poster in powerpoint presentation

How-To Geek

How to make a poster using microsoft powerpoint.

Microsoft PowerPoint isn't just for presentations--you can make posters with it, as well. Here's how.

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Define the poster dimensions, design your poster.

Microsoft PowerPoint isn't just for presentations---it also provides all of the creative tools you need to design a beautiful poster. Just set the dimensions, design the poster, and print it out. Here's how to make a poster using PowerPoint.

Posters come in all sizes, but the first thing you need to know is PowerPoint's slide limit is 56-inches x 56-inches, so you'll need to plan accordingly. It's also important to note that you want to set your poster dimensions before you start designing your poster. Otherwise, you might end up having to rework parts of your design due to the size change.

Related: How to Reduce the File Size of a PowerPoint Presentation

Here are some of the standard poster sizes to get you started:

• Small poster: 11" x 17"
• Medium poster: 18" x 24"
• Large posters: 24" x 36" or 27" x 39"

Once you've decided on your poster size, set the dimensions in PowerPoint. To do this, open PowerPoint and navigate to the "Design" tab.

In the "Customize" group, select "Slide Size."

Select "Custom Slide Size" from the dropdown menu.

The "Slide Size" window will appear. Input the width and height specifications to match your required size. Keep in mind that if your height is larger in size than your width, the orientation of the slide will automatically change to "Portrait."

When you're finished, select "OK."

Once selected, a new window will appear giving you two scaling options: Maximize or Ensure Fit. If your slide already has content on it, you'll want to select "Ensure Fit."

Your slide will now be resized.

Your poster design is going to depend completely on you. You'll want to pay attention to the background of the poster, text and image arrangement, font size and style, etc. Essentially, you should treat this part exactly as if you were just creating another slide for a presentation.

Because the design and process of this step is going to differ for everyone, we'd like to offer some of our previous guides to get you started in the design process:

• Insert a picture or other object.
• Use an image as a background.
• Insert an image inside text.
• Get a picture behind text.
• Make a border or frame.

Once your design is ready, all that's left to do is print it out and hang it up!

Related: How to Troubleshoot Printing Issues in Microsoft Word

Customer Reviews

Free research poster powerpoint templates.

About our free research poster templates

Easy to use and customize.

▪ Change colors with one click ▪ Most standard US and international poster sizes. ▪ Support for all PowerPoint versions ▪ Only basic PowerPoint skills required ▪ Fully customizable ▪ Instructions included with the poster templates. ▪ Online video tutorials ▪ Configured to print professionally ▪ Additional layouts included in each template

40 color schemes built-in to every research poster template

Five reasons to print your poster with us >, professionally designed research poster templates.

QUICK FIND POSTER TEMPLATES American standard poster sizes (inches) 
 30x40 | 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual International common poster sizes (centimeters)
 91x122 | 70x100 | 100x140 | 100x100 | 100x200 | A0 | A1 | Virtual IMPORTANT Check the requirements of your conference before you download and work on a poster template. If you need further assistance, our phone support is available and free. We are here to provide the best service you can ask for.

Step-by-Step Tutorials

This series of short videos and animated tutorials will walk you through the research poster-making process, answering the most common questions along the way.

  Need further poster template assistance? 510.649.3001

Free powerpoint poster templates for research poster presentations.

Poster template design: Aragon Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold  | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design: Beaumont Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold  | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Newfield Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold |  Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Winchester Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Lockwood Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Kensington Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Stone A new, simplified concept for better poster design Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download A0 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Marquee Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Winston Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download A0 ► View Samples    ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Chamberlain Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

Poster template design:  Forrest Standard poster sizes in inches (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 36x48 | 36x56 | 36x60 | 36x72 | 36x96 | 42x60 | 42x72 | 42x90 | 44x44 | 30x40 | 48x48 | 48x72 | 48x96 | Trifold | Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) | Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio) Standard poster sizes in centimeters (Height x Width) - Click on a size to download 122x91 | 100x70 | 140x100 | 100x100 | 200x100 | A0 | A1 ► View Samples   ► Learn how to customize the template colors

DIGITAL POSTER PRESENTATION HANDOUTS

Free with a printed poster order.

A feature-packed alternative to traditional paper poster handouts

Instant QR Code Generator

Add functionality to your poster! Share a link to a page, your email or additional info on the web. It's easy, free and further connects your audience! 

Professional Trifold Poster Boards

Ready to use out of the box. Great solution for tabletop 36x48 Trifold poster presentations. Price includes printing, mounting and free Ground FedEx shipping.

Poster Font Size Checker

A convenient way to visualize what size the text will be on your printed poster.  Wondering how big the fonts will be on your poster? Download and print this PDF on your desktop printer.

Quick access to ALT code symbols


Click here to choose from over 350 easy to copy and use ALT code symbols.

Fabric Research Posters

Say goodbye to poster tubes with a professional fabric poster you can pack in your luggage! With our crease-resistant EasyTravel™ fabric your presentation will look professional, sharp, and will pack nicely in your carry-on.

Simplify Your Group’s Poster-Ordering Process

Join our free service designed to help you coordinate your group’s poster orders, get discounted rates and customized special features not normally available for standard orders.

Links to university corporate identity (Logo) pages

List of corporate identity pages where you can download university logos to use with your poster presentation. Help your fellow researchers. Good quality logos for use in printed research posters  are difficult to find online. If you have a link to the identity page of your university, email it to us and we will add it to our list for others to use.

UC Berkeley Texas A&M UCLA Columbia Medical Center Stanford University

Adelphi University Duke University UPENN Bradley University ENMU

UNC Chapel Hill Northwestern University Magnet recognition Seal  Howard University University of Houston

Drexel University Carlow University UNLV UNR UFL

TUFTS George Mason U. St. Scholastica College Mount Royal University Penn State

Yale University University of Wisconsin SD School of Mines USC GATECH

STARTER POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATES

Standard size research poster templates in inches use these starter poster templates as a starting point for your own poster designs, thumbnails of posters are shown in proportion to each others’ sizes based on a 48 inch (height) x 96 inch (width) display area, 36” tall x 48” wide
.

STARTER 36x48 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE The 36x48 scientific poster template size is one of the smaller sizes and also one of the most common. It is very suitable for scientific posters with low to moderate amount of text and graphics. The 36x48 research poster template can also be printed at the following sizes without distortion or any necessary adjustments: 36x48 (Standard), 42x56, 48x64, 30x40

Trifold (tabletop)

STARTER    TRIFOLD POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE These free PowerPoint poster templates are designed for a standard 3x4 foot poster presentation to be mounted on a standard Trifold poster board. This research poster template should be printed only at the following size: 36x48 (Standard Trifold) This poster template is for a standard Trifold board presentation. You can use it with poster boards available at office-supply stores or our professional ready-to-use Trifold poster presentation product. Are you looking for a larger MonsterBoard template? Use this PowerPoint MonsterBoard template.

