how to create a poster presentation on powerpoint

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How to make a poster using microsoft powerpoint.

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Define the poster dimensions, design your poster.

Microsoft PowerPoint isn't just for presentations---it also provides all of the creative tools you need to design a beautiful poster. Just set the dimensions, design the poster, and print it out. Here's how to make a poster using PowerPoint.

Posters come in all sizes, but the first thing you need to know is PowerPoint's slide limit is 56-inches x 56-inches, so you'll need to plan accordingly. It's also important to note that you want to set your poster dimensions before you start designing your poster. Otherwise, you might end up having to rework parts of your design due to the size change.

Related: How to Reduce the File Size of a PowerPoint Presentation

Here are some of the standard poster sizes to get you started:

• Small poster: 11" x 17"
• Medium poster: 18" x 24"
• Large posters: 24" x 36" or 27" x 39"

Once you've decided on your poster size, set the dimensions in PowerPoint. To do this, open PowerPoint and navigate to the "Design" tab.

In the "Customize" group, select "Slide Size."

Select "Custom Slide Size" from the dropdown menu.

The "Slide Size" window will appear. Input the width and height specifications to match your required size. Keep in mind that if your height is larger in size than your width, the orientation of the slide will automatically change to "Portrait."

When you're finished, select "OK."

Once selected, a new window will appear giving you two scaling options: Maximize or Ensure Fit. If your slide already has content on it, you'll want to select "Ensure Fit."

Your slide will now be resized.

Your poster design is going to depend completely on you. You'll want to pay attention to the background of the poster, text and image arrangement, font size and style, etc. Essentially, you should treat this part exactly as if you were just creating another slide for a presentation.

Because the design and process of this step is going to differ for everyone, we'd like to offer some of our previous guides to get you started in the design process:

• Insert a picture or other object.
• Use an image as a background.
• Insert an image inside text.
• Get a picture behind text.
• Make a border or frame.

Once your design is ready, all that's left to do is print it out and hang it up!

Related: How to Troubleshoot Printing Issues in Microsoft Word

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Blog Education How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint: Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Apr 17, 2024

Did you know the first modern poster appeared in the mid-15th century? Since then, posters have captured people’s attention and left lasting impressions.

Fortunately, creating posters today is easy with digital tools like PowerPoint. You can experiment endlessly and make mistakes to your heart’s content — PowerPoint even offers poster templates!

However, PowerPoint’s downside is that it lacks options that poster creation tools like Venngage offer (customizable templates and an extensive library of icons and images to add visual appeal).

In this article, I’ll teach you how to make a poster in PowerPoint (alternatively, check out our  Free Online Poster Maker  and  customizable poster templates ).

Click to jump ahead :

How to create a new poster in PowerPoint

Setting up the slide, how to make a poster in venngage.

Here’s a brief overview of how to create a poster in PowerPoint.

Step 1: Create a blank slide Step 2: Select design –> slide size Step 3: Select the poster dimensions Step 4: Set width and height Step 5: Choose poster orientation Step 6: Add text, visuals, and design your poster Step 7: Finalize your poster Step 8: Save and print

Before starting work on your poster, remember that all effective posters have the following in common.

• Are easy to understand
• An appealing layout and typography
• A clear and concise message

Start with a blank slide

When you open PowerPoint, you’ll see template options like a minimalist presentation or architecture pitch deck.

Instead of these, select Blank Presentation to get a clean slate to work with.

Choose a poster template

Poster templates help save time and increase productivity. You do not need to do any design or layout work; you only have to think about the content.

To find poster templates in PowerPoint, click on the Design tab at the top of the screen.

You should see template options in the Themes bar.

For more options, select the Designer option at the top right. Here, you’ll find colorful templates that are the perfect poster options.

For example, this template is a great option to use as a visually appealing poster.

Remember that PowerPoint templates are for slide decks and presentations.

If you want to create traditional posters, I recommend using Venngage’s poster make r instead. Our drag-and-drop interface makes creating professional posters easy and doesn’t require you to have design skills to use it.

You’ll also find poster templates on Venngage, including event posters , sales posters , movie posters , infographic posters , and more.

Choose the right slide size and orientation

If you’re determined to make a poster in PowerPoint, you’ll need to adjust the size and orientation of the PowerPoint slide so it looks more like a typical poster.

To do this, click the Design tab at the top and select the Slide Size dropdown option.

Then, click on Page Setup.

In Page Setup, select the Custom option slide size and enter these measurements.

• Width: 59.4cm
• Height: 84.1cm  

You’ll notice my design doesn’t fit the scaled size. One workaround is to stretch the design (it might look a bit off, but overall, it is still decent).

Now, our poster is beginning to take shape.

Select a background

When choosing a poster background, choose clean and subtle colors and designs so that the primary message pops.

This also prevents clutter, which can be an eyesore and distract from what’s important.

To change your poster’s background, click on Format Background. You should see options for adding solid fills, gradient fills, or photos.

You can also add textures under Pattern Fill and watermarks to add a unique touch to your poster.

Since this template seems too colorful to be used for a poster about Women’s Day, I changed the background to a pinkish-purplish hue.  

Design your poster

When designing your poster, keep the following things in mind.

• Ensure visual hierarchy: Arrange elements to guide the viewer’s eye across the poster. The most important information should be prominent.
• Focus on white space: Give elements in your poster room to breathe. Less is more since we want the poster to convey a message rather than be an art piece at a museum.

In my poster example representing Women’s Day, I added icons by selecting Insert and then Icons.

The symbols I chose hint at what will happen at the event: beauty and makeup booths and drinks.

Add a title and headings

Besides visual appeal, your poster’s title is critical to grabbing people’s attention, so write something catchy that draws viewers in.

Here’s another pro tip. Use large, easy-to-read fonts that are easy to see.

To add a title to your poster in PowerPoint, insert a Text Box by going to Insert and then Text Box. You can customize the text for size, color, and boldness from the Home tab.

Add your text and content

After the title, it’s time to add supporting text to convey your message.

I recommend using only bullet points and short paragraphs for better readability in posters.

Also, ensure everything is organized and aligned. Adding content using text boxes each time is a great way to keep everything neat.

For my Women’s Day event poster, I added details about the event in bullet format.

To add bullets in a Text Box, go to the Home tab and select the arrow next to the Bullet button.

Add your visuals and graphics

Posters that are all text are very dull, so you’ll need visuals, which can be anything from high-quality images to charts and diagrams.

Visuals in posters provide dual benefits: they make information accessible and can evoke emotional responses in viewers.

To add visuals to a PowerPoint poster, click the Insert tab and choose Pictures. PowerPoint lets you upload your photos or browse the web for stock images.

I added balloons and wine glasses to make this poster more fun and happening.

The great thing about visuals in PowerPoint is the potential for customization.

For example, I changed the thickness at the ends of the balloon image to make the colors stand out more.

The drag-and-drop interface also makes aligning your visuals with other elements easy.

Use shapes and SmartArt to add diagrams

Incorporating shapes into your poster is a great way to create visual sections and segregate information. You can also use them as callouts to draw attention to important details.

To add shapes to your poster, go to the Insert tab, click Shapes and choose the one that fits your needs.

Alternatively, you can use PowerPoint’s SmartArt feature to add diagrams, such as flowcharts, to your poster.

To add a diagram to your poster, go to the Insert tab, click SmartArt, and browse the options.

Add the final touches

Once finished designing your poster, spend a few minutes to ensure everything looks in place and apply the final touches.

For example, two elements may not align, or some text may be too small.

Proofread your poster

Before sending your poster to print, double-check it for typos and grammatical errors.

One great way to do this is to copy and paste the text into a tool like Grammarly , which can spell-check for you. Also, getting a third person to review your poster for errors and/or clarity is a good idea.

Print your poster

Once finished with your poster, you can print it from PowerPoint. Just go to the File tab and select Print.

In the pop-up window, select your printer, adjust settings such as paper size, quality, and orientation, and choose the scale-to-fit option.

Before hitting Print, preview your poster one final time, then click Print.

Venngage is a simple and powerful business communication tool that can help you make posters without design skills.

Here’s to create a poster in Venngage.

Step 1 – Sign up for a FREE Venngage account

Sign up  for a free Venngage account using your email, Gmail, or Facebook account.

