You can use whatever software you prefer, as long as it allows you to create large document materials!

Below are instructions for some of the most common pieces of software used for poster creation.

Depending on your need, not all posters need to be printed—yours may be digital. Check with your professor for desired format. *If printing a poster through the W&L Library, posters must be designed and printed at 42"x30" or 30"x42."

Important: Before adding any content to your document, set the correct size and layout in your desired software (Canva, PowerPoint, etc.).

Using PowerPoint on a PC or Microsoft 365 (Online)

(Tutorial: How to Adjust the Size of a PowerPoint Slide [Video without narration])

• Create a new blank presentation.
• Select "Design" tab.
• Select "Slide Size" in the top toolbar.
• Choose "Custom Slide Size."
• Type in 30x42” (or 42x30”) and click OK.
• It doesn’t matter what you click on the resulting pop-up (either maximize or ensure fit).

Using PowerPoint on a Mac

• Select "File." Then, choose "Page Setup."
• Customize slide to 30x42” (or 42x30”) and click OK.
• It doesn’t matter what you click on the resulting pop-up (either maximize or ensure fit)

Using Google Slides

• Open a new blank slide.
• Select File. Then, choose "Page Setup".
• Customize slide to 30x42” (or 42x30”) and click "Apply."

Using Canva

• Near the top right of the screen, select "Custom Size."
• Flip the units from “px” to “in” and make your document 30x42” (or 42x30”).

An academic poster serves as a "visual abstract" of your scholarship. Creating an academic poster is an exercise in synthesis and concision. Use charts, graphs, images, or other engaging visuals to generate interest and garner an audience.

View our example of an academic poster

Consider how you want your audience to interpret the narrative of your poster. If presenting in the United States to an English-speaking audience, viewers are likely to navigate through the page from the top-left to the bottom-right.

Font Size

Choose the proper font size for readability)

Font Style

Font Accessibility Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Use bold for emphasis 
• Use one plain color for your background
• Use colors with a high contrast [high contrast between text and background]
• Use a free color contrast checker like Coolors Color Contrast Checker
• Use left alignment
• Use sans serif fonts like Calibri or Verdana 

Don't

• Underline or italicize words 
• Use all capital letters
• Use a background image that makes it hard to read the text

(Adapted from Poster and Graphic Design Accessibility Guidelines by AHEAD)

• Downloadable Templates
• Step-by-Step Conference Poster Design
• Why You Don't Have to Put an Abstract on a Poster
• On Using Images and Logos for your Posters
• How to Make a Successful Scientific Poster by fourWaves
• Article: How to make an academic poster
• Where to start: Designing an Academic Poster
• Coloring for Color Blindness
• Examples of "good" Posters

Academic Technologies at W&L provides guides on:

 Finding & Using Images

 Finding & Using Audio

 Finding & Using Video

Review these guides to discover search strategies specific to multimedia and information on file types/software.