* These directions are for PowerPoint 2013*
Start by resizing your poster. This is an essential first step! If you resize the poster later, all your text and images will come out stretched and blurry.
Click on the Design Tab, Slide Size, then Custom Size.
Conferences and gatherings will let you know what size posters are acceptable.
Enter in the required dimensions.
You will be prompted to either Maximize or Ensure Fit of your content due to choosing a custom slide size. Because you have no content on your slide yet, choose Maximize.
* These directions are for PowerPoint 2013*
Start by resizing your poster. This is an essential first step! If you resize the poster later, all your text and images will come out stretched and blurry.
Click on the Themes Tab, page Setup, then Custom Size.
Conferences and gatherings will let you know what size posters are acceptable.
Enter in the required dimensions.
You may be prompted by the following box. Click OK.
Grouping Content
Grouping content is very helpful when you want to move more than one element on your poster but keep original spacing, formatting, etc. To group content like shapes, charts, and text boxes you can 1) click and drag the mouse over the selected element until you see all elements are selected or 2) select one element then to hold the Shift key and click on the remaining elements until they are all selected. Click on the Format tab and select "Group".
Evenly Sizing Content
If you have an image or text box that you'd like to equally size (i.e. keep original proportions but make larger or smaller) click on the element, hold the Control key, and size the element with your mouse.
Moving Content
If you need to minimally move content, you can use your keyboard instead of your mouse. Just select the element and use the arrow buttons on your keyboard.
Duplicate Content
To duplicate shapes, charts, and other elements, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D.
After formatting the slide size and before adding content to your poster, choose a background. You can choose a solid or gradient color and also change the transparency of the background. You can also upload an image to use for the poster background. If you do use an image, make sure it does not distract from the content or make your poster look too busy.
Select the Design Tab and then the Format Background button.
After formatting the slide size and before adding content to your poster, choose a background. You can choose a solid or gradient color and also change the transparency of the background. You can also upload an image to use for the poster background. If you do use an image, make sure it does not distract from the content or make your poster look too busy.
Select the ThemesTab and then the Background button. Select Format Background. Choosing Format Background will open another box.
Choose from a variety of background type such as solid, gradient, picture or patterned design.
Before adding content, add gridlines, guides, or ruler views to aid in the layout of your content.
Select the View Tab and then check the appropriate box.
Now you're ready to start adding content! You'll use the Insert Tab to add images, tables, charts, text boxes, and shapes to your poster. To create columns, select the rectangle shape from the shapes box or create a colored text box. You can overlay a textbox over a shape to add text.
Don't forget to use your gridlines and ruler to keep spacing even and create a margin for the border of your poster.
Before adding content, add gridlines, guides, or ruler views to aid in the layout of your content.
Select View from the main menu and then choose the appropriate option.
Now you're ready to start adding content! From the Home tab, you'll use the Insert section to add images, text boxes, and shapes to your poster. To create columns, select the rectangle shape from the shapes box or create a colored text box. You can overlay a textbox over a shape to add text.
You will use the Tables and Charts Tabs to insert addition content. These can be great options to visually represent your research.
Don't forget to use your gridlines and ruler to keep spacing even and create a margin for the border of your poster.
You can find simple Poster Presentation templates freely available on the Internet. If you'd rather use a template, go ahead! Remember to double check that the size of the slide is correct before you begin adding content.
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