Step 2 – Pick a poster template from our templates page

Go to our  templates page  and select the poster option on the left panel to see poster templates, including movie posters , event posters , and more.

Step 3 – Edit one of our poster templates

Once you find a poster template you like, click on the Create button. You’ll need to sign in (or sign up if you haven’t already).

Once signed in, you’ll get access to our editor tool to customize posters.

Here are some things you can do with posters in the Venngage editor:

• Change the text, icons, layout, or graphics within the template.
• Add your  brand colors  to your vision board with a single click using  My Brand Kit  (available only for  Business  users).

Once you’re happy with your edits, you can download your poster in PDF, PNG, and other formats (for Business plan users only) or share a link to your poster for free.

Here are some poster templates you can edit using Venngage. 

Mental health has been a much-discussed topic lately, and this poster is an excellent reminder to take a break.

Are you looking to make a hiring poster? This one is perfect, with attractive colors and a clear message.

To spread awareness about your event, a colorful event poster is perfect for the job.

For more poster-related guides and content, check out our other posts. How to Make a Poster in 10 Steps (2024 Poster Design Guide + Templates) 55+ Creative Poster Ideas, Templates & Design Tips 12 Types of Posters for Every Business Need [Templates Included]

Conclusion: Create posters for any occasion in minutes using Venngage templates

Creating posters in PowerPoint is possible but tedious and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have design skills.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make posters, I recommend using Venngage’s intuitive poster maker (drag-and-drop interface) or editing one of our customizable poster templates to get professional posters in minutes.

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint: 10 Simple Steps

In addition to creating presentations, did you know you can use PowerPoint to design other elements such as posters? Today, we’re walking you through exactly how to make a poster in PowerPoint.

While not everyone thinks about making a poster design in PowerPoint, it’s pretty easy—and is a viable option if you need something quickly, or don’t have other design software available. (Posters made in PowerPoint are frequently used in academic settings for assignments and event promotion on college campuses.) Today, we’re going to take you through the steps of how to make a poster in PowerPoint.

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1. Collect Poster Materials

Before starting on a PowerPoint poster design, sit down and figure out what is going on in the poster. Write out a plan for the design and collect all materials in a folder on your desktop – text, charts or data, and photos or other graphics.

2. Launch Software

Navigate to PowerPoint on your computer and open the software. Start with a blank template. It does not matter which version of PowerPoint you use to create a poster design. (Here, we are using 365, but the steps and locations of menus are similar in all modern versions of the software.)

3. Set Dimensions and Poster Size

Pick a size for your poster design. Design the PowerPoint poster at the maximum size it will be printed.

PowerPoint has a maximum slide side of 52 inches wide and tall, so keep that in mind when planning your design. Common poster sizes include:

• Large, movie-style poster: 24 inches by 36 inches
• Medium, for windows and general hanging: 18 inches by 24 inches
• Small, for posting on billboards, etc.: 11 inches by 17 inches
• A4, for poster handouts: 8.5 inches by 11 inches

Set the dimensions in the Design menu, then navigate to Slide Size. Click the drop-down and select Page Setup. (The two default options are for presentation slides on screens.)

Enter your page size. Note that most posters use portrait orientation (taller than wide). If your slides already contain some content, scale up when given the option. This will ensure that the text is large enough for the new size. (In older versions of PowerPoint, these options are located in the File menu.)

4. Add Text

Once you have the layout set, add all text elements to the poster design.

Remember to keep the goal of the design in mind and keep text limited to only what’s necessary, such as an event name, time, date, and location.

Don’t worry about placement yet. But you can think about the fonts you want to use and how large text elements should be, as you create a hierarchy for how people should follow the text on the poster.

When it comes to type size, start with a headline of 75 to 100 points and body size of 24 to 48 points; adjust the rest of your type hierarchy accordingly.

5. Add Images

Bring images and other design elements you want to use into the poster design. Drag and drop each image from your folder into the poster design.

This is also the time to import or create any charts you might want to use.

The goal is to get everything you might include visually in the poster design on the screen. When it comes to making a poster design in PowerPoint, it’s a lot easier to put it all together if all the elements are on the canvas so you can see what you have to work with.

Make sure that all of your images are large enough to print as well. As a general rule, look for image elements that are 150 dpi or higher at the size it will be used. Images pulled from websites are often not large enough to use for printed elements and will look blurry or pixelated.

6. Adjust Colors and Design Elements

Once you have all your design elements available to work with, make adjustments so that every element is in the right location. You can adjust font color and size, positioning, and even colors on text boxes to ensure that every element is easy to see and understand.

Remember that when it comes to poster design, you want elements to be large enough to read at a distance. Avoid tiny text or design elements.

7. Move Elements on the Poster Canvas

Play with where elements are located on the poster canvas and move them around so that the poster design is easy to read and understand.

Most people will read a poster from top to bottom. Stack your information in such a way that makes this type of reading easy. Commonly the headline or biggest text will be at the top and smaller elements will be in the lower part of the design.

8. Use a Preset Template (Optional)

If you are lacking design elements for your poster, consider using one of the predefined templates in PowerPoint to add some visual flair.

Templates are available in the Design menu and include high-color options that will fit the canvas size you have selected.

9. Export for Printing

Once the PowerPoint poster design is ready, export the file for printing. The most common (and generally accepted format) is PDF.

After saving your file, navigate to the Acrobat menu (or File menu in older versions) and select Create PDF. The software will do the rest.

10. Print and Distribute

Put your PDF on a drive to take to the printer (or email it) and once the design is printed, you can distribute your poster made in PowerPoint.

While PowerPoint might not be the ideal solution for creating a poster design for everyone, it is a viable solution if that’s the only software you have available. One of the biggest constraints can be that PowerPoint files do have a limited size, so make sure that is appropriate for your design.

One benefit of creating a poster in PowerPoint is that you can reuse design elements for a presentation later if you are creating connected elements. You can also import elements or images that you had made in other software, in formats, such as JPEG or PNG.

PowerPoint is a versatile tool and learning how to make a poster is just one more tool to add to your design kit.

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PowerPoint Creativity: How to Create a Poster in PowerPoint

• BY Bogdan Sandu
• 7 March 2024

Imagine transforming a blank canvas into a visual spectacle that grabs eyeballs and an audience. That’s the power harnessed when you uncover the secret to crafting a striking poster in  Microsoft PowerPoint .

In a world where information zips by at lightning speed, your message needs to stand out. Posters are your visual shout-out, essential at conferences, in educational settings, or as a sleek marketing collateral.

But  how to make a poster in PowerPoint ? Buckle up; you’re about to dive into an ocean of creativity facilitated by one of the most widely used  presentation software .

Through this jaunt, you’ll snag design skills that rival the pros—mastering everything from  text formatting  and  image insertion  to  color schemes  and  customizable slide layouts . I’ll guide you through the whirlwind process where  slide design principles  meet your innovation.

By the time you reach the finish line, you’ll be primed to not just make, but  engineer  a poster in PowerPoint that echoes your intention with panache. From stirring  visual communication  to technical  print settings , consider this your treasure map to poster perfection.

How to Create a Poster in PowerPoint: Quick Workflow

To create a poster in PowerPoint, follow these steps:

• Create a new blank presentation.
• Go to the ‘Design’ tab and click on ‘Slide Size’.
• Choose a preset size or enter custom dimensions like 11 x 17 in, 18 x 24 in, etc. Select the orientation (landscape or portrait).
• Sketch out your poster’s layout on paper before adding content.
• Consider the number of columns needed and the placement of images or graphs.
• Fill your poster with images and text to convey your message effectively.
• Use high-resolution images (at least 150 dpi) for clear printing.
• Choose easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Helvetica and vary font sizes for different sections.
• Consider starting with PowerPoint poster templates for inspiration.
• Save your final design as a PDF for printing. Click on ‘File’ > ‘Export’ > ‘Create PDF/XPS Document’.

By following these steps, you can easily create a professional and visually appealing poster in PowerPoint.

Preparing to Create Your Poster

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to create a poster in PowerPoint .

It’s not just about opening the app and throwing things together. A bit of prep can make a world of difference!

Collecting Materials

Gathering text, charts, data, and graphics.

First things first, you need your raw materials. Think of this as gathering your ingredients before baking a cake.

