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Plotter Poster Printing: Printing Resources

General Printing Information

Scheduling a Poster Printing

Please contact Dave Basener, Center of Scholarship and Teaching, at dave.basener@elmhurst.edu. You can email the poster file directly to him. Please let Dave know as soon as possible when you will send the file for printing; then, allow at least a day for the printing to be complete once you send the file.  Dave will let you know if that fits his schedule; you might need to send it a few days earlier.  We will let you know when your poster is ready for you to pick up in Library Rm 108.  There are "fold-it-yourself" boxes available if you wish to protect your poster from the elements.

Designing Your Poster

  • A poster must be either a PDF or a PowerPoint file with one slide per file.
  • The poster printer limits the poster size such that one of the dimensions must be 40" or less. In PowerPoint, use the Slide Size feature in the Design menu to set the final dimensions of your poster. You should set the dimensions of your poster before beginning to lay it out. Although this may seem uncomfortable because the elements will appear small on your computer screen, this method will allow you to create the poster as it is intended to be viewed and not rely on scaling up later.  Scaling up after the design will often change the relationship between items.  Scaling up after creating a PDF will often result in blurring or pixelation.
  • The poster paper is 42 inches wide. However, one of your two dimensions (height or width) must be 40 inches or less. For example, you can have a poster that is 60 inches long but 40 inches wide, or vice versa.
  • You do not need to handle the orientation (landscape vs. portrait); the printer orients the image for the best fit.
  • Ensure that the width and height of your document match the intended printed size.
  • Spell-check!

 

Traveling with your Poster

  • To see an 8 x 11.5 size of your poster or to make a hand-out size, select the option "Shrink to Fit" in the Print window.
  • If you are flying, it is advised that you check with your airline regarding restrictions on carry-on items such as mailing tubes and display boards.
  • You should put your name and contact info in the tube with your poster if the airline insists you check the tube at the aircraft door.
  • Do you want to print a fabric poster that you can fold in your suitcase?

Elmhurst University Research and Performance Showcase

  • Students may use the plotter to print out presentations and posters for academic purposes only and with the supervision of a faculty member.
  • Refer to the guidelines shown at SHOWCASE.ELMHURST.EDU.

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