Below are two methods for creating a poster file. This article focuses on how to create a poster that is properly sized and formatted for ITS's plotter. A Google search for poster design guidelines will provide more info for how to layout and present your information in a poster format.
Creating a poster in PowerPoint
Creating a poster in Canva
Open a blank PowerPoint document.
On the design tab, click the Slide Size button then the Custom Slide Size option.
Enter the width and height in inches that you'd like your poster to be then click OK. IT is limited to printing 42" or less for the width.
Add content and arrange it as desired.
When finished designing your poster, slide the zoom slider (bottom right of the PowerPoint window) to 100% and examine the pictures and text of your poster. If anything appears blurry here it will also appear blurry on the poster. You can fix blurriness issues by using a higher resolution or alternative picture.
When you are ready to submit the poster for printing it is helpful if you save the PowerPoint as a JPG or PDF file. Doing so will make sure that the font and pictures stay exactly the same when ITS opens the file.
Click File > Save As
Navigate to where you'd like to save the copy
Underneath the File name field change the Save as type to JPEG or PDF, then click save.
Log into Canva with your JCU email. See the Canva article under Related Articles for more info.
Create a new design, choosing the Custom size option.
Change the measurement units to inches and enter the desired width and height of your poster.
Use the design tools on the left to create your poster. See Canva's training articles for more details.
When you are finished designing your poster use the zoom slider in the bottom right to change the zoom to 100%. Check the pictures in your poster and make sure they are not blurry or pixelated.
Choose the File > Download option to download your poster. Download it as a PNG, JPG, or PDF.