Got some text? Charts? Maybe some snazzy graphics or crucial data? Pull them all together.

This isn’t just about being organized; it’s about seeing what you’ve got to work with. Remember, a well-prepared plan is half the battle!

Organizing materials in a folder

Now, don’t just dump everything on your desktop. Create a folder, label it something you’ll remember, and put all your bits and pieces in there.

This step is like having a clean workspace – it keeps you sane and your process smooth.

Setting Up PowerPoint

Time to get our hands dirty with PowerPoint, the unsung hero in our how-to create a poster in PowerPoint saga.

Starting PowerPoint

Fire up PowerPoint and let’s get rolling. It’s like stepping into your own digital art studio.

Here, the slides are your canvas, and your creativity is the limit. Whether you’re a PowerPoint newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to discover.

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

A poster is always a very good idea to advertise an event, as it allows you to highlight important information and attract the attention of everyone who sees it. With a poster, you can indicate place, time, and a small description of birthday celebrations, concerts, plays, graduation, and, in short, the event you want to present. It is also a fantastic decorative element to decorate.

However, how can we create these creative designs? At Slidesgo , we have some A3 Google Slides and PowerPoint templates ready to be printed to get amazing posters . You can filter your search on our website so that the results you get are A3 or even A4.

However, if you want to learn how to make a poster using PowerPoint and from scratch, we are going to tell you about it in this post. Here are the necessary steps!

How to make a poster in PowerPoint step by step

• The first step to creating your poster is to adjust the size in PowerPoint. To do this, click on Design > Slide Size. In the pop-up window that appears, you can customize or choose the size you need. In the example, we have chosen an A3 paper. In addition, you can choose the orientation of the slides, between portrait and landscape. Finally, Ensure Fit. When you click OK, the slide will appear in the new format.
• Then, the editing possibilities are very numerous. You can change the style of the presentation, add images, texts... whatever you want your poster to include. However, if you need a more professional design, at Slidesgo we have plenty of them, even with formats such as A3 and A4 already defined. Take a look at them!
• Another possibility, in addition to using a template with A3 or A4 format already defined, is to adapt a template in 16:9 format. For this, just follow the first step, but instead of opening a new PowerPoint presentation, open an existing one. In the following example, we have adapted the slide to the A4 landscape format.
• If you want to print your final design, you will need to export it to PDF. Click File > Export > Create PDF/ XPS Document. Save the file with the name of your choice and select Publish.
• From the Options tab, you can set whether to export the whole presentation, a selection of specific slides, or the current slide, in addition to other available options. If you want to know more about how to export a PowerPoint presentation as a PDF file , you can read the tutorial you can find at Slidesgo School .

As you have seen, creating a poster in PowerPoint is very easy. Now that you know, where are you going to place the amazing poster you make? On a high place so that everyone can appreciate the amazing creation!

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

PowerPoint can be used for more than just making conventional presentations. Such as for making posters or even delivering a poster presentation ! PowerPoint is an easy-to-use tool if you need to make a poster without using complex graphic design applications. In this article, we will show you how to create a poster from scratch and provide a list of PowerPoint templates for creating posters.

How to Make a PowerPoint Poster

Step 1: select a size for the poster.

To make a PowerPoint poster, go to Design -> Customize -> Slide Size and select a size for the poster. By following this action, you can change the slide size in PPT .

In this example, we will create an A4 poster in PowerPoint. You can select a poster size according to your specific needs, such as a size suitable for printing, for a poster presentation, or for displaying the poster on a digital screen.

When editing the poster, you can view it to the maximum size or ensure it fits on screen for ease of editing.

Step 2: Add Text to the Poster

In the next step, add the required text to the poster to design your poster slide with basic details such as the event’s name, location, date, etc.

Step 3: Design Your Poster

PowerPoint provides different options to format the background, font, and size of the slide content that can be used to design your poster. You can also select a background via the Design tab or use PowerPoint Designer to provide you with design options to get help with your poster. The latter provides AI-generated design suggestions as you create your slide.

Step 4: Add Image(s) to Your Poster

You would likely want to add some images to give a final touch to your poster. You can pick pictures from your device or use stock or online images via Insert -> Images .

PowerPoint provides various options to add images from online sources, including stock images or pictures with a Creative Commons license for use with your slide designs. You can pick an appropriate image(s) to make your poster stand out with relevant visual aids to help your target audience instantly connect with the message you are trying to deliver.

Step 5: Finalize Your Poster

You can finalize your poster by ensuring the text is aligned, stylizing the text, formatting the background, previewing the slide content for a poster presentation, printing, or using a digital screen.

Step 6: Select a Distribution Medium for the Poster

If you want to print your poster, you can print it via File -> Print . Alternatively, you can run it as a slideshow for a poster presentation or run the PowerPoint presentation in a loop . You can also distribute it digitally by converting the poster to PDF or image format via File -> Save As .

Poster PowerPoint Templates

While you can design posters from scratch, you can create a poster presentation to simplify your job. The business and research poster templates below can help you easily create PowerPoint posters.

1. One-pager Business Poster Template for PowerPoint

This is a one-page poster design template meant for creating a business poster. It has a dashboard design that can accommodate different types of information within a single page. A One-pager Business Poster Template for PowerPoint can help create simple and complex posters, like those to be exhibited at business trade fairs or congresses.

Use This Template

2. One-pager Scientific Poster Template for PowerPoint

This Scientific Poster PowerPoint Template incorporates charts and text in organized sections to create a scientific, data-driven poster. You can edit the different sections to add your content and change the sections to add images or other types of information that best suit your poster design.

Final Words

Making poster presentations and printable posters in PowerPoint can be a great way to avoid using complex graphic design applications. You can also run your poster in a loop using a digital screen on the event day and distribute it digitally by converting it to an image or PDF format. PowerPoint Designer and Poster PowerPoint templates can be a great way to guide your poster design and save time in designing simple to complex posters in PowerPoint.

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How to Make a Poster In PowerPoint Quickly With PPT Templates +Video

You've probably opened PowerPoint to build presentations many times. But, did you ever consider that it can be used for so much more? 

When you need to create a printed, finished design like a poster, PowerPoint might not be the first app you think to use.

It's a mistake to think that PowerPoint is simply a tool for making presentations. You can use it as a simple drag-and-drop tool to design all types of printed products, including posters.

In this tutorial, I'll teach you how to make a poster in PowerPoint using design components from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver . You'll see the best PowerPoint poster design tips and tricks to ensure that you create a poster that stops your audience in their tracks to hear what you've got to say.

How to Make Great Posters With PowerPoint PPT Templates (Video)

Are you ready to make a poster in PowerPoint? Watch this quick video to find out what you need to know to get started on your next great PowerPoint poster:

Or, study the complete written tutorial below for more information on how to make a poster in PowerPoint

How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

There are many types of posters that you can create. You might be promoting a film, showing your academic findings, or advertising an upcoming event. The critical part is understanding that you can create all of these printed designs in PowerPoint.

In this section, we'll cover the most essential tips to make sure that your PowerPoint poster is a success. You'll see that you can use PowerPoint to create a poster that works perfectly as a printed product.

1. Set the Dimensions (PowerPoint Poster Size)

When you're learning how to make a poster in PowerPoint, it's crucial that you set the dimensions correctly from the beginning. If you don't set the dimensions correctly, you might have to re-arrange all of the objects or cut off content when you're ready to print.

Many posters, particularly in academics, follow typical sizes. When you're creating a poster in PowerPoint, make sure your template conforms to the event requirements. Academic poster templates in PowerPoint should follow those so that your poster doesn't stick out like a sore thumb (or are even disqualified!)

To set the dimensions for your PowerPoint poster presentation, go to the  Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size  menu option. Use the  Width  and  Height  boxes to key in your dimensions (in inches) for the finished poster.

Always check the specifics for your poster, but when you're creating a poster in PowerPoint from scratch, here are the most popular dimensions:

• Academic poster templates . 36x48 inches 
• Movie posters .   24x36 inches
• Average sized poster .   18x24 inches

Choosing the right template size comes down to two simple questions:

• Is there a requirement for the event at which you're presenting? If so, ensure that your PowerPoint poster size will comply with the standard format.
• Have you checked with the printer? If you've already selected a print shop that'll print the finished product, ensure that their printers accommodate your size.

