Creating and Presenting a Poster
Check out these guides to help you create a poster and find professional images.
Creating a Poster
Research posters are a visual representation of your paper or project. They typically include both small blocks of text and images (photos, charts, graphs, etc.). A poster will quickly educate the viewers it attracts about your work, as well as serve as a visual aid when you present your work to your viewers ("As you see in this graph... ").
Image on flickr: CAFNR; Photo by Kyle Spradley, c2014 - Curators of the University of Missouri - licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Where to Find Poster Images
Sure, you've heard of Google Images. But have you heard of the resources below? Just remember to properly attribute any images that appear on the poster, even your own!
European Biomass Conference &Exhibition, "_LMM8803" - licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
- Wikimedia CommonsBe sure to read the Reusing Content Outside Wikimedia page before reusing any images.
- JamendoA great place to find free music.
- Free Media Resources (PSU Media Commons)Published and maintained by the Media Commons initiative at Penn State.
- Flickr Creative CommonsImages found in Flickr's creative commons gallery can be used for almost any project that is related to education with nothing more than a credit to the original photographer. Be sure to read over the photographer's rules before reusing images, and cite the license in your work.
- Digital Image Sources by SubjectLinks to digital image collections in over 80 subject areas.
- Multimedia Sources (library guide)A guide to finding and citing media resources.
- CompFightImage search engine that makes it easy to use images with Creative Commons licensing.
- Digital Public Library of AmericaSearch images from libraries, museums, and archives available for educational use.
- Getty ImagesBest for online presentations, embeddable versions of Getty photos are available royalty-free and without the Getty watermark.
Poster Templates
PowerPoint has a variety of built-in templates for posters. There is also a significant library of imagery in the Smart Art gallery in PowerPoint.
Poster templates may also be downloaded from the following sites, opened in Microsoft PowerPoint, and modified as needed by the student.
- PosterPresentations.comDownload 36" x 48" templates with instructions
- PosterSession.comGeneral poster templates
- Penn State College of Engineering, Leonhard CenterPoster samples, templates, links, and advice
- Penn State Population Research InstituteCreate your own layout in PowerPoint by following these instructions
Beyond PowerPoint
- Other software such as Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Illustrator, or InDesign may be used.
- Matted material can be presented in poster format.
Preparation Tips
Printing the Poster
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Determine the maximum dimension of the printing available to you.
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You can print your poster in strips if the printer is not large enough in one dimension.
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Different weights and types (glossy, etc.) of paper may be available.
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Posters can be printed on vinyl and cloth for durability and ease of transport but these are generally more costly.
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Remember to leave adequate time to have the poster printed.
Digital Posters
A digital poster allows for more interactivity by the viewer. Some versions are simply slideshows that may or may not include audio.
- Determine the number of images allowed.
- Find out the size of the viewing device and whether it will be provided.
- Find out the system requirements (software, hardware, etc.)
- Inquire about the location of power outlets and any security for the hardware.