If you think PowerPoint is just for slide decks, then think again. From event posters to research graphics, PowerPoint can help you build a full-size, printable poster without needing fancy design software. Here’s everything you need to know to make a poster in PowerPoint that looks polished, professional and pops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, we\u2019ve outlined some steps to follow if you\u2019d like a simple process. We\u2019ve also provided some tips that you can implement to really make your work stand out from the rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your first step is setting the slide size to match your poster printing dimensions. Go to Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size<\/strong><\/a> and enter the size you need (common sizes include<\/a> 11″\u00d717″, 18″\u00d724″, or 24″\u00d736″). PowerPoint maxes out at 56″\u00d756″, so if you need something larger, design at half size and print at a blown up size.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turn on View > Gridlines & Guides<\/strong> to create a structured layout. Use those guides to align your headers, content blocks, visuals and footer elements evenly. Good alignment is essential for a professional finish, and if you\u2019re creating a poster that will be widely distributed, you want to make sure things are tightened up as much as they can be.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Go with a background that supports your content, not overshadows it. A solid color is generally safe and can look clean, but they aren\u2019t always the way to go. Gradients add depth, while lightly textured images can personalize the look to align with your personality or a specific industry. Just make sure the text remains legible.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be helpful to think of your poster like a newspaper page. In that context, here are some considerations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave at least an inch of margin around the edges to prevent important information from getting cut off during printing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing to keep in mind, and which differs from the kind of slides you might usually create in PowerPoint, is that this all needs to be able to be read from a distance. With your usual PowerPoint slide, people are often looking at it on a computer screen from a foot away or blown up on a large projector. Since posters require readability from a distance, go with large, clear fonts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stick to two fonts maximum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Insert images using Insert > Pictures<\/strong>, not copy-paste… you really want to make sure you preserve the resolution. You’ll get the best print result with 300 dpi, but 150 dpi can work as well. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n2. Put the Grid to Work\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Choose a Simple Background\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Plan Your Poster Structure\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Use Easy-to-Read Fonts\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Insert High-Quality Visuals\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n