Also, consider using a PowerPoint poster template like one in the round-up below to use a starting point with all of the PowerPoint poster sizes already set. These sites have templates that you can use for practically any type of poster:

Perhaps the most essential key to creating a poster in PowerPoint that prints properly is setting the dimensions. Make sure you know your format and set it accordingly before you start designing.

2. Add Your PowerPoint Poster Content

After you've selected some visual elements and infographics, it's time to start adding content to your PowerPoint poster design. Making poster presentations with PowerPoint should focus primarily on explaining your information in a way that engages the viewer.

Let's take a look at tips and tutorials to help you make posters that are sure to catch your audience's eye!

1. Become a Master of Typography

Let's face it: most posters are going to be dominated by text elements. The format of a poster is different than a presentation. While presentations should focus on having less text and should  support  the speaker, a poster can be a standalone display of its own. 

• Use font sizing carefully and consistently . It's crucial that not every   text box on the poster is the same size. Use larger text for the header elements that deserve the most attention. Study a few of your favorite posters from the design niche that you're creating (academic, movie, scientific) and notice how poster font sizes vary depending on the emphasis.
• Less text, more information . The best posters are information dense. Even though a poster features more text than a typical PowerPoint presentation, you should still try to avoid overly wordy text.
• Keep text scannable . On academic poster templates, your viewer is likely scanning the display to see what's important. A bulleted list breaks up your content so that it's easier to read, for example. Consider re-writing any paragraph form text into a format that's easier to read. 
• Consider custom fonts . Particularly for eye-catching posters like movie showcases, make sure and use fonts that your viewer may never have seen.

There are still important choices to make when you're building a PowerPoint poster. Use the tutorial below to become a master of text in PowerPoint:

2. Use Images Effectively

Most posters will include imagery to break up text-heavy panels. When you balance text with images, it creates a natural rhythm on the slide and caters to the "visual learners" that may see your poster. 

Images are crucial for keeping a poster exciting. Consider the following tips for framing your pictures nicely on a slide:

• Captions . Images are a must to include and are better when you add captions that narrate the image. Use text boxes below the image to explain them thoroughly.
• Borders . Most posters have plenty of text, so you'll need a way to separate the images and make them stand out. Borders help you do just that.
• Crop . Trim your images down to size and include only the details that add to your poster by cropping.

Use the guide below to learn how to make a poster in PowerPoint complete with the best imagery:

3. Leave Room for Space

Make sure that you leave space at the edges of your poster design. Leaving margins on the edge will ensure that no content is cut off. Make sure that you leave at least a quarter of an inch between the sides of your PowerPoint design so that content isn't accidentally trimmed.

Margins are important, but they aren't the only type of space that matters. Using whitespace creates visual rhythm. That means leaving space between your content blocks so that it's easier to read than a jampacked design. You don't want to load the poster so heavily with text and visual elements so that a viewer is overwhelmed.

3. Use a PowerPoint Poster Template for Infographic Visuals 

PowerPoint takes time to use. You might find yourself drawing box after box onto the poster design, making space for all of the content that your poster needs. This process takes a ton of time and you may soon find yourself running out of time to actually prepare to present.

But what if you didn't have to design every part of your PowerPoint poster design from scratch? The alternative to creating everything from the beginning is to use templates with elements that you can mix and match to create your best poster ever.

A great example of this is using advanced PowerPoint templates to add  infographics.  If you want to explain a process or series of steps, an infographic is usually superior to just explaining it with a wall of text. An audience is naturally drawn to posters that have easy-to-follow information shown in infographics.

Many academic PowerPoint poster templates describe a process. The text boxes will describe the steps taken by a researcher or academic to reach a conclusion. An infographic is a great way to show those steps instead of verbose explanations.

One of the best places to source infographics is from the PowerPoint template library on Envato Elements. For a single, flat-rate subscription, you'll unlock thousands of templates with objects that you can paste right into your final poster design. 

The flexibility of the all-you-can-download model means that you can choose templates and cut and paste the parts that you need—with no extra cost for each additional template.

If you need only a single template to build your presentation, also consider the pay-as-you-go marketplace, GraphicRiver. The PowerPoint templates are just as polished and impactful, but you'll pay only for the individual templates you choose.

Check out the tutorial below to see the best templates that include exciting infographics that work perfectly for PowerPoint posters:

The educational world also features some of the best PowerPoint poster elements. Check out the round-up below to see more slides with perfect objects to add to your poster:

4. Print the Finished Poster

Finally, it's time to finish your PowerPoint poster. All that's left is to render the finished presentation and take it to a print shop of choice that can bring your poster to life.

Not every print shop will have PowerPoint installed. That's why it helps to render the presentation out as a finished PDF file. Doing so will ensure compatibility when they print your PowerPoint presentation so that it appears the same as it did on your screen.

Check out the tutorial below to quickly learn how to save your presentation as a PDF:

If you happen to have access to a large format printer, it also helps to know more about printing directly from PowerPoint. Use the tutorial below to master printing so that you use less ink and paper while printing your PowerPoint poster template:

Learn More About How to Use PowerPoint

The tips above are specific advice on how to create PowerPoint posters easily. Follow these steps and you're well on your way to creating a great poster that prints perfectly the first time.

But there's always more to learn when it comes to PowerPoint. The goal is always to spend less time thinking about how to use an app so that you can focus on the content. The more that you know about the app, the easier it'll be to put together your poster!

That's why we've created the resource  How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide.)   This single, comprehensive collection of tutorials includes everything you need to master Microsoft's leading presentation app. Check out the three beginner tutorials below to start learning how to make a poster in PowerPoint:

Go Design a PowerPoint Poster Today

In this tutorial, you've seen that creating a poster in PowerPoint is totally possible. It's even easier when you use a PowerPoint poster template that already has all of the dimensions and content placeholders built-in.

Remember that every PowerPoint poster design is more natural when you use the help of a pre-designed template like those from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver . Creating a poster in PowerPoint takes less time when you can source the best infographics and design elements to add to your poster.

The next time that you need to create a poster consider PowerPoint as the right tool for the job. This simple drag-and-drop graphic design tool is easy to use and has everything you need.

• Powerpoint Tutorials

How to Create a Poster in PowerPoint

Posters are a fantastic way to showcase information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing way. Whether you’re presenting research findings, promoting an event, or simply sharing a cool infographic, PowerPoint can be a surprisingly powerful tool to bring your poster to life. Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t PowerPoint mainly utilized for presentations?” Well, you’d be right! But PowerPoint’s ability to structure content, incorporate visuals, and finesse formatting makes it perfectly adaptable for crafting impactful posters. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to craft compelling posters that will stop viewers in their tracks.

Before We Begin: A Glimpse into Google Slides

For those more comfortable with web-based tools, we have a dedicated blog outlining the steps to creating stunning posters using Google Slides . Check it out if that’s your preferred platform.

Choosing the Right Canvas Size

PowerPoint slides are designed for presentations, not posters. The default size won’t do justice to your grand vision. Here’s how to adjust the canvas size for your masterpiece:

• Go to the Design tab.
• Click on Slide Size .
• Select Custom Slide Size .
• In the Width and Height boxes, enter the desired dimensions of your poster. Common poster sizes include A1 (33.11 x 23.39 inches) and A2 (46.81 x 16.54 inches). You can also choose a landscape or portrait orientation based on your content.

Planning the Layout

Before diving headfirst into design elements, take a moment to plan your poster’s layout. This helps ensure all the information is organized logically and easy for viewers to navigate. Here are some tips:

• Identify Key Sections: Think about the information you want to convey and group it into sections like title, introduction, methodology (for research posters), results, conclusion, and contact details.
• Visual Hierarchy: Prioritize the sections based on their importance. The title and key findings should be more prominent.
• Balance is Key: Aim for a balanced layout that’s pleasing to the eye. Sketch a rough layout on paper or digitally to visualize the arrangement.

Adding Visuals and Text

With the foundation laid, it’s time to bring your poster to life with visuals and text. Here’s how:

• Background: Choose a background color or image that complements your content and doesn’t overpower it. Solid colors often work well for research posters, while thematic images can add visual interest to event posters.
• Captivating Images: Images are powerful tools for grabbing attention and illustrating your points. Use high-resolution images that are relevant to your subject matter.
• Headlines that Hook: Craft a clear and concise title that piques viewers’ interest. Use large, easy-to-read fonts for the title and headings.
• Body Text: Keep the body text clear, concise, and easy to understand. Use bullet points and short sentences to break up the text and improve readability. Consider using a slightly smaller font size compared to headings.

