Creating a poster is easier than you think. Remember, posters should be created in PowerPoint and all information should be placed on one slide.

Creating a Poster The first step in creating a poster is to open a new document in PowerPoint Once you have opened a new document, click on Design – which is located at the top of the page, two tabs to the right of Home Once you have clicked on Design, you will be able to change the size of your slide as well as add light colors and/or a background

Creating a Poster To make size changes, click on the Page Setup tab that is located at the top left of your screen After you click on the Page Setup tab, a screen will appear, allowing you to enter the dimensions of your slide (see next slide).

Creating a Poster Optimal dimensions are 56 inches (height) and 42 inches (width) – slide orientation is landscape. This will allow you to create a 42 X 60 poster, which is the average size required for Poster Presentations. 42 inches (width – how high) 56 inches (height – length)

Creating a Poster Once you have set-up your slide dimensions, you are now ready to start working on putting together your actual poster. You can now decide whether you would like to add color or a background Background varieties can be added by clicking on the various theme boxes as seen below

Creating a Poster Color can be changed by clicking on background styles I recommend, if you chose to add color, that you do not go too dark or add too much Remember, you do not want color or designs to take away from your poster presentation The main focus of a poster is to present your findings

Creating a Poster Now, lets talk about putting your data on your slide You will need to create text boxes on your PowerPoint slide This is quite simple. The first step is to click on the Insert tab, which is just right of the home tab

Creating a Poster After clicking on the Insert tab, you will see the text box option in the information bar. Click on this. When you click on the text box option, you will get a small pointer, that you can move to create your text box

Creating a Poster Remember, text boxes can be used in a variety of ways. You can create columns, headings, and many other set-ups using text boxes TIP: Use your poster space wisely. I recommend printing then laying out your slides (on a table or floor) as you would like them to appear on the poster. This will allow you to figure out the best layout for your poster.

Now, lets discuss what should be included in your poster Creating a Poster Now, lets discuss what should be included in your poster First – you will need to put in a TITLE This can be done by clicking on the area that says “click to add title” or if you used a blank slide, add a text box at the top and put in the information Underneath your title you should put your name as well as the names of any other individuals who have worked with you on the project that you will be presenting See next slide

Click to add Title Click to add text Add text box if needed Click here and add your title Add names below title Click to add text Office Theme – Title and Content Slide

Now you can begin setting up your poster on the PowerPoint slide. Creating a Poster Now you can begin setting up your poster on the PowerPoint slide. The next slide is an example of what should be included on your poster Included in the text boxes are highlights on how to add pictures, graphs, colors etc. Remember, you do NOT have to exactly follow this lay-out. It is simply a suggestion.

Creating a Poster Jane Doe, BA; John Doe, MS INTRODUCTION To add text, left click on box. Confer with your Instructor about what is required to be on your poster RESULTS “To insert a photo Click on Insert tab and picture” “To insert a graph/chart, you can either copy and paste or click on chart and input your information to create the graph “ CONCLUSION Always read over your poster carefully before having it printed. Mistakes are easy to make. METHODS Font size for headings should be larger than the font size of the information you are providing. REFERENCES References are important, but should be smaller than other sections.

More tips on working with text boxes Creating a Poster More tips on working with text boxes After creating a text box, you can change its features by right clicking on it and clicking on format shape You can then change Background colors Keep a solid line around the text box or remove Change properties of the text box Add shadows Create 3-D formats

Creating a Poster Other Tips Click on the home tab – located all the way to the left of your screen This will give you the information bar including your font size, adding shapes, bolding your font, centering items, adding bullets, as well as adding new slides and changing your layout

Creating a Poster Creating a Poster is a hands-on learning experience. Make sure you consult with your Instructor and understand the dimensions and requirements of your poster. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Yanders in the Dean’s Office at jyanders@missouristate.edu or at 836-4176