Introduction:
An academic poster is a visual communication tool that serves as an academic presentation, usually displayed at conferences, workshops, or within educational settings. It combines text, graphics, and images to present information on research findings, case studies, or complex topics in a concise and visually engaging format. The main purpose of an academic poster is to outline the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions in a manner that can be quickly understood by viewers as they walk by or engage in discussions with the presenter.
Is this your first time creating an academic poster? We recommend that you work closely with your advisor, PI, professor, or other trusted colleagues who have experience creating academic posters. They will likely be able to give you good feedback on your design and content, in addition to the process for creating and saving a poster for printing. Please note that Spokane Campus Printing Services is a print shop, not a design shop, and is not able to provide individual guidance on your design; the file that you submit is the file that will be printed.
Note: Visit WSU Spokane's Printing Services page for PowerPoint poster templates. Template are are available in standard sizes, both portrait and landscape orientations, and branded for the three Health Sciences Colleges (Nursing, Medicine, and Pharmacy).
Key Features of an Academic Poster:
Design Considerations:
Fonts:
Someone standing 3–4 feet away should be able to read everything on your poster. Here are some suggested fonts and sizes:
Images:
A picture is worth 1,000 words. Poster content should be 60% images, 40% text. Use graphs, charts, tables, and photos to summarize and present data.
Additional Recommendations for Poster Design:
Academic posters are a popular method for researchers to share their work with the academic community, allowing for direct interaction and feedback, fostering networking and further discussion.
When including images in an academic poster, it's crucial to ensure that they enhance the presentation and communicate the research effectively. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting and using images:
Relevance: Images should be directly related to the content of the poster. Use visuals that illustrate or clarify the research findings, methods, or concepts being discussed. Irrelevant images can distract from the main message and reduce the overall impact of the poster.
Quality: Images must be of high resolution to avoid pixelation when printed in large formats. Typically, images should have a resolution of at least 150 dpi (dots per inch) at printed size. Low-quality images can make the poster look unprofessional and can undermine the credibility of the research. To ensure you are using high quality images, we recommend that you refrain from copying/pasting images from online sources, which are often of low quality and may be protected by copyright or licensing.
Legibility: Ensure that any text within images (such as labels on graphs, charts, or diagrams) is legible. Font size in images should be large enough to be read from a distance that attendees will typically view the poster from, usually about 3-6 feet away.
Simplicity: Images should be simple and not overly complex. Avoid cluttering visuals with too much information. Simplified and clear diagrams, charts, and graphs are more effective in conveying information quickly and effectively.
Color Use: Use color strategically to enhance comprehension and draw attention to key parts of the image. However, maintain a consistent color scheme that aligns with the overall design of the poster. Be mindful of color blindness and avoid combinations that might make the poster difficult to read for color-blind individuals, such as red-green contrasts.
Labeling: All images should be appropriately labeled with captions or titles that explain what the viewer is looking at. Captions should be concise but informative enough to allow the viewer to understand the image without needing additional explanation.
Source Attribution: If images are not original (i.e., taken from another source), it's essential to provide proper attribution to avoid plagiarism and respect copyright laws. Make sure to have the right to use the images or obtain necessary permissions, and cite the source according to academic standards.
Layout and Integration: Images should be well-integrated into the flow of the poster. Their placement should be logical, supporting the narrative of the research. They should guide the viewer through the research story in a logical and sequential manner.
Alignment and Proportion: Maintain proper alignment and proportion of images in relation to the text and other content on the poster. Consistent margins, alignment, and thoughtful spacing contribute to a clean and professional appearance.
Ethical Considerations: For research involving sensitive subjects or identifiable human subjects, ensure that any photographs or sensitive information have the necessary ethical approvals and consent for public display.
These considerations help ensure that images contribute effectively to the communication goals of an academic poster, enhancing the viewer's ability to quickly grasp and retain the essential elements of the research.
The dimensions of an academic poster can vary based on the requirements of the conference or event where it is being displayed. However, there are a few commonly used standard sizes. Here are some typical dimensions:
U.S. SizesWhen preparing an academic poster, make sure to know the dimensions in advance before designing it, as resizing a finished poster can affect the layout and readability of your content.
To identify and change the dimensions of a slide in Microsoft PowerPoint, you need to access the "Slide Size" settings, which allow you to customize the size to fit specific display requirements. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step in the latest versions of PowerPoint:
Identifying Current Slide Dimensions
Changing Slide Dimensions
Exporting your academic poster from PowerPoint to a PDF while maintaining the original slide dimensions is a straightforward process. The process depends on whether you're using Windows, Mac, or the web version of Microsoft Powerpoint. For full instructions, visit the Microsoft Support page and use the tabs to see the instructions for your operating environment. Please note that these instructions lead to different results than the common "Print to PDF" method, which is likely not to keep the correct file dimensions. The "Print to PDF" button is designed for making a PDF presentation printable on a standard (such as 8.5"x11") piece of paper, rather than the large format that's used for academic posters.
Additional Tips
Review Your PDF: After exporting, open the PDF to verify that all elements appear as expected and the dimensions are preserved. This check is especially important if the poster contains detailed graphics or specific formatting.
Consider PDF Software Settings: If you're using third-party PDF software to view or print your file, ensure that the settings in that software do not alter the scale. For example, printer settings should be set to print at actual size, not fit to page.
You can have your poster printed either at a commercial print shop, or at a WSU printing services office. The Pullman-based Printing and Design Services department offers a full suite of printing services. The Spokane-based Printing Services office offers academic poster printing and a limited suite of lamination and mounting services for print jobs with modest dimensions.
Before submitting a print job, ensure that:
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