Formatting and Design Tools

PowerPoint offers a wealth of tools to enhance your poster’s design. Here are some handy features to explore:

• Adding Images and Graphics: Images can breathe life into your poster and help convey your message more effectively. PowerPoint allows you to easily insert images from your computer or online sources. Simply click on the “Insert” tab, select “Pictures,” and choose the image you want to add. You can also add shapes, icons, and other graphics to spice up your design.
• Playing with Fonts and Colors: Font choice and color scheme play a crucial role in poster design. Maintain consistency and readability by limiting to two or three complementary fonts. Experiment with different font sizes and styles to create hierarchy and emphasis. When it comes to colors, opt for a cohesive palette that aligns with your message and branding.
• Shapes and Lines: Use shapes and lines to create sections, highlight key points, or add visual interest. Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create visually appealing divisions that draw attention to key points. By strategically placing lines throughout your poster, you can guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of flow and cohesion in your design.
• SmartArt: SmartArt graphics in PowerPoint is a powerful tool for visualizing complex information in a simple and engaging way. Utilize SmartArt to create charts, diagrams, and process flows that effectively communicate your message. With customizable colors, styles, and layouts, you can tailor your SmartArt graphics to match the tone and theme of your poster, adding depth and clarity to your presentation.
• Alignment and Grouping: Ensure a clean and organized look by aligning text and image elements. Grouping related elements together allows you to manage them as a single unit, making it easier to move and manipulate them as needed. Whether you’re aligning text boxes, images, or shapes, taking the time to properly align and group elements will elevate the overall aesthetic of your poster.

Beyond the Basics

Interested in elevating your poster design quickly? Look no further than Slide Egg, a website packed with professional PowerPoint templates and design tips. From sleek modern layouts to scientific-themed templates, Slide Egg has something for every poster type.

The Final Touches: Proofreading and Exporting

Before hitting print (or saving digitally), take a step back and proofread your poster meticulously. Double-check for typos, grammatical errors, and factual accuracy. Once you’re confident everything is perfect, export your poster as a high-resolution PDF for printing or share it digitally.

Conclusion: Your Poster Awaits!

Creating a poster in PowerPoint is easier than you think. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can design eye-catching posters that leave a lasting impression. With a little planning and these handy tips, you’re well on your way to crafting a poster. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different layouts and designs. So, fire up PowerPoint, deliver your creativity, and get ready to showcase your work with confidence!

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Arockia Mary Amutha

Arockia Mary Amutha is a seasoned senior content writer at SlideEgg, bringing over four years of dedicated experience to the field. Her expertise in presentation tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva shines through in her clear, concise, and professional writing style. With a passion for crafting engaging and insightful content, she specializes in creating detailed how-to guides, tutorials, and tips on presentation design that resonate with and empower readers.

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Home » Microsoft Powerpoint » How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

You are likely aware of using Microsoft PowerPoint for making slides for a presentation. In addition to presentations, you can use PowerPoint for designing posters as well. Although not everyone thinks of designing posters in PowerPoint, it is a very easy process, especially if you need a poster urgently, and or do not have any other software readily available.

You can use posters made in PowerPoint in academic settings for assignments, event promotions on campuses, and general display purposes.

You can use one of two methods for designing your poster:

• Design the poster from scratch
• Use a template

However, before you start on the design, we recommend you think about the poster in detail. You may need to plan for:

• The size of the Poster
• Background image for the poster
• Text in the Poster
• Any other graphics or images

Preferably, collect all the above in a folder before starting on the design.

We will take you through the steps of how to make a poster in PowerPoint.

Let us begin.

Method #1: Design a Poster from Scratch

This method takes more time and effort. But, it gives you complete control over all elements in the poster.

Step #1: Open a Presentation

Open PowerPoint.

Open an existing presentation or a new slide.

Navigate to the slide where you want your presentation.

Step #2: Set up the Poster Size

Click the Design tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Customize , click the Slide Size icon.

This will open a drop-down menu.

Click the Custom Slide Size… tab.

This will open the Slide Size menu.

Click the window below Slides sized for:

Enter the most suitable size from the drop-down list.

Change the width and height to what you want for the Poster.

PowerPoint can make posters with a maximum size of 132.08 cms x 132.08 cms.

Common poster sizes are:

• Large posters, movie style: 61 cms x 91 cms
• Medium posters, windows and general: 46 cms x 61 cms
• Small posters, billboard size: 28 cms x 43 cms
• Handout posters, A4 size: 22 cms x 28 cms

You can use any size suitable to your application.

Step #3: Add Text

Click the Click to add title , and make necessary changes.

Click the Click to add subtitle , and make necessary changes.

Change the font, size, color, and orientation to your choice.

Step #4: Add Background

Click the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the Images section, click the Pictures icon.

A drop-down menu will appear.

Click to select the source of the image file.

The File Manager will open.

Navigate to the folder containing the background image.

Select the image file and click Open .

The background image will fill the slide, covering the text.

In the Adjust section of the ribbon, click the Transparency icon.

Picture Transparency Options… will open.

Select the option that allows the text to become visible again.

Your slide will now look like:

Step #5: Add a Logo

Navigate to the folder containing the logo image.

The logo image will appear in the slide.

Use the handles to size and position the logo.

Adjust the font, size, colors, and background transparency to your liking.

Method #2: Design a Poster from a Template

This method uses a predesigned template to make the poster. But, you can also change the elements in the poster.

Step #3: Use a Template

Select a suitable theme from the Themes section of the ribbon.

Select a suitable variant from the Variants section of the ribbon.

Step #4: Fill in the Elements

We have shown you two methods of making posters in PowerPoint. Use the method most suitable to your application. If you have any comments or suggestions, please enter them in the comments section below.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint?

Table of Contents

PowerPoint isn’t just for presentations; it’s also a powerful tool for designing professional or scientific posters. We’ll walk you through the basics of how to make a poster in PowerPoint, from layout planning to printing. 

This guide will show you how, whether for a class, conference, exhibition, or work project. You’ll discover design tips and free template sources to inspire your creativity. By following these simple steps, you’ll have your poster draft ready today!

Steps: How to make a poster in PowerPoint

Step 1: create a new presentation.

Open PowerPoint on the web or your computer and create a new blank presentation.

Step 2: Set the Poster Size

The standard PowerPoint slide is a mere 10” x 7.5” and not a standard poster size. You’ll want to change this to the appropriate dimensions.

Go to the ‘Design’ tab and click ‘Slide size’.

You can choose from preset sizes or enter your own custom dimensions. If using custom sizes, type in your desired poster size. Select the orientation (landscape or portrait).

For Slide scale, select either ‘Scale to fit’ (to adjust your content size to fit the poster) or ‘Crop’ (to trim off excess content).

The most common poster sizes are:

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Before adding images and text in PowerPoint, consider planning your poster’s layout. This isn’t just an extra step; it’s a key part of your design process. Take a moment to sketch out your ideas on paper. How many columns will you need? Where should images or graphs go?

For portrait posters, 2 or 3 columns usually work well, creating a balanced look. Landscape posters can comfortably fit 3 to 4, offering more space for detailed content.

💡 Pro tip: This planning step might seem like extra work, but it can significantly reduce confusion and save time when you start designing in PowerPoint. A well-thought-out layout leads to a clearer, more effective poster.

Step 4: Add Images and Text

Now, it’s time to fill out your poster with images and text. Think of the poster as a visual guide for your audience. Create the content as though it is a story, or present a selected portion of your work if there’s too much to fit into a poster.  

Key tips for creating poster content: 

• Stay focused on your main goal, theme, or topic.
• Clearly convey your key message. Include important takeaways, lessons learned, or conclusions.
• Tell a story that engages and resonates with your audience.
• Use high-resolution images for printing, ideally at least 150 dpi. Low-resolution images (below 72 dpi) might look blurry on larger posters.
• Finding the right images can be challenging. Think creatively, using analogies or narrative elements to spark ideas for visuals.

