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Center for Training, Research, and Educational Excellence (CTREE)

Poster Printing Guide

If you would like CTREE to print your poster, please follow the guidelines below:

 

    SET UP THE POSTER FOR PRINTING

Use a white background: Do not use full-page background colors, gradients, textures, or large colored panels. They use excessive ink and may print unevenly.
You may use background color on the top banner only: This banner displays the title, author names, and any logos.
Use sans serif fonts: Choose Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana, or another clean sans serif font for easier reading. 
Make text readable: Use large type throughout; body text should generally be at least 18–24 pt, with larger headings and title text. 
Keep the layout simple: Use clear columns, short text blocks, strong headings, and adequate white space. Use color only for emphasis. 

        SIZE YOUR POSTER CORRECTLY

Standard poster size:  36" × 48". 

Maximum paper width:  36". The other dimension may vary depending on the poster design. 

Smaller posters are allowed: When the poster width is less than 36", it will print on 36"-wide paper. You are responsible for trimming the excess paper. 

Set the final page size before export: Do not submit a slide or page that must be enlarged, reduced, or reformatted by our office. 

EXPORT AND SUBMIT A PDF

PDF format is required: Export or save the poster as one PDF page at the final print dimensions.
Embed fonts and use high-quality images:      Check that charts, logos, photographs, and other graphics are sharp at full size. 
Review the PDF:      not just the PowerPoint file. Open the PDF and inspect the entire page before submitting it. 
Submit the final version only: File names should clearly identify the student and poster. 

 

COMPLETE YOUR FINAL CHECK

☐ Size: Confirm the page size is correct. 
☐ Background: Confirm the poster has a white background. 
☐ Fonts: Confirm fonts are sans serif and readable.
☐ Proofreading: Check spelling, grammar, names, data, citations, and acknowledgements.
☐ Layout: Confirm nothing is cut off and all images are clear.

 

READY TO SUBMIT?

SUBMIT A PRINT-READY PDF. Our office does not edit poster files, and we may not be able to reprint posters, so please double check for misspellings, missing content, layout problems, or other student errors. 

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FINAL FILE. Printing approval means the PDF will be printed as submitted; it is not an editorial or design review.

Submit your final poster for printing to Nikki Adams at nadams@csusm.edu. Please allow at least 72 working hours for printing to be completed.