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Creating Posters

There are many applications that can be used to create posters. Based on common use and it's simplicity, we recommend Microsoft PowerPoint for those who are not as familiar with using Adobe products. Please note that Microsoft PowerPoint has a size limit of 56-inches. For larger posters, consider Adobe Illustrator. Visit our Poster Templates to download standard poster size files.

Poster Content Tips

After you have set your poster's dimensions, as you begin developing your content, please note the following tips and considerations:

  • Loyola Branding Resources are available. Visit the University Marketing and Communications pages for University branding resources, logos and templates.
  • Consider Using copyright and royalty-free media. Consider reviewing resources for royalty free media assets. It is a best practice to always cite your media sources in presentations and materials.
  • Beware of Copyright images. As a reminder, we are unable to knowingly complete duplication/printing requests where images may be copyrighted. Please refer to the University copyright policies and guidelines and our Poster Printing Policies.
  • Avoid image pixelation. Make sure photos and images that are inserted into the slide have a large size to begin with. Image files that are small will become more pixelated and blocky as they are scaled to larger dimensions and sizes.

Finishing Your Poster (Export to PDF)

We require poster files to be Adobe Acrobat PDF file types (extension .pdf). This format best ensures that any special or unique fonts used, will be optimized and maintained within the file. Sharing source files such as PowerPoints or Illustrator files will reference only the fonts available on the computer viewing them - if we don't have your font in such a scenario, the computer will default to a generic one which can impact typesetting, layout and overall design. Follow these instructions to export your file to PDF.

Using Microsoft PowerPoint: Click File then select Save as Adobe PDF.
Using Adobe Illustrator: Click File then select Save As.... From the list of available types, select Adobe PDF (*.PDF).

Verify your poster dimensions and image quality

After you've saved your poster to Adobe PDF, locate the file and open it in Adobe Acrobat. Click File > Properties then review the Page Size to verify the dimensions match the size you intended.

While you are in Adobe Acrobat, click View > Zoom > Actual Size. If you inserted a photo or image file in your design, review at the actual size what the pixelation will look like, if any. If you feel the images are too blocky/pixelated, return to your original project file in PowerPoint or Adobe Illustrator and insert a larger version of the source image/photo.

Poster Submission Form

Please consider the environment before printing.
To learn more about reducing our printing footprint, visit our Sustainability page.
Last Modified:   Tue, January 28, 2025 4:46 PM CST

There are many applications that can be used to create posters. Based on common use and it's simplicity, we recommend Microsoft PowerPoint for those who are not as familiar with using Adobe products. Please note that Microsoft PowerPoint has a size limit of 56-inches. For larger posters, consider Adobe Illustrator. Visit our Poster Templates to download standard poster size files.

Poster Content Tips

After you have set your poster's dimensions, as you begin developing your content, please note the following tips and considerations:

  • Loyola Branding Resources are available. Visit the University Marketing and Communications pages for University branding resources, logos and templates.
  • Consider Using copyright and royalty-free media. Consider reviewing resources for royalty free media assets. It is a best practice to always cite your media sources in presentations and materials.
  • Beware of Copyright images. As a reminder, we are unable to knowingly complete duplication/printing requests where images may be copyrighted. Please refer to the University copyright policies and guidelines and our Poster Printing Policies.
  • Avoid image pixelation. Make sure photos and images that are inserted into the slide have a large size to begin with. Image files that are small will become more pixelated and blocky as they are scaled to larger dimensions and sizes.

Finishing Your Poster (Export to PDF)

We require poster files to be Adobe Acrobat PDF file types (extension .pdf). This format best ensures that any special or unique fonts used, will be optimized and maintained within the file. Sharing source files such as PowerPoints or Illustrator files will reference only the fonts available on the computer viewing them - if we don't have your font in such a scenario, the computer will default to a generic one which can impact typesetting, layout and overall design. Follow these instructions to export your file to PDF.

Using Microsoft PowerPoint: Click File then select Save as Adobe PDF.
Using Adobe Illustrator: Click File then select Save As.... From the list of available types, select Adobe PDF (*.PDF).

Verify your poster dimensions and image quality

After you've saved your poster to Adobe PDF, locate the file and open it in Adobe Acrobat. Click File > Properties then review the Page Size to verify the dimensions match the size you intended.

While you are in Adobe Acrobat, click View > Zoom > Actual Size. If you inserted a photo or image file in your design, review at the actual size what the pixelation will look like, if any. If you feel the images are too blocky/pixelated, return to your original project file in PowerPoint or Adobe Illustrator and insert a larger version of the source image/photo.

Poster Submission Form

Please consider the environment before printing.
To learn more about reducing our printing footprint, visit our Sustainability page.