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Using a PowerPoint Poster Template

To save time, you can consider starting with a PowerPoint poster template, or use the templates as a source of inspiration.

Where to Find Free PowerPoint Poster Templates

• Microsoft 365 poster templates
• Free research poster templates by Poster Presentations
• Research poster templates (PowerPoint) by Rutgers University
• Scientific poster PowerPoint templates by Posternerd

These templates are available in .ppt and .pptx formats and are ready to edit.

Saving and Exporting for Print

Once you’ve finished designing your poster in PowerPoint, save it as a PDF. This ensures your poster is print-ready, preserving your formatting and design exactly as you created it.

For Windows and Mac OS:

• Go to ‘File’, then ‘Export’ (Windows) or ‘Save As’ (Mac OS).
• Choose ‘Create PDF/XPS Document’ (Windows) or select PDF as the file format (Mac OS).
• On Mac OS, set the print quality to ‘High’.
• Select ‘File’ > ‘Download as’, or ‘Save as’.
• Choose ‘Download as PDF’.

💡 PDFs are widely compatible with printing devices and maintain your poster’s formatting, layout, and design better than other file formats.

Poster Design Tips

🎨 poster sizes.

Common poster sizes include 24×36 and 56×36. To check your poster size, go to the ‘Design’ tab > ‘Slide size’ > ‘Custom slide size.’

If you’re converting from paper sizes (in inches), these are the dimensions to use:

• A0 (33.1 x 46.8 in)
• A1 (23.4 x 33.1 in)
• A2 (16.5 x 23.4 in)
• A3 (11.7 x 16.5 in)
• A4 (8.3 x 11.7 in)

💡 Always design your file at full size (100%)!

🎨 Image Resolution

The quality of images is crucial, especially when it comes to printing versus displaying on the web. Print materials generally require higher resolution graphics to ensure clarity and sharpness on paper.

• For printing: Aim for a minimum of 150 dpi (dots per inch). For best quality, 300 dpi is ideal.
• For web use: 72 or 96 ppi (pixels per inch) is sufficient. Lower resolutions result in smaller file sizes, which are quicker to load online.

💡 Remember, an image’s resolution refers to its level of detail. Higher resolution means more dots or pixels per inch, leading to clearer and more detailed images.

🎨 Colors and Backgrounds

• Using colors in your poster? Choose and stick to 2 or 3 complementary colors for best visual impact.
• Ensure there’s good contrast between your text, images, and background. This contrast is key to making your content easy to read.
• For backgrounds, whether you choose solid colors, gradients, or images, aim for subtlety. Often, a light-toned background color works well, but sometimes a background isn’t necessary to convey your message.

💡 Printing tip: Colors can look different when printed compared to on-screen. For printing, the CMYK color mode is recommended. Check with your printing service for any specific requirements or adjustments needed.

🎨 Fonts, Text, and Titles

• Organize your content using a separate text box for each paragraph or section.
• Sans-serif fonts: Verdana, Lucida Sans/Lucida Grande, Tahoma, Andika
• Serif fonts: Georgia, Palatino/Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua
• Title: 72 to 85pt for visibility
• Sub-headings: 36 to 40pt for emphasis
• Body text: 24pt or larger for readability
• Captions: 18pt to be legible

💡 To maintain a cohesive poster design, limit yourself to two font types.

For example, use a serif font for your title to draw attention and a sans-serif font for body text for easy reading. Mixing too many fonts can overwhelm and distract your audience.

• No design skills required
• 3 presentations/month free
• Don’t need to learn a new software

In this tutorial, we’ve shown you how to create a poster in PowerPoint. You’ve learned to set the right dimensions, plan your layout, and add high-quality images and text. Apply these steps to design visually striking posters that clearly deliver your message, whether for academic, professional, or personal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tutorial work for other versions of powerpoint.

Yes, you can follow the same steps for the Windows, Mac OS, or the web (online) version of PowerPoint.

Is PowerPoint free to use?

The web version of PowerPoint is free to use. You’ll need to create a free Microsoft 365 account.

What’s the maximum poster size in PowerPoint?

The maximum slide size in PowerPoint is 56” x 56” (142.24cm x 142.24cm). If you need a larger poster size, consider using dedicated design software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or Affinity Publisher.

Can I design the poster using another presentation software and convert it to .ppt?

Yes, you can use similar software like Google Slides and convert your files.

Learn more:

💡 How to Convert Google Slides to PowerPoint

💡 How To Convert PowerPoint to Google Slides

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Making Posters with PowerPoint

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Things to consider before beginning

What size is the poster.

PowerPoint places a limit on the dimensions of slides; if you plan on printing a poster that has dimensions larger than 56″ you will need to create it with another piece of software like  Photoshop  or InDesign.

How much does a poster cost?

Get an estimate using the  price calculator .

Where are the images coming from?

Images copied from the web are low resolution (72 dpi) and are not good quality for a printed poster. Minimum image resolution should be 150 dpi at actual printing size for best results.

What is the deadline?

Posters are printed Monday through Friday with a standard 24-hour turnaround time. Plan ahead to avoid high volume times for quicker turnaround.

Start with a template

Choose from a variety of styles and sizes. Download a template .

Create a new poster

Open a new document in PowerPoint.

• Go to Design –> Slide Size
• Choose  Custom Slide Size
• Set  Width  and  Height  (max. 56″)
• Choose the  Landscape  (horizontal) or Portrait orientation.
• Click  OK .
• If a message pops up telling you that “ The current page size exceeds the printable area of the paper in the printer ” just click  OK .

Basic design tips

Academic posters are a summary of what you did, how you did it, and what you learned. Most are divided into four parts:

• Introduction (what you did)
• Design or methods (how you did it)
• Conclusion (what you learned)

Space is limited. Choose your words and graphics carefully.

Don’t forget to SPELL CHECK your poster before submitting for print!

Design your file at full size (100%). If your poster is 36″ wide x 24″ tall then set your slide dimensions to 36″ x 24″.

Present information the way you would normally read —left to right, top to bottom.

Use columns and line breaks to divide the poster into smaller sections. Use bullets instead of long paragraphs to summarize information.

Maintain a good contrast between the background color and the text. Consider using a light color background and a dark text. A gradient color fill background, especially black, will print poorly and is not recommended.

Someone standing 3–4 feet away should be able to read everything on your poster. Here are some suggested fonts and sizes:

Sans serif:  Lucida Sans, Lucida Grande ; Serif:   Palatino, Book Antiqua

• Title: 72 point
• Headings/section titles: 40 point
• Body text: 24 point
• Captions: 18 point

Limit yourself to 2–3 types of fonts in order to create consistency and unity.

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.

High resolution images ( 150 dpi or higher ) are required for printing high quality posters.

Color mode for best results is CMYK .

Insert images directly into PowerPoint . Don’t cut and paste, or copy and paste.

Copy and paste Excel charts and graphs into PowerPoint.

To adjust an image and retain proper proportion, hold the shift key on your keyboard, click, and drag the corners to scale . Enlarging images in PowerPoint is not recommended.

Saving to PDF

CougPrints Plus requires a PDF file set to your custom page size . To save a PowerPoint poster to PDF, follow the steps outlined in Saving PowerPoint Presentations as PDF Files .

Printing your poster

Order your poster online from CougPrints Plus by filling in the submission form and uploading your PDF file. Pick up and pay for posters at CougPrints Plus in the CUB.

Place your poster order!

How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

Last updated on November 14th, 2023

Posters are great to be used in classrooms and also for medical purposes or many other different applications. Creating posters in PowerPoint is easy but of course you need to get a training on how to design a poster in PowerPoint and find the right tools to do that.

In order to create a Poster in PowerPoint you need to start creating a new PowerPoint presentation.

Related: Download free PowerPoint Poster Templates ready for PPT and Google Slides.

You can get free Poster PowerPoint templates by browsing the Office template gallery. If you want to try finding the poster template you can start browsing for poster templates in this gallery.

But sometimes these poster templates aren’t useful because you need a different format or layout.

How to create a Poster in Microsoft PowerPoint?

If you want to create a PowerPoint poster presentation from scratch then making a new PowerPoint presentation is a good starting point.

