File Requirements & Poster Tips

File Requirements

Document size
If possible, create your document at the final printout size (Note: length OR width cannot exceed 44”).

Photos and graphics
Minimum of 150 dpi (300 dpi recommended) at their full size (Graphics taken from websites are not recommended due to low resolution—final printout images will be blurry).

Accepted file formats
High resolution PDF files preferred.
Illustrator and InDesign files (NOTE:  Due to differences in computer software, these file formats may not open ac­curately. If submitting Illustrator or InDesign files, all type must be converted to outlines and all links must be submitted with the file.)

Color recommendations
CMYK format
For the best color output, use the following values:

UWM gold: C=0; M=25; Y=100; K=0

Black: C=55; M=45; Y=40; K=100

Poster Tips

Here are some tips for designing a poster presentation for maximum impact:

  • Articulate your message clearly – What are the primary and secondary messages you want to deliver to the audience? Make sure your title and the contents reflect the key points you want to deliver.
  • Be clear and concise – Avoid clutter as it confuses the message. Your poster should be readable from at least four–five feet away. Put details on a handout or direct the audience to a Website for more information.
  • Make it readable – Don’t use more than two different fonts. Serif fonts such as Times New Roman tend to be easier to read. Avoid using all caps and use bold sparingly to emphasize only key words. Use bullet points and save long sentences for the handouts.
  • Grab the interest of your audience – Use color, photos, graphics and timelines to illustrate your project. Make sure that your graphics are high quality (150 dpi or higher) so that they’ll be crisp when the poster is enlarged.
  • Provide contact information – Put your name, title, school/college, phone, e-mail and Web address on your presentation and on all literature you distribute.
  • Use the power of the institution – “Brand” your work by using the UWM preferred logo. Be sure to use the 4-color logo for full-color posters. Logos can be downloaded at branding.uwm.edu.

Your poster presentation is a way to communicate to your target audience. Use it to open doors for future dialogue and collaboration.