Research posters provide general (or detailed) overviews about research either you are currently working on or already completed. Think of them like "mini research papers" or a summarized version of your research -- You want to discuss your research project in a short, concise narrative (with pictures!).
PowerPoint is versatile! You have the freedom to place objects wherever you want on a page. It will also help you line up and space content evenly. PowerPoint is a very popular software to make posters in.
How do I adjust the slide size to my poster size?
For example, let's say you need a poster that is 36 inches by 48 inches. In the menu ribbon:
Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size. Change the Slides sized for: to Custom. Enter the dimensions as 36 inches wide by 48 inches high. Click OK.
Just like PowerPoint, Google Slides is versatile and you have the freedom to place objects wherever on a page.
How do I adjust the slide size to my poster size?
For example, let's say you need a poster that is 36 inches by 48 inches. In the menu ribbon:
File > Page Setup > Custom. Change the Page Setup to Custom. Enter the dimensions as 36 inches wide by 48 inches high. Click Apply.
Publisher is a graphic design app from Microsoft. It allows users to create various types of documents using templates provided, downloaded templates, or starting from a blank canvas. Like PowerPoint, you can place objects anywhere you want on a page.
PRO: What makes it preferred than Microsoft Word is that page layout is emphasized, so you don't need to fret about adjusting alignments or line spacing -- You have the freedom to place objects wherever you need to on the document.
CON: It is only available on desktop or laptop computers - You cannot access it from Microsoft 365 online.
How do I resize my Publisher page?
Page Design > Page Setup > Change Width and Height values and/or units.
Canva is like an online version of Microsoft Publisher. It allows user to make designs for both online content and printed materials. Media types include, but not limited to, videos, social media posts, documents, and websites. You can also invite others to collaborate on projects, just like Google Docs.
Canva offers two plans for account holders: Free and Pro.
| Canva Free | Canva Pro |
| No monthly or annual subscription fees | $15 per month or $120 per year |
| 5 GB cloud storage | 1 TB cloud storage |
| Access limited to 250,000+ free templates, 100+ design types, 1+ million photos and graphics | Unlimited access to their library of templates, stock photos, videos, fonts, graphics, and more. |
| Access to some AI-powered tools | Access to all AI-powered tools |
Information from Canva.com (Accessed 25 Oct 2023).
On Campus
The WKU Print Center (ground floor DSU) can print posters for you for a fee. You can also check with your academic major department if they have a poster printer available.
Off Campus
Stores like Staples and Office Depot / OfficeMax offer poster printing services.