Once we start a new PowerPoint presentation we need to find the Design tab on top in Microsoft PowerPoint (in previous versions of PowerPoint there was a Page Setup option under File menu). Once you find the Design tab, then click on Page Setup option and you will be prompted to choose a Slide size. Then you can enter a custom poster size, for example 48″ width x 18″ height. And don’t forget to set it as landscape if you want it horizontally.

Poster frames have different poster sizes that vary from a wide range of options. Depending on the printer and place where you want to show your poster, you’d choose from one poster size or the other.

Enter the Height and Width of your poster. Please be aware that PowerPoint’s maximum size is 52”; therefore to produce a PowerPoint poster with dimensions larger than 52”, both dimensions are entered at half the desired size. For example, for a 44” x 66” poster, you would enter 22” in the box for height and 33” in the box for width, and click OK. The poster’s size will be doubled during the printing phase to bring it up to 44×66 inches as desired. Important: The printer’s maximum size paper roll is 44”, meaning that one of your dimensions, width or height, may not exceed 44”. Also, other roll sizes are 24”, 36” and 42”, so it is best to set either the height or width of your poster to one of these measurements.

What is the standard poster size?

Here is a list of poster sizes available for you to use. There are some ISO format sizes for posters which you may choose from as well as other custom poster sizes available. Some printers can print larger poster size, but that will depend if it is a digital printer or other kind of printer capable to print large documents. Here is a list of standard poster sizes ISO from Wikipedia.

1 sheet 27″ X 40″ Posters : printed on paper stock, is the standard poster used in U.S. theaters at this time (around 1985 to present.)

1 sheet 27″ X 41″ Posters : printed on paper stock, was the standard size poster prior to 1985. These posters were sent to the theaters folded.

British Quad 30″ X 40″ Posters: printed on heavier card stock and paper stock. Image same as 1-sheet. These posters are usually from Britain, which is why the posters are named: “British Quad Posters.”

Half Sheet 22″ X 28″ Posters: Printed on heavier card stock, these posters date back to 1910 and were phased out in the 80’s.

Insert 14″ X 36″ Posters: Printed on heavier card stock, these posters date back to 1910 and were phased out in the 80’s.

3 Sheet 41″ X 81″ Posters: Printed on paper, these posters date back to 1912 and were phased out in the 80’s.

6 sheet 81″ X 81″ Posters: Printed on paper.

Japanese B0 Posters:Size 40″ x 80″

Japanese B1 Posters:Size 29″ x 40″

Japanese B2 Posters:Size 20″ x 29″

Japanese B3 Nakazuri Posters:Size 14″ x 20″

Japanese B4 Posters:Size 10″ x 29″

Designing a new PowerPoint Poster Presentation

Once you have the right paper size for your poster presentation, you can start designing your PowerPoint poster. At Free PowerPoint Templates we publish poster examples and free Poster templates that you can download but if you are interested to design your own poster presentation, then here we will try to give you some ideas on how to achieve this.

First, you can start adding some styling for the header and footer, but the most important point is to design the content. You can get a paper offline and add some callouts in a paper prior to designing it in the screen. Just create a poster presentation draft in a small piece of paper and then these ideas will be converted to a digital Poster in PowerPoint .

Then you can start drawing some callouts in the PowerPoint slide. You can also add some gradient effects to the callout for example as shown in this image below.

You can also use various shapes in PowerPoint to decorate your callouts or add new PowerPoint charts from Excel to a particular callout.

Example of 48″x36″ Academic Poster Presentation Created in PowerPoint

In this poster presentation, we can find the typical poster sections (these may vary, discuss with your professor or conference organizer to find out the required sections). But in this case, the poster follows the IMRaD format (“IMRaD” format refers to a paper that is structured by four main sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion or Conclusion). Other sections include:

• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Research Question, Statement, Hypothesis
• Future Research
• Funding Acknowledgement
• References (APA format Poster Presentation)

Conclusions

In order to organize your slide you can use the Ruler in PowerPoint or configure the gridlines. Both are very useful tools to align boxes in the slide design. Also, you can use the Size and Position options accessible by right clicking in an element. Creating a Poster in PowerPoint can be used to explain a research or make a scientific poster for your University.

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How to Make a Presentation Poster

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 References

This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 34,982 times.

Presentation posters are an excellent way to present information and are required for many courses, projects, and conferences. Organise the content strategically so that it as clear and easy to read as possible. Use PowerPoint to quickly and easily format your content into an eye-catching poster. Once you have formatted the poster and finalised all the content, you are ready to present your poster!

Organising the Content

• For example, “New Poetry Discovered in the Journals of WW2 Soldiers” would be an interesting title for a poetry poster.

• If you're making a scientific poster, include your hypothesis in the introduction.
• This section is generally only 1 paragraph long.

• For example, if you collected water samples for a geography project, explain where you got the water from, when you collected it, and the method that you used to take the sample.
• If your poster is summarising the work of artists or researchers, such as in poetry, geography, or history, explain why you chose the publications that you used and detail the modes of research you utilised.
• If you are making a scientific poster, include all the materials that you used, your method of statistics, and why you chose the method that you used. Use sub-headings, such as “Materials” or “Steps” to break up the section.

• For example, if you are making a poster for a children's poetry fair, lots of funny poems and poetry facts would likely draw the children to your poster.
• If you are making a scientific poster, use annotated graphs and tables to visually display the data that you have collected.
• If you’re making a history or geography poster, consider placing an essay, timeline, or map in this space.

• Contemplate ending with a memorable quote. For example, if you are making a history poster, you could find a profound Nelson Mandela quote to finish with.
• If you are making a scientific poster, compare your results to the hypothesis and comment on whether your predictions were correct.

• This section can have a smaller font than the rest of the poster if you have limited space.

• Use high-resolution photos to ensure that the images don’t look fuzzy when they are printed.
• Avoid using Clip Art, as this tends to look unprofessional.

Formatting the Poster

• If you have enough room, increase the font size to 20 pt or 24 pt. The larger the text is – the easier it will be to read.

• Stand 10 ft (3 m) away from your poster and check that the key titles can be read. If you have trouble reading them, increase the size of the text.

• Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, and Garamond are good font options.

• Bold any important words or phrases to help them stand out.

• Use paragraphs to break up large sections of text.
• Gaps between sections are often referred to as white space.

• Once you have created a first draft of the poster, ask a friend if they can easily understand the flow of the poster. If they can't, rearrange the components until they fit in a natural, logical way.

Using PowerPoint

• If you haven’t been given a specified poster dimension, make the poster 48 inches (120 cm) wide and 36 inches (91 cm) tall.

• If the slide is already in the correct orientation, skip this step.

• These templates can be edited in the same way as a regular PowerPoint presentation.

• The text box icon is a small square box with an “a” and horizontal lines inside it.

• Opt for high-resolution photos to ensure that the photos look sharp and clear when you print the poster.
• You can also use graphs, charts, and other visuals in addition to photographs.

• If you want to adjust the positioning of an object very slightly, hold down the Control (Ctrl) key as you use the arrows. This reduces the size of the movements.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1876493/
• ↑ https://urc.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk3561/files/local_resources/documents/pdf_documents/How_To_Make_an_Effective_Poster2.pdf
• ↑ https://guides.nyu.edu/posters
• ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/change-the-size-of-your-slides-040a811c-be43-40b9-8d04-0de5ed79987e#OfficeVersion=Office_2010
• ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/change-the-page-layout-49030c0f-9cd9-4f92-a894-605bc0671d10
• ↑ https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/posters
• ↑ https://youtu.be/jaGb5tckCZQ?t=19
• ↑ https://support.office.com/en-gb/article/insert-a-picture-in-powerpoint-5f7368d2-ee94-4b94-a6f2-a663646a07e1
• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-keyboard-shortcuts-to-create-powerpoint-presentations-ebb3d20e-dcd4-444f-a38e-bb5c5ed180f4?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us

About This Article

To make a presentation poster in Powerpoint, start by changing your page setup to widescreen in the "Design" tab. Then, write a clear title that tells readers what your poster is about across the top of the page. After your title, write an introduction to your topic, including any research methods you used on the left side. Use the middle column to detail your main points. Then, on the right side, add your conclusion and any references you cited. If you want your poster to catch your readers’ eye, place a few images and graphs that illustrate your main points throughout the poster. For more tips, including how to choose fonts for your poster, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Create a Research Poster

• Poster Basics
• Design Tips
• Logos & Images

What is a Research Poster?