36” Tall x 56” Wide

STARTER    36x56 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3x4.5 foot poster presentation. This PowerPoint research poster template is for a medium size poster. It is suitable for most poster presentations. It can accommodate moderate to large amounts of content.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 36x56 (Standard), 42x65.3, 48x74.6

36” Tall x 60” Wide

STARTER 36x60 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3x5 foot poster presentation. This is also one of the standard sizes. It is used mostly when the height of the presentation board is only three feet and there is more content to present that can fit in a 48x36 poster.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes: 36x60 (Standard), 42x70, 48x80

36” Tall x 72” Wide


STARTER    36x72 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3x6 foot poster presentation. The same as the above scientific poster template, only wider by a foot. Again, it depends on how much content you need to present.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 36x72 (Standard), 42x84, 48x96

36” Tall x 96” Wide

STARTER    36x96 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3x8 foot poster presentation. 
It’s the widest one you can use on a three foot tall presentation board. It has five columns.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 96x36 (Standard), 24x64

42” Tall x 60” Wide

STARTER    42x60 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3.5x5 foot poster presentation. This PowerPoint research poster template is suitable for most poster presentations. It can accommodate moderate to large amounts of content.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 42x60 (Standard), 36x51.42, 48x68.57

42” Tall x 72” Wide

STARTER    42x72 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3.5x6 foot poster presentation. This PowerPoint research poster template is for a medium size poster. It is suitable for most poster presentations. It can accommodate moderate to large amounts of content.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 42x72 (Standard), 36x61.70, 48x82.28

42” Tall x 90” Wide

STARTER 42x90 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3.5x7.5 foot poster presentation. This PowerPoint research poster template is for a large size poster. It is suitable for most poster presentations. It can accommodate moderate to large amounts of content.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
42x90 (Standard), 36x77.14, 44x94.28

44” Tall x 44” Wide

STARTER 44x44 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 3.7 x 3.7 foot poster presentation. This PowerPoint research poster template is for a medium size poster. It is suitable for many poster presentations. It can accommodate moderate amounts of content.
 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes: 44x44 (Standard), 36x36, 42x42, 48x48

48” Tall x 72” Wide

STARTER 48x72 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 4x6 foot poster presentation. This PowerPoint research poster template is for a medium/large size poster. It is suitable for most poster presentations. It can accommodate moderate to large amounts of content. 
This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes: 48x72 (Standard), 24x36, 42x63

48” Tall x 48” Wide

STARTER    48x72 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 4x4 foot poster presentation. This scientific poster template is a good size for limited available spaces without compromising room for content.

 This research poster template can be printed at the following sizes: 48x48 (Standard), 36x36, 24x24, 42x42

48” Tall x 96” Wide

STARTER    48x96 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 4x8 foot poster presentation. This poster template is for the largest size poster usually allowed in conferences.

It can accommodate a lot of content. You can use this template if you also have a large number of photos, tables, charts, and text.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes: 48x96 (Standard), 24x48, 42x84, 36x72

40” Tall x 30” Wide

STARTER    40x30 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard 40x30 inch poster presentation. This vertical poster template can accommodate a moderate amount of content. It can accommodate several photos, tables, charts, and a decent amount of text. This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 40x30 (Standard), 48x36, 56x42

Free PowerPoint poster templates in metric sizes (cm) for international poster conferences

Thumbnails of posters are shown in proportion to each others’ sizes based on a 200 cm (height) x 100 cm (width) display area, 91 wide x 122 tall.

STARTER    91cmX122cm POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric 91 cm by 122 cm scientific poster presentation for international poster sessions. This PowerPoint poster template is essentially a vertical version of a standard 48x36 inch poster presentation. 

This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 91 cm x122 cm (Standard 36x48 inches), 76x102 cm

70 Wide x 100 Tall

STARTER 70cmX100cm POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric 70 cm by 100 cm scientific poster presentation for international poster sessions. This PowerPoint poster template is for a small size poster poster presentation commonly used at international conferences.

This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes: 70 cm x100 cm (Standard 27.5x39.37 inches), 100x143 cm

100 Wide x 140 Tall

STARTER    100cmX140cm POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric 100 cm by 140 cm scientific poster presentation for international poster sessions. This PowerPoint poster template is for a small size poster poster presentation commonly used at international conferences.

This scientific poster template can be printed at the following sizes:
 100 cm x140 cm (Standard 39.37x55.12 inches)

1 Meter x 1 Meter

STARTER    100cmX100cm POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric 1 meter by 1 meter scientific poster presentation for international or domestic poster sessions. This template is commonly required at the Keystone Symposia research poster conferences.

This scientific poster template can be printed at the following size:
 100 cm x 100 cm (Standard 39 x 39 inches). Any square size up to 121 x 121 cm

100 Wide x 200 Tall

STARTER    100cmX200cm POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric 1 meter by 2 meter scientific poster presentation for international or domestic poster sessions.

 This scientific poster template can be printed at the following size:
 100 cm x 200 cm (Standard 39 x 78 inches)

STARTER A0 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric A0 scientific poster presentation at a 841mm x 1189mm size for international or domestic poster sessions. This scientific poster template can be printed at the following size:
 46.81 inches x 33.11 inches

STARTER    A1 POWERPOINT POSTER TEMPLATE This free PowerPoint poster template is designed for a standard metric A1 scientific poster presentation at a 594mm x 841mm poster size for international or domestic poster sessions. This scientific poster template can be printed at the following size:
 23.39 inches x 33.11 inches

VIRTUAL POSTER PRESENTATION

STARTER    POSTER TEMPLATES These free PowerPoint poster templates are designed for screen presentations at virtual meetings Virtual - Standard Screen (4:3 Ratio) Virtual - Wide Screen (16:9 Ratio)

Virtual poster sessions for conferences and meetings of all sizes

If you are a meeting organizer we can help you set up a virtual poster session, free yourself from managing poster submissions and provide your meeting's attendees with a versatile presentation platform that will meet all your requirements.

Five good reasons to print your poster with PosterPresentations.com

Amazingly fast printing: Experience amazingly fast printing with us! If you place your poster order between Monday and Friday before 3pm Eastern time (noon Pacific time), we'll ship it out the same day. You can expect your delivery within one, two, or three business days. Plus, if you give us an additional two business days, we'll provide free shipping! Top-Quality Materials: We take pride in using the finest materials available in the industry. Our prints are produced on high-quality photographic papers, vinyls, and exquisite fabrics. In fact, we were the pioneers of fabric printing for research posters in the USA back in 2008. Reliable Customer Support: Rest assured that we don't simply print whatever you send us. We ensure that your files are optimized for the best possible printing results. If we notice any issues, we'll promptly inform you. Your presentation matters as much to us as it does to you. Competitive Pricing with No Surprises: As a professional, you'll find our prices to be competitive, and we never add unexpected last-minute fees. Furthermore, expedited printing is always included at no extra cost. For students, our prices are among the lowest nationwide. Group Discounts Available: Place a group order with us and not only will you enjoy free shipping, but also discounts that can beat most of our competitors. Feel free to reach out to us at 510.649.3001 for more information.

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How to Design an Poster in Microsoft PowerPoint in 7 Simple Steps

Last Updated: October 30, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon . Hannah Dillon is a Technology Writer and Editor at wikiHow. She graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from North Dakota State University in 2013 and has since worked in the video game industry as well as a few newspapers. From a young age Hannah has cultivated a love for writing and technology, and hopes to use these passions in tandem to help others in the articles she writes for wikiHow. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,022 times. Learn more...

Do you need to make a poster for school or an event? PowerPoint can be a great tool to create a poster to accompany your project or advertise something. PowerPoint can create posters that are up to 56" by 56", and it's a convenient software choice if you already own Microsoft Office and don't want to learn Photoshop or InDesign. In this article, we'll teach you how to make a poster in PowerPoint easily and quickly.

Things You Should Know

• Make sure your images are high quality so they print clearly on the poster.
• Consider how your poster will look when printed, and make your text and images large enough to see.
• If you want to print a poster bigger than 11x17, you'll likely have to get the poster printed at a print shop.

