide

12. Now you can begin setting up your poster on the PowerPoint slide.
Creating a Poster
Now you can begin setting up your poster on the PowerPoint slide.
The next slide is an example of what should be included on your poster
Included in the text boxes are highlights on how to add pictures, graphs, colors etc.
Remember, you do NOT have to exactly follow this lay-out. It is simply a suggestion.

13. Creating a Poster Jane Doe, BA; John Doe, MS
INTRODUCTION
To add text, left click on box.
Confer with your Instructor about what is required to be on your poster
RESULTS
“To insert a photo
Click on Insert tab and picture”
“To insert a graph/chart, you can either copy and paste or click on chart and input your information to create the graph “
CONCLUSION
Always read over your poster carefully before having it printed.
Mistakes are easy to make.
METHODS
Font size for headings should be larger than the font size of the information you are providing.
REFERENCES
References are important, but should be smaller than other sections.

14. More tips on working with text boxes
Creating a Poster
More tips on working with text boxes
After creating a text box, you can change its features by right clicking on it and clicking on format shape
You can then change
Background colors
Keep a solid line around the text box or remove
Change properties of the text box
Add shadows
Create 3-D formats

15. Creating a Poster Other Tips
Click on the home tab – located all the way to the left of your screen
This will give you the information bar including your font size, adding shapes, bolding your font, centering items, adding bullets, as well as adding new slides and changing your layout

16. Creating a Poster Creating a Poster is a hands-on learning experience.
Make sure you consult with your Instructor and understand the dimensions and requirements of your poster.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Yanders in the Dean’s Office at or at