Posters are widely used in the academic community, and most conferences include poster presentations in their program.  Research posters summarize information or research concisely and attractively to help publicize it and generate discussion. 

The poster is usually a mixture of a brief text mixed with tables, graphs, pictures, and other presentation formats. At a conference, the researcher stands by the poster display while other participants can come and view the presentation and interact with the author.

What Makes a Good Poster?

• Important information should be readable from about 10 feet away
• Title is short and draws interest
• Word count of about 300 to 800 words
• Text is clear and to the point
• Use of bullets, numbering, and headlines make it easy to read
• Effective use of graphics, color and fonts
• Consistent and clean layout
• Includes acknowledgments, your name and institutional affiliation

A Sample of a Well Designed Poster

View this poster example in a web browser .  

Image credit: Poster Session Tips by [email protected], via Penn State

Where do I begin?

Answer these three questions:.

• What is the most important/interesting/astounding finding from my research project?
• How can I visually share my research with conference attendees? Should I use charts, graphs, photos, images?
• What kind of information can I convey during my talk that will complement my poster?

What software can I use to make a poster?

A popular, easy-to-use option. It is part of Microsoft Office package and is available on the library computers in rooms LC337 and LC336. ( Advice for creating a poster with PowerPoint ).

Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

Feature-rich professional software that is good for posters including lots of high-resolution images, but they are more complex and expensive.  NYU Faculty, Staff, and Students can access and download the Adobe Creative Suite .

Open Source Alternatives 

• OpenOffice is the free alternative to MS Office (Impress is its PowerPoint alternative).
• Inkscape and Gimp are alternatives to Adobe products.
• For charts and diagrams try Gliffy or Lovely Charts .
• A complete list of free graphics software .

A Sample of a Poorly Designed Poster

View this bad poster example in a browser.

Image Credit: Critique by Better Posters

• Next: Design Tips >>
• Last Updated: Jul 9, 2024 5:34 PM
• URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/posters

Poster templates

Picture-perfect posters are possible with customizable template designs. create an eye-catching, informative poster that puts your unique message front and center..

Free poster templates that make a statement

Create a powerful poster with these poster templates that are ready to be customized and will fit all your needs, whether you’re issuing a public service announcement, promoting a fundraiser, or sharing an infographic. Or maybe you're launching a sale, promoting an event, or hosting an open house for your real estate business. Easily edit any of these templates with Microsoft PowerPoint , Microsoft Word , or another Microsoft 365 app, depending on the template you choose. Change up the text, font, colors, images, and other design elements, then download and print it yourself or send it to a print service. Even use these poster templates to create social media posts for Facebook , Instagram , and other social channels. For more, check out these free flyer templates .

How to Make a Poster Using PowerPoint

(adapted from the VisLab website: http://www.hs.washington.edu/locke/vislab/tech/powerpoint-poster.html )

Step by Step:

1. Start PowerPoint: Make a New presentation – a blank one. When asked for a Layout, choose a blank one – one without anything – even a title.

2. Choose the size of your poster: I recommend that you select a poster approximately 48-60" wide (across) and exactly 36" in height (top to bottom). This applies for your individual poster even though you will print it out much smaller than this for grading purposes; doing this will allow you to have the flexibility to print your file as a large poster if your group chooses it. While HP-3000 printers can print up to 52.5 x several hundred inches, and Power Point limits you to up to 56 by 56, most printers on campus (eg: OUGL or Mary Gates) have a 36" limit.

Note for PowerPoint Poster Gurus Only: The PowerPoint limitation can be overcome with scaling – set your slide up at half size and use scale to 200% when printing. Set the size by using the File menu/Page Setup. If rulers are not visible, you might want to enable them – use the View menu/Rulers.

3. Adding text: In order to add text, the text needs a "container" – a Text Box. Make a text box by

a.Click on the Text Box tool or selecting Text Box under the Insert menu. (PowerPoint is very flexible in how its tools are arranged. The down side of that is that your tools may be in a different place than they are described here. The Text Box tool is often found near the bottom center – it looks like a mini page with an "A" in the upper-left part of it.)

b.Click or click-and-drag where you want the text to be. After this second step, you should see the rectangular shape of the Text Box. You can re-size it at any time by dragging one of the little square "handles". The box will also grow automatically as you type (if it needs to).

As in many programs, you can change the font and size by highlighting the text to be changed and then making the changes. A 100-point font is about an inch high. If you don't see the size you want in the selection list, you can enter it in by hand.

To move a Text Box, position your pointer over a part of the edge of the box that is not a handle. The pointer should become shaped like a plus sign with arrows. Click and drag the Text Box to the wanted position.

You can change the color of the text, the edge, and the fill as well as other things under the Format menu/Text Box.

Make a separate Text Box for each separate piece of text. "Separate text" means a portion of text that you want to be able to move independently from the others.

• Adding images: The two ways to add images are with Insert/Picture and with Copy and Paste:

Insert/Picture: This is the most common way of adding graphics to a PowerPoint document. If you have a file that is in one of several standard graphic formats (like JPEG, GIF, PICT, etc.), use the Insert menu/Picture/From-file and select your file. The image will appear on your document with handles. Use one of the corner handles to re-size it. (The corner handles will keep the same aspect ratio; the side handles will not.) Click and drag in the middle of the graphic to move it. You can do many other things to an image (including brightness, cropping, and resetting it to how it was originally brought in) under Format/Picture.

Image size: You need to plan ahead – in the package that created the graphic (or in program like PhotoShop) figure out the final print size of your graphic and scale it to about 200 dpi (dots per inch). The HP-3000 prints at 600 dpi, but the dithering it needs to do for most colors (all except the seven colors RGB and CMYK) takes up space – anything over 200 dpi is ignored for most colors. 150 dpi or even 100 dpi will look fine for most images.

Copy and Paste: Use this if you have something like an Excel graph you want to add to your document. Generally avoid this method if you can – Copy and Paste will often only give you a low-resolution copy of a graphic.

• Background: You can select a background under the Format menu/Background. If you want a picture background, select “Background” off the Format menu, then click on the down arrow for more options.   Select “fill effects” and then the tab for “picture”.   Click on “select picture” and find the picture you want from your hard drive.   You will probably want to fade or lighten the image prior to using it as background or you may risk the picture competing with your text.  
• Lines, Boxes, Arrows: There are many other things that PowerPoint can do. Next to the Text Box tool are tools to make ovals, boxes, lines, arrows, etc. When you have made one of these, you can change it (when it is selected) with the Format menu/Colors and Lines.
• Zoom: You can control the zoom amount by clicking on the zoom choice box (if visible), or using the View menu/Zoom.

If you are printing your individual poster for grading purposes only (not for display), then the following instructions apply to you: Chose "File" then "Print". Select all to print (default setting), but SELECT the box that says "scale to fit". You will end up with a small poster (8.5" X 11" or 8.5" x 14" if you use legal paper). To get maximum benefit from the use of color you should use a color printer, although a black & white printer will also show some gray variations that demonstrate where color is used in the document.

If you want to print a DISPLAY poster see below....

                        Where to go to print DISPLAY-SIZE posters on campus:

T271 Health Sciences Building (Health Sciences Academic Services & Facilities 206-543-9275). ­   up to 54" wide by 100' long on Hewlett Packard

DesignJet 3500 and 5000 CP Printers.

Costs for Standard Papers at HSAS&F (check for current prices and information at www.uwposters.com or depts.washington.edu/hsasf/photo/posters.html)

  Size            Economy Bond    Semi-Gloss or Matte    High-Gloss

16x20            $14.00               16.00                              17.00

20x24              17.00               20.00                               21.00

24x36             24.00               28.00                               35.00

32x40             30.00               35.00                               43.00

40x60             42.00               54.00                               60.00

Commons at OUGL (36" Wide, unlimited length - $1.00 set up and $0.25 per inch of length). Keep in mind that we are using the length as "our width" and vice versa.

Mary Gates Hall CRC (36” Wide) Plotter $1.00 setup fee, $0.50 per inch.   See   http://depts.washington.edu/sacg/news/mgh-crc.php for updates.

You can print off campus (i.e. Kinko’s) but they are expensive ($100-$120) since they are trying to make a profit while the university is just trying to cover costs. NOT RECOMMENDED .