• Make your own graphs or charts using PowerPoint . These assets can be resized while you're in the program so they print clearly on the poster.
• Collect images that are at least 150 dpi. You can check the DPI (dots per inch) of your image various ways , such as in the File Explorer or Paint.

• If you're planning to print at home, keep your poster size to 11"x17" or less. If your printer can print larger-format documents, size your poster accordingly. Otherwise, you'll need to get your poster printed at a print shop.

• Draw out your design before you make it. If you have an idea for your poster's design , sketch it out so you have an idea of where to start once you open up PowerPoint.
• Insert images directly into PowerPoint. Don't use copy and paste , as this may not import the highest-quality image.
• Make sure your text is big enough to read. Depending on your poster size, start with a headline font that is 100pt and a body font between 24 and 48pt. Make sure to select fonts that are easy to read, such as serif or sans-serif fonts.
• Remember contrast . Don't put dark text on a dark image or light text on a light image. If you selected a background with many different colors, consider adding a solid-colored box behind your text to make it legible.
• Arrange your content from top to bottom. Most people will read a poster from top to bottom, so put your initial or most important points near the top of the poster.

• Even if you're printing a small poster, you will have to go to a specialized print shop if you need your poster printed on a unique material like vinyl.
• At-home printers can usually print up to 11"x17" size paper and can generally handle paper thickness up to a sturdy cardstock. Some common paper sizes for at-home printers include 8.5"x11" (letter), 8.5"x14" (legal), and 11"x17".
• If you can't or don't want to go to a print shop, you can print large posters at home using the Rasterbator tool. Simply go to Rasterbator.net and follow the on-screen instructions to upload your poster file and split it into smaller pieces you can print at home. After printing, trim the margins from the papers and join them with tape or by gluing them to the poster board. While this won't create a professional-quality poster for a school or work project, it works when creating a rough draft or just making a poster for your wall at home.

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Poster templates

Picture-perfect posters are possible with customizable template designs. create an eye-catching, informative poster that puts your unique message front and center..

Free poster templates that make a statement

Create a powerful poster with these poster templates that are ready to be customized and will fit all your needs, whether you’re issuing a public service announcement, promoting a fundraiser, or sharing an infographic. Or maybe you're launching a sale, promoting an event, or hosting an open house for your real estate business. Easily edit any of these templates with Microsoft PowerPoint , Microsoft Word , or another Microsoft 365 app, depending on the template you choose. Change up the text, font, colors, images, and other design elements, then download and print it yourself or send it to a print service. Even use these poster templates to create social media posts for Facebook , Instagram , and other social channels. For more, check out these free flyer templates .

Home Blog Design How to Design a Winning Poster Presentation: Quick Guide with Examples & Templates

How to Design a Winning Poster Presentation: Quick Guide with Examples & Templates

How are research posters like High School science fair projects? Quite similar, in fact.

Both are visual representations of a research project shared with peers, colleagues and academic faculty. But there’s a big difference: it’s all in professionalism and attention to detail. You can be sure that the students that thrived in science fairs are now creating fantastic research posters, but what is that extra element most people miss when designing a poster presentation?

This guide will teach tips and tricks for creating poster presentations for conferences, symposia, and more. Learn in-depth poster structure and design techniques to help create academic posters that have a lasting impact.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

• What is a Research Poster?

Why are Poster Presentations important?

Overall dimensions and orientation, separation into columns and sections, scientific, academic, or something else, a handout with supplemental and contact information, cohesiveness, design and readability, storytelling.

• Font Characteristics
• Color Pairing
• Data Visualization Dimensions
• Alignment, Margins, and White Space

Scientific/Academic Conference Poster Presentation

Digital research poster presentations, slidemodel poster presentation templates, how to make a research poster presentation step-by-step, considerations for printing poster presentations, how to present a research poster presentation, final words, what is a research poster .

Research posters are visual overviews of the most relevant information extracted from a research paper or analysis.   They are essential communication formats for sharing findings with peers and interested people in the field. Research posters can also effectively present material for other areas besides the sciences and STEM—for example, business and law.

You’ll be creating research posters regularly as an academic researcher, scientist, or grad student. You’ll have to present them at numerous functions and events. For example:

• Conference presentations
• Informational events
• Community centers

The research poster presentation is a comprehensive way to share data, information, and research results. Before the pandemic, the majority of research events were in person. During lockdown and beyond, virtual conferences and summits became the norm. Many researchers now create poster presentations that work in printed and digital formats.

Let’s look at why it’s crucial to spend time creating poster presentations for your research projects, research, analysis, and study papers.

Research posters represent you and your sponsor’s research 

Research papers and accompanying poster presentations are potent tools for representation and communication in your field of study. Well-performing poster presentations help scientists, researchers, and analysts grow their careers through grants and sponsorships.

When presenting a poster presentation for a sponsored research project, you’re representing the company that sponsored you. Your professionalism, demeanor, and capacity for creating impactful poster presentations call attention to other interested sponsors, spreading your impact in the field.

Research posters demonstrate expertise and growth

Presenting research posters at conferences, summits, and graduate grading events shows your expertise and knowledge in your field of study. The way your poster presentation looks and delivers, plus your performance while presenting the work, is judged by your viewers regardless of whether it’s an officially judged panel.

Recurring visitors to research conferences and symposia will see you and your poster presentations evolve. Improve your impact by creating a great poster presentation every time by paying attention to detail in the poster design and in your oral presentation. Practice your public speaking skills alongside the design techniques for even more impact.

Poster presentations create and maintain collaborations

Every time you participate in a research poster conference, you create meaningful connections with people in your field, industry or community. Not only do research posters showcase information about current data in different areas, but they also bring people together with similar interests. Countless collaboration projects between different research teams started after discussing poster details during coffee breaks.

An effective research poster template deepens your peer’s understanding of a topic by highlighting research, data, and conclusions. This information can help other researchers and analysts with their work. As a research poster presenter, you’re given the opportunity for both teaching and learning while sharing ideas with peers and colleagues.

Anatomy of a Winning Poster Presentation

Do you want your research poster to perform well?  Following the standard layout and adding a few personal touches will help attendees know how to read your poster and get the most out of your information. 

The overall size of your research poster ultimately depends on the dimensions of the provided space at the conference or research poster gallery. The poster orientation can be horizontal or vertical, with horizontal being the most common.  In general, research posters measure 48 x 36 inches or are an A0 paper size.

A virtual poster can be the same proportions as the printed research poster, but you have more leeway regarding the dimensions. Virtual research posters should fit on a screen with no need to scroll, with 1080p resolution as a standard these days. A horizontal presentation size is ideal for that.

A research poster presentation has a standard layout of 2–5 columns with 2–3 sections each. Typical structures say to separate the content into four sections; 1. A horizontal header 2. Introduction column, 3. Research/Work/Data column, and 4. Conclusion column. Each unit includes topics that relate to your poster’s objective.  Here’s a generalized outline for a poster presentation:

• Condensed Abstract 
• Objectives/Purpose
• Methodology
• Recommendations
• Implications
• Acknowledgments
• Contact Information 

The overview content you include in the units depends on your poster presentations’ theme, topic, industry, or field of research. A scientific or academic poster will include sections like hypothesis, methodology, and materials. A marketing analysis poster will include performance metrics and competitor analysis results.

There’s no way a poster can hold all the information included in your research paper or analysis report. The poster is an overview that invites the audience to want to find out more. That’s where supplement material comes in. Create a printed PDF handout or card with a QR code (created using a QR code generator ). Send the audience to the best online location for reading or downloading the complete paper.

What Makes a Poster Presentation Good and Effective? 

For your poster presentation to be effective and well-received, it needs to cover all the bases and be inviting to find out more. Stick to the standard layout suggestions and give it a unique look and feel. We’ve put together some of the most critical research poster-creation tips in the list below. Your poster presentation will perform as long as you check all the boxes.

The information you choose to include in the sections of your poster presentation needs to be cohesive. Train your editing eye and do a few revisions before presenting. The best way to look at it is to think of The Big Picture. Don’t get stuck on the details; your attendees won’t always know the background behind your research topic or why it’s important.

Be cohesive in how you word the titles, the length of the sections, the highlighting of the most important data, and how your oral presentation complements the printed—or virtual—poster.

The most important characteristic of your poster presentation is its readability and clarity. You need a poster presentation with a balanced design that’s easy to read at a distance of 1.5 meters or 4 feet. The font size and spacing must be clear and neat. All the content must suggest a visual flow for the viewer to follow.

That said, you don’t need to be a designer to add something special to your poster presentation. Once you have the standard—and recognized—columns and sections, add your special touch. These can be anything from colorful boxes for the section titles to an interesting but subtle background, images that catch the eye, and charts that inspire a more extended look. 

Storytelling is a presenting technique involving writing techniques to make information flow. Firstly, storytelling helps give your poster presentation a great introduction and an impactful conclusion. 

Think of storytelling as the invitation to listen or read more, as the glue that connects sections, making them flow from one to another. Storytelling is using stories in the oral presentation, for example, what your lab partner said when you discovered something interesting. If it makes your audience smile and nod, you’ve hit the mark. Storytelling is like giving a research presentation a dose of your personality, and it can help turning your data into opening stories .

Design Tips For Creating an Effective Research Poster Presentation

The section above briefly mentioned how important design is to your poster presentation’s effectiveness. We’ll look deeper into what you need to know when designing a poster presentation.

1. Font Characteristics

The typeface and size you choose are of great importance. Not only does the text need to be readable from two meters away, but it also needs to look and sit well on the poster. Stay away from calligraphic script typefaces, novelty typefaces, or typefaces with uniquely shaped letters.

Stick to the classics like a sans serif Helvetica, Lato, Open Sans, or Verdana. Avoid serif typefaces as they can be difficult to read from far away. Here are some standard text sizes to have on hand.

• Title: 85 pt
• Authors: 65 pt
• Headings: 36 pt
• Body Text: 24 pt
• Captions: 18 pt

If you feel too prone to use serif typefaces, work with a font pairing tool that helps you find a suitable solution – and intend those serif fonts for heading sections only. As a rule, never use more than 3 different typefaces in your design. To make it more dynamic, you can work with the same font using light, bold, and italic weights to put emphasis on the required areas.

2. Color Pairing

Using colors in your poster presentation design is a great way to grab the viewer’s attention. A color’s purpose is to help the viewer follow the data flow in your presentation, not distract. Don’t let the color take more importance than the information on your poster.

Choose one main color for the title and headlines and a similar color for the data visualizations. If you want to use more than one color, don’t create too much contrast between them. Try different tonalities of the same color and keep things balanced visually. Your color palette should have at most one main color and two accent colors.

Black text over a white background is standard practice for printed poster presentations, but for virtual presentations, try a very light gray instead of white and a very dark gray instead of black. Additionally, use variations of light color backgrounds and dark color text. Make sure it’s easy to read from two meters away or on a screen, depending on the context. We recommend ditching full white or full black tone usage as it hurts eyesight in the long term due to its intense contrast difference with the light ambiance.

3. Data Visualization Dimensions

Just like the text, your charts, graphs, and data visualizations must be easy to read and understand. Generally, if a person is interested in your research and has already read some of the text from two meters away, they’ll come closer to look at the charts and graphs. 

Fit data visualizations inside columns or let them span over two columns. Remove any unnecessary borders, lines, or labels to make them easier to read at a glance. Use a flat design without shadows or 3D characteristics. The text in legends and captions should stay within the chart size and not overflow into the margins. Use a unified text size of 18px for all your data visualizations.

4. Alignment, Margins, and White Space

Finally, the last design tip for creating an impressive and memorable poster presentation is to be mindful of the layout’s alignment, margins, and white space. Create text boxes to help keep everything aligned. They allow you to resize, adapt, and align the content along a margin or grid.

Take advantage of the white space created by borders and margins between sections. Don’t crowd them with a busy background or unattractive color.

Calculate margins considering a print format. It is a good practice in case the poster presentation ends up becoming in physical format, as you won’t need to downscale your entire design (affecting text readability in the process) to preserve information.

There are different tools that you can use to make a poster presentation. Presenters who are familiar with Microsoft Office prefer to use PowerPoint. You can learn how to make a poster in PowerPoint here.

Poster Presentation Examples

Before you start creating a poster presentation, look at some examples of real research posters. Get inspired and get creative.

Research poster presentations printed and mounted on a board look like the one in the image below. The presenter stands to the side, ready to share the information with visitors as they walk up to the panels.

With more and more conferences staying virtual or hybrid, the digital poster presentation is here to stay. Take a look at examples from a poster session at the OHSU School of Medicine .

Use SlideModel templates to help you create a winning poster presentation with PowerPoint and Google Slides. These poster PPT templates will get you off on the right foot. Mix and match tables and data visualizations from other poster slide templates to create your ideal layout according to the standard guidelines.

If you need a quick method to create a presentation deck to talk about your research poster at conferences, check out our Slides AI presentation maker. A tool in which you add the topic, curate the outline, select a design, and let AI do the work for you.

1. One-pager Scientific Poster Template for PowerPoint

A PowerPoint template tailored to make your poster presentations an easy-to-craft process. Meet our One-Pager Scientific Poster Slide Template, entirely editable to your preferences and with ample room to accommodate graphs, data charts, and much more.

Use This Template

2. Eisenhower Matrix Slides Template for PowerPoint

An Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool to represent priorities, classifying work according to urgency and importance. Presenters can use this 2×2 matrix in poster presentations to expose the effort required for the research process, as it also helps to communicate strategy planning.

3. OSMG Framework PowerPoint Template

Finally, we recommend presenters check our OSMG Framework PowerPoint template, as it is an ideal tool for representing a business plan: its goals, strategies, and measures for success. Expose complex processes in a simplified manner by adding this template to your poster presentation.

Remember these three words when making your research poster presentation: develop, design, and present. These are the three main actions toward a successful poster presentation. 

The section below will take you on a step-by-step journey to create your next poster presentation.

Step 1: Define the purpose and audience of your poster presentation

Before making a poster presentation design, you’ll need to plan first. Here are some questions to answer at this point:

• Are they in your field? 
• Do they know about your research topic? 
• What can they get from your research?
• Will you print it?
• Is it for a virtual conference?

Step 2: Make an outline

With a clear purpose and strategy, it’s time to collect the most important information from your research paper, analysis, or documentation. Make a content dump and then select the most interesting information. Use the content to draft an outline.

Outlines help formulate the overall structure better than going straight into designing the poster. Mimic the standard poster structure in your outline using section headlines as separators. Go further and separate the content into the columns they’ll be placed in.

Step 3: Write the content

Write or rewrite the content for the sections in your poster presentation. Use the text in your research paper as a base, but summarize it to be more succinct in what you share. 

Don’t forget to write a catchy title that presents the problem and your findings in a clear way. Likewise, craft the headlines for the sections in a similar tone as the title, creating consistency in the message. Include subtle transitions between sections to help follow the flow of information in order.

Avoid copying/pasting entire sections of the research paper on which the poster is based. Opt for the storytelling approach, so the delivered message results are interesting for your audience. 

Step 4: Put it all together visually

This entire guide on how to design a research poster presentation is the perfect resource to help you with this step. Follow all the tips and guidelines and have an unforgettable poster presentation.

Moving on, here’s how to design a research poster presentation with PowerPoint Templates . Open a new project and size it to the standard 48 x 36 inches. Using the outline, map out the sections on the empty canvas. Add a text box for each title, headline, and body text. Piece by piece, add the content into their corresponding text box.

Transform the text information visually, make bullet points, and place the content in tables and timelines. Make your text visual to avoid chunky text blocks that no one will have time to read. Make sure all text sizes are coherent for all headings, body texts, image captions, etc. Double-check for spacing and text box formatting.

Next, add or create data visualizations, images, or diagrams. Align everything into columns and sections, making sure there’s no overflow. Add captions and legends to the visualizations, and check the color contrast with colleagues and friends. Ask for feedback and progress to the last step.

Step 5: Last touches

Time to check the final touches on your poster presentation design. Here’s a checklist to help finalize your research poster before sending it to printers or the virtual summit rep.

• Check the resolution of all visual elements in your poster design. Zoom to 100 or 200% to see if the images pixelate. Avoid this problem by using vector design elements and high-resolution images.
• Ensure that charts and graphs are easy to read and don’t look crowded.
• Analyze the visual hierarchy. Is there a visual flow through the title, introduction, data, and conclusion?
• Take a step back and check if it’s legible from a distance. Is there enough white space for the content to breathe?
• Does the design look inviting and interesting?

An often neglected topic arises when we need to print our designs for any exhibition purpose. Since A0 is a hard-to-manage format for most printers, these poster presentations result in heftier charges for the user. Instead, you can opt to work your design in two A1 sheets, which also becomes more manageable for transportation. Create seamless borders for the section on which the poster sheets should meet, or work with a white background.

Paper weight options should be over 200 gsm to avoid unwanted damage during the printing process due to heavy ink usage. If possible, laminate your print or stick it to photographic paper – this shall protect your work from spills.

Finally, always run a test print. Gray tints may not be printed as clearly as you see them on screen (this is due to the RGB to CMYK conversion process). Other differences can be appreciated when working with ink jet plotters vs. laser printers. Give yourself enough room to maneuver last-minute design changes.

Presenting a research poster is a big step in the poster presentation cycle. Your poster presentation might or might not be judged by faculty or peers. But knowing what judges look for will help you prepare for the design and oral presentation, regardless of whether you receive a grade for your work or if it’s business related. Likewise, the same principles apply when presenting at an in-person or virtual summit.

The opening statement

Part of presenting a research poster is welcoming the viewer to your small personal area in the sea of poster presentations. You’ll need an opening statement to pitch your research poster and get the viewers’ attention.

Draft a 2 to 3-sentence pitch that covers the most important points:

• What the research is
• Why was it conducted
• What the results say

From that opening statement, you’re ready to continue with the oral presentation for the benefit of your attendees.

The oral presentation

During the oral presentation, share the information on the poster while conversing with the interested public. Practice many times before the event. Structure the oral presentation as conversation points, and use the poster’s visual flow as support. Make eye contact with your audience as you speak, but don’t make them uncomfortable.

Pro Tip: In a conference or summit, if people show up to your poster area after you’ve started presenting it to another group, finish and then address the new visitors.

QA Sessions 

When you’ve finished the oral presentation, offer the audience a chance to ask questions. You can tell them before starting the presentation that you’ll be holding a QA session at the end. Doing so will prevent interruptions as you’re speaking.

If presenting to one or two people, be flexible and answer questions as you review all the sections on your poster.

Supplemental Material

If your audience is interested in learning more, you can offer another content type, further imprinting the information in their minds. Some ideas include; printed copies of your research paper, links to a website, a digital experience of your poster, a thesis PDF, or data spreadsheets.

Your audience will want to contact you for further conversations; include contact details in your supplemental material. If you don’t offer anything else, at least have business cards.

Even though conferences have changed, the research poster’s importance hasn’t diminished. Now, instead of simply creating a printed poster presentation, you can also make it for digital platforms. The final output will depend on the conference and its requirements.

This guide covered all the essential information you need to know for creating impactful poster presentations, from design, structure and layout tips to oral presentation techniques to engage your audience better . 

Before your next poster session, bookmark and review this guide to help you design a winning poster presentation every time. 

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PowerPoint Creativity: How to Create a Poster in PowerPoint

• BY Bogdan Sandu
• 7 March 2024

Imagine transforming a blank canvas into a visual spectacle that grabs eyeballs and an audience. That’s the power harnessed when you uncover the secret to crafting a striking poster in  Microsoft PowerPoint .

In a world where information zips by at lightning speed, your message needs to stand out. Posters are your visual shout-out, essential at conferences, in educational settings, or as a sleek marketing collateral.

But  how to make a poster in PowerPoint ? Buckle up; you’re about to dive into an ocean of creativity facilitated by one of the most widely used  presentation software .

Through this jaunt, you’ll snag design skills that rival the pros—mastering everything from  text formatting  and  image insertion  to  color schemes  and  customizable slide layouts . I’ll guide you through the whirlwind process where  slide design principles  meet your innovation.

By the time you reach the finish line, you’ll be primed to not just make, but  engineer  a poster in PowerPoint that echoes your intention with panache. From stirring  visual communication  to technical  print settings , consider this your treasure map to poster perfection.

Preparing to Create Your Poster

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to create a poster in PowerPoint .

It’s not just about opening the app and throwing things together. A bit of prep can make a world of difference!

Collecting Materials

Gathering text, charts, data, and graphics.

First things first, you need your raw materials. Think of this as gathering your ingredients before baking a cake.

Got some text? Charts? Maybe some snazzy graphics or crucial data? Pull them all together.

This isn’t just about being organized; it’s about seeing what you’ve got to work with. Remember, a well-prepared plan is half the battle!

Organizing materials in a folder

Now, don’t just dump everything on your desktop. Create a folder, label it something you’ll remember, and put all your bits and pieces in there.

This step is like having a clean workspace – it keeps you sane and your process smooth.

Setting Up PowerPoint

Time to get our hands dirty with PowerPoint, the unsung hero in our how-to create a poster in PowerPoint saga.

Starting PowerPoint

Fire up PowerPoint and let’s get rolling. It’s like stepping into your own digital art studio.

Here, the slides are your canvas, and your creativity is the limit. Whether you’re a PowerPoint newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to discover.

Choosing Poster Dimensions

What are the best practices for text formatting on a poster?

Text formatting  is an art. Choose clear, readable fonts. Conciseness is key; make every word count. ‘Home’ tab’s your playground here.

Mix up sizes for headings and body text, but don’t go wild. Aim for harmony in your layout; it’s a silent communicator. Avoid the dreaded “wall of text.”

Should I consider color psychology when designing my poster?

You’ve hit a goldmine mentioning  color schemes . Colors evoke emotions; they’re potent. A dash of red for urgency, a stroke of blue for calm – tap into your audience’s psyche. Keep accessibility in mind, though. Contrast is your ally, making sure legibility never takes a back seat to style.

How can I make sure my poster stands out in a crowd?

Contrast and clarity are your best pals here. Hook viewers with a compelling headline, strategically placed using  customizable slide layouts .

Employ sharp  graphic elements  and bold colors that align with your message. Let your main points breathe. Simplicity is sophistication, and a simple, focused message is a memorable one.

Is it possible to print a large poster from PowerPoint directly?

Yes, it’s doable. PowerPoint’s got your back with its  print settings . Just ensure the slide’s dimensions match the desired print size. Then, check the printer’s capacity to handle big jobs. You might split your poster across several sheets using ‘Tiling’ if your printer’s on the smaller side.

How do I maintain high resolution when printing my poster?

Resolution matters, and it’s all in the prep. Start with high-res images – think 300 dpi or better. Next, double-check those  print settings , ensuring they’re at the highest quality output. The last thing you want is pixelated graphics on your big day. A pro-tip: save as a PDF for full-resolution prints.

Can PowerPoint posters be interactive for digital presentations?

Sure can. PowerPoint is more than static images. Toss in hyperlinks, videos, or animations from the ‘Insert’ tab.

Make it a high-tech poster that beckons a click or starts a conversation. Great for digital expos or virtual conferences – it’s a poster that refuses to sit quietly in the corner.

Any tips for keeping the audience engaged with my poster content?

Engagement is king. Spark curiosity with questions or surprising facts right off the bat. Use  visual communication  techniques like infographics or charts.

Keep it interactive – QR codes link to expansive content without cluttering. And whitespace? It’s your unsung hero; it gives elements room to breathe and messages to resonate.

So here we are, at the brink of concluding our whirlwind tour of  how to make a poster in PowerPoint . You’re now armed with the insider know-how, from  slide design principles  to  print settings , that’ll have you crafting posters like a seasoned pro.

Let’s just recap the absolute non-negotiables:

• Precision in your  page setup .
• A vivid color story, because those hues? They echo your poster’s soul.
• Clarity, in both imagery and text.
• And let’s not forget the silent yet potent  visual communication  cues that guide the viewer’s eyes.

You’ve gone through the nuts and bolts, hitched them to your own burst of creativity, and you’re on the cusp of making something truly spectacular.

So go on, take that  visual shout-out  and make it resound across halls and walls. Your message is now a visual powerhouse, thanks to a little help from PowerPoint, a sprinkle of design savvy, and a dash of your unique spark.

If you liked this article about how to create a poster in PowerPoint, you should check out this article about  how to make a poster .

There are also similar articles discussing  poster sizes ,  how to make a beer poster ,  how to make a wanted poster , and  making a poster in Word .

And let’s not forget about articles on  how to make a movie poster ,  how to hang a poster ,  how to frame a poster , and  how to flatten a poster .

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint: Step-by-Step Guide

By Danesh Ramuthi , Apr 17, 2024

Did you know the first modern poster appeared in the mid-15th century? Since then, posters have captured people’s attention and left lasting impressions.

Fortunately, creating posters today is easy with digital tools like PowerPoint. You can experiment endlessly and make mistakes to your heart’s content — PowerPoint even offers poster templates!

However, PowerPoint’s downside is that it lacks options that poster creation tools like Venngage offer (customizable templates and an extensive library of icons and images to add visual appeal).

In this article, I’ll teach you how to make a poster in PowerPoint (alternatively, check out our  Free Online Poster Maker  and  customizable poster templates ).

Click to jump ahead :

How to create a new poster in PowerPoint

Setting up the slide, how to make a poster in venngage.

Here’s a brief overview of how to create a poster in PowerPoint.

Step 1: Create a blank slide Step 2: Select design –> slide size Step 3: Select the poster dimensions Step 4: Set width and height Step 5: Choose poster orientation Step 6: Add text, visuals, and design your poster Step 7: Finalize your poster Step 8: Save and print

Before starting work on your poster, remember that all effective posters have the following in common.

• Are easy to understand
• An appealing layout and typography
• A clear and concise message

Start with a blank slide

When you open PowerPoint, you’ll see template options like a minimalist presentation or architecture pitch deck.

Instead of these, select Blank Presentation to get a clean slate to work with.

Choose a poster template

Poster templates help save time and increase productivity. You do not need to do any design or layout work; you only have to think about the content.

To find poster templates in PowerPoint, click on the Design tab at the top of the screen.

You should see template options in the Themes bar.

For more options, select the Designer option at the top right. Here, you’ll find colorful templates that are the perfect poster options.

For example, this template is a great option to use as a visually appealing poster.

Remember that PowerPoint templates are for slide decks and presentations.

If you want to create traditional posters, I recommend using Venngage’s poster make r instead. Our drag-and-drop interface makes creating professional posters easy and doesn’t require you to have design skills to use it.

You’ll also find poster templates on Venngage, including event posters , sales posters , movie posters , infographic posters , and more.

Choose the right slide size and orientation

If you’re determined to make a poster in PowerPoint, you’ll need to adjust the size and orientation of the PowerPoint slide so it looks more like a typical poster.

To do this, click the Design tab at the top and select the Slide Size dropdown option.

Then, click on Page Setup.

In Page Setup, select the Custom option slide size and enter these measurements.

• Width: 59.4cm
• Height: 84.1cm  

You’ll notice my design doesn’t fit the scaled size. One workaround is to stretch the design (it might look a bit off, but overall, it is still decent).

Now, our poster is beginning to take shape.

Select a background

When choosing a poster background, choose clean and subtle colors and designs so that the primary message pops.

This also prevents clutter, which can be an eyesore and distract from what’s important.

To change your poster’s background, click on Format Background. You should see options for adding solid fills, gradient fills, or photos.

You can also add textures under Pattern Fill and watermarks to add a unique touch to your poster.

Since this template seems too colorful to be used for a poster about Women’s Day, I changed the background to a pinkish-purplish hue.  

Design your poster

When designing your poster, keep the following things in mind.

• Ensure visual hierarchy: Arrange elements to guide the viewer’s eye across the poster. The most important information should be prominent.
• Focus on white space: Give elements in your poster room to breathe. Less is more since we want the poster to convey a message rather than be an art piece at a museum.

In my poster example representing Women’s Day, I added icons by selecting Insert and then Icons.

The symbols I chose hint at what will happen at the event: beauty and makeup booths and drinks.

Add a title and headings

Besides visual appeal, your poster’s title is critical to grabbing people’s attention, so write something catchy that draws viewers in.

Here’s another pro tip. Use large, easy-to-read fonts that are easy to see.

To add a title to your poster in PowerPoint, insert a Text Box by going to Insert and then Text Box. You can customize the text for size, color, and boldness from the Home tab.

Add your text and content

After the title, it’s time to add supporting text to convey your message.

I recommend using only bullet points and short paragraphs for better readability in posters.

Also, ensure everything is organized and aligned. Adding content using text boxes each time is a great way to keep everything neat.

For my Women’s Day event poster, I added details about the event in bullet format.

To add bullets in a Text Box, go to the Home tab and select the arrow next to the Bullet button.

Add your visuals and graphics

Posters that are all text are very dull, so you’ll need visuals, which can be anything from high-quality images to charts and diagrams.

Visuals in posters provide dual benefits: they make information accessible and can evoke emotional responses in viewers.

To add visuals to a PowerPoint poster, click the Insert tab and choose Pictures. PowerPoint lets you upload your photos or browse the web for stock images.

I added balloons and wine glasses to make this poster more fun and happening.

The great thing about visuals in PowerPoint is the potential for customization.

For example, I changed the thickness at the ends of the balloon image to make the colors stand out more.

The drag-and-drop interface also makes aligning your visuals with other elements easy.

Use shapes and SmartArt to add diagrams

Incorporating shapes into your poster is a great way to create visual sections and segregate information. You can also use them as callouts to draw attention to important details.

To add shapes to your poster, go to the Insert tab, click Shapes and choose the one that fits your needs.

Alternatively, you can use PowerPoint’s SmartArt feature to add diagrams, such as flowcharts, to your poster.

To add a diagram to your poster, go to the Insert tab, click SmartArt, and browse the options.

Add the final touches

Once finished designing your poster, spend a few minutes to ensure everything looks in place and apply the final touches.

For example, two elements may not align, or some text may be too small.

Proofread your poster

Before sending your poster to print, double-check it for typos and grammatical errors.

One great way to do this is to copy and paste the text into a tool like Grammarly, which can spell-check for you. Also, getting a third person to review your poster for errors and/or clarity is a good idea.

Print your poster

Once finished with your poster, you can print it from PowerPoint. Just go to the File tab and select Print.

In the pop-up window, select your printer, adjust settings such as paper size, quality, and orientation, and choose the scale-to-fit option.

Before hitting Print, preview your poster one final time, then click Print.

Venngage is a simple and powerful business communication tool that can help you make posters without design skills.

Here’s to create a poster in Venngage.

Step 1 – Sign up for a FREE Venngage account

Sign up  for a free Venngage account using your email, Gmail, or Facebook account.

Step 2 – Pick a poster template from our templates page

Go to our  templates page  and select the poster option on the left panel to see poster templates, including movie posters , event posters , and more.

Step 3 – Edit one of our poster templates

Once you find a poster template you like, click on the Create button. You’ll need to sign in (or sign up if you haven’t already).

Once signed in, you’ll get access to our editor tool to customize posters.

Here are some things you can do with posters in the Venngage editor:

• Change the text, icons, layout, or graphics within the template.
• Add your  brand colors  to your vision board with a single click using  My Brand Kit  (available only for  Business  users).

Once you’re happy with your edits, you can download your poster in PDF, PNG, and other formats (for Business plan users only) or share a link to your poster for free.

Here are some poster templates you can edit using Venngage. 

Mental health has been a much-discussed topic lately, and this poster is an excellent reminder to take a break.

Are you looking to make a hiring poster? This one is perfect, with attractive colors and a clear message.

To spread awareness about your event, a colorful event poster is perfect for the job.

For more poster-related guides and content, check out our other posts. How to Make a Poster in 10 Steps (2024 Poster Design Guide + Templates) 55+ Creative Poster Ideas, Templates & Design Tips 12 Types of Posters for Every Business Need [Templates Included]

Conclusion: Create posters for any occasion in minutes using Venngage templates

Creating posters in PowerPoint is possible but tedious and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have design skills.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make posters, I recommend using Venngage’s intuitive poster maker (drag-and-drop interface) or editing one of our customizable poster templates to get professional posters in minutes.

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

Create printable posters in any size you need

What to Know

• PC: Choose a template or presentation. Go to Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size . Choose an orientation and enter the dimensions.
• Mac: File > Page Setup > Options > Paper Size . Select Manage Custom Sizes and enter the page size for the poster.
• Create your content, then go to File > Print > Print Full Page Slides . Check the preview and settings, and then select Print .

This article explains how to create printable posters in PowerPoint. Information covers PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 , PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, and PowerPoint for Mac.

Define Your PowerPoint Poster Size

When creating a poster in PowerPoint, the first thing you need to do is define its size.

The maximum slide size in PowerPoint is 56 inches by 56 inches. If you need a larger poster, set the dimensions to half the size of your desired output in width and height. Then, when you print the poster, set the output to 200 percent.

Open PowerPoint.

Choose an existing template or open a blank presentation.

Select the Design tab, located near the upper-left corner of the PowerPoint interface.

On a Mac, select File > Page Setup and enter a custom poster size.

Select Slide Size > Custom Slide Size .

In the Slide Size dialog box, select Portrait or Landscape , enter the width and height for your poster, then select OK .

Common poster sizes (in inches) include 11x17, 18x24, 24x36, 27x41, 48x36 and 56x36. Your printer must support these sizes.

A message asks if you want to maximize the size of the content or scale it down to ensure it will fit on the new slide. Select Ensure Fit .

On a Mac, go to File > Page Setup > Options > Paper Size . Select Manage Custom Sizes , and then enter the page size for your poster. Select OK . In Page Setup , enter the width and height, then select Portrait or Landscape .

You've successfully set your poster size.

Add Content to Your PowerPoint Poster

Back in the main PowerPoint interface, it's time to create your poster content. You'll use only one slide for a poster, so make sure all the content fits.

Creating content for a PowerPoint poster is essentially the same as creating content for a presentation slide. What you see is what you get. Take your time with details such as background and fonts as well as image and text placement, making sure your poster will stand out once it's printed.

Print Your PowerPoint Poster

If you've defined the slide size and completed the design, it's time to print your poster. Make sure you have the proper paper loaded and that the printer is online and seen by your computer.

To print a poster:

Go to File > Print .

On a Mac, in the Print dialog box, check the print settings, select Scale to Fit Paper , and then select Print .

Select Print Full Page Slides .

Check the preview and settings, and then select Print .

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Home » Microsoft Powerpoint » How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

You are likely aware of using Microsoft PowerPoint for making slides for a presentation. In addition to presentations, you can use PowerPoint for designing posters as well. Although not everyone thinks of designing posters in PowerPoint, it is a very easy process, especially if you need a poster urgently, and or do not have any other software readily available.

You can use posters made in PowerPoint in academic settings for assignments, event promotions on campuses, and general display purposes.

You can use one of two methods for designing your poster:

• Design the poster from scratch
• Use a template

However, before you start on the design, we recommend you think about the poster in detail. You may need to plan for:

• The size of the Poster
• Background image for the poster
• Text in the Poster
• Any other graphics or images

Preferably, collect all the above in a folder before starting on the design.

We will take you through the steps of how to make a poster in PowerPoint.

Let us begin.

Method #1: Design a Poster from Scratch

This method takes more time and effort. But, it gives you complete control over all elements in the poster.

Step #1: Open a Presentation

Open PowerPoint.

Open an existing presentation or a new slide.

Navigate to the slide where you want your presentation.

Step #2: Set up the Poster Size

Click the Design tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Customize , click the Slide Size icon.

This will open a drop-down menu.

Click the Custom Slide Size… tab.

This will open the Slide Size menu.

Click the window below Slides sized for:

Enter the most suitable size from the drop-down list.

Change the width and height to what you want for the Poster.

PowerPoint can make posters with a maximum size of 132.08 cms x 132.08 cms.

Common poster sizes are:

• Large posters, movie style: 61 cms x 91 cms
• Medium posters, windows and general: 46 cms x 61 cms
• Small posters, billboard size: 28 cms x 43 cms
• Handout posters, A4 size: 22 cms x 28 cms

You can use any size suitable to your application.

Step #3: Add Text

Click the Click to add title , and make necessary changes.

Click the Click to add subtitle , and make necessary changes.

Change the font, size, color, and orientation to your choice.

Step #4: Add Background

Click the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the Images section, click the Pictures icon.

A drop-down menu will appear.

Click to select the source of the image file.

The File Manager will open.

Navigate to the folder containing the background image.

Select the image file and click Open .

The background image will fill the slide, covering the text.

In the Adjust section of the ribbon, click the Transparency icon.

Picture Transparency Options… will open.

Select the option that allows the text to become visible again.

Your slide will now look like:

Step #5: Add a Logo

Navigate to the folder containing the logo image.

The logo image will appear in the slide.

Use the handles to size and position the logo.

Adjust the font, size, colors, and background transparency to your liking.

Method #2: Design a Poster from a Template

This method uses a predesigned template to make the poster. But, you can also change the elements in the poster.

Step #3: Use a Template

Select a suitable theme from the Themes section of the ribbon.

Select a suitable variant from the Variants section of the ribbon.

Step #4: Fill in the Elements

We have shown you two methods of making posters in PowerPoint. Use the method most suitable to your application. If you have any comments or suggestions, please enter them in the comments section below.

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20+ Best PowerPoint Poster Templates (+ Tips for PPT Poster Design)

PowerPoint is more than just a presentation app. It can also be a great tool for designing simple posters for various purposes as well. In this post, we’re featuring a set of great PowerPoint poster templates you can use to craft posters using the popular Microsoft app.

It may sound strange, but designing posters in PowerPoint is quite common and very easy. Especially when you’re working on a rushed college assignment or when you have to use a colleague’s computer to design a poster, PowerPoint can actually be a lifesaver.

The PowerPoint poster templates on our list, and our helpful poster design tips, will make that process even simpler.

2 Million+ PowerPoint Templates, Themes, Graphics + More

Download thousands of PowerPoint templates, and many other design elements, with a monthly Envato Elements membership. It starts at $16 per month, and gives you unlimited access to a growing library of over 2,000,000 presentation templates, fonts, photos, graphics, and more.

Minimal PPT Templates

Clean & clear.

BeMind Minimal Template

Pitch PowerPoint

Animated PPT Templates

Fully animated.

Maximus Template

Explore PowerPoint Templates

5 Tips for Designing a Poster In PowerPoint

If you’re challenged with designing a poster without having to use image-editing software, you can use PowerPoint to take-on the challenge. Start by following these simple tips.

1. Use Vertical PowerPoint Templates

While you can easily create your own design from scratch using PowerPoint tools, it’s much easier to design a PowerPoint poster layout if you have a great template to work with.

So consider getting a great PowerPoint template before you get started. In fact, look for a PowerPoint template with a vertical design. This will make the entire process of rearranging content blocks and formatting much easier for you.

2. Take Advantage of Master Layouts

When using high-quality PowerPoint templates, you’ll also find master slide layouts that are included with the template. These layouts allow you to easily create new slides using pre-designed content layouts. Use these master layouts to experiment with different content designs for your poster.

3. Use Custom Fonts for Better Impact

Fonts play a key role in poster design. It’s the main element of a poster design that attracts attention. So pick a great poster font and customize the titles to make your poster look more professional.

4. Choose Colors Carefully

PowerPoint is designed to work as a slideshow presentation software. So the colors, backgrounds, and gradients you use in your poster design may not convert as accurately when you print out the poster.

Consider using print-friendly colors in your poster design and also do a test print to see if your finalized poster comes out looking as well as it looks on the computer.

5. Know Your Limits

Keep in mind that PowerPoint is not an image editing software. Don’t expect it to function just like Photoshop. PowerPoint has very limited features when it comes to designing posters. Use it to design simple and quick posters. But try not to use it for professional and business designs.

Be. – A4 & US Letter Vertical PowerPoint Template

This vertical PowerPoint template is perfect for designing a poster in PowerPoint as it comes with multiple layouts featuring different content designs.

The template includes more than 125 unique slide designs you can easily customize to your preference and it’s also available in both A4 and US Letter sizes.

Why This Is A Top Pick

All of the graphics, maps, charts in this template are completely editable. The slides also come in print-ready format to let you easily print out the poster designs without an effort.

NOYA – Vertical PowerPoint Poster Template

Noya is a modern PowerPoint template that comes with more than 70 unique slide designs. The template includes lots of editable graphics, device mockups, editable shapes, image placeholders, and much more. It’s available in US Letter and A4 sizes as well.

Meyna – PowerPoint Poster Template

Meyna is a simple, and elegant PowerPoint template that can be easily customized to suit your poster requirements. It comes with 35 clean and modern slides perfectly fitting to businesses looking for an upscale, and chic poster, or flyer.

Magenta – PowerPoint Poster Template

Magenta is another minimal PowerPoint template consisting of 50 meticulously designed slides, fully tweakable to your specific needs. If your aim is to create a professional-looking poster, Magenta is well worth checking out.

Gemini – Vertical PowerPoint Template

This beautiful vertical PowerPoint template is perfect for designing a modern poster for a fashion brand or creative design agency. The template comes with 50 unique slide layouts featuring editable shapes, graphics, and image placeholders.

A4 Pitch Deck Vertical PowerPoint Template

This is a modern pitch deck PowerPoint template that features verticle slide layouts. The template is ideal for designing posters for business and startup events and meetings. It’s also available in 6 different color schemes.

Scribble – PowerPoint Poster Template

Scribble is an ultra-modern, and stylish PowerPoint template that comes with 50 incredibly unique slides, 3D infographics, customizable shapes, photos, text, and other elements, and free fonts. Do try it out.

NORS – Vertical A4 PowerPoint Template

Nors is a minimalist PowerPoint template that comes with a set of modern vertical slide designs. All of the slides are print-ready and arrives in A4 size. The template lets you choose from 135 unique slide layouts as well.

Free Multipurpose Corporate Flyer Poster Template

This free PowerPoint template is designed specifically for making flyers and posters. Its multipurpose design will allow you to make all kinds of business and professional posters using the template.

Free Corporate Green Flyer Poster Template

This is another free and minimalist PowerPoint template made for flyer and poster design. The template is fully customizable and comes with call to actions and creative content design as well.

Ada – Vertical PowerPoint Presentation Template

Ada is yet another minimalist PowerPoint template that comes in verticle slide designs. It’s most suitable for making minimal and creative posters for various design projects. The template includes 90 unique slide designs.

Mukidi – Vertical PowerPoint Presentation Template

This unique PowerPoint template comes with more than 80 unique slides in 10 different color schemes. All of the slides feature verticle designs that make it ideal for crafting posters for business and branding purposes.

Solaris – Vertical PowerPoint Presentation

Solaris is a creative PowerPoint template with a verticle slide design. The template includes 90 unique slide designs you can easily customize to create posters and flyers. The template comes with editable charts and image placeholders as well.

Carnation – PowerPoint Poster Template

Carnation is a gorgeously created PowerPoint template that can be used for virtually any business or industry under the sun. It’s very easy to customize to your heart’s content.

Baldo – PowerPoint Template

If you’re looking to get your hands on a colorful, and vibrant PowerPoint template, consider Baldo. It’s a multipurpose, and creative option featuring 70 custom slides, hundreds and thousands of vector shape icons.

Color FUN – Colorful PowerPoint Template

Color Fun is a colorful PowerPoint template you can use to design attractive and colorful posters for various entertainment-related projects. The template includes 50 fully customizable slide designs.

Free Modern Business Flyer Poster Template

This minimal business poster and flyer template is also fully customizable with PowerPoint. The template editable colors, shapes, and image placeholders. It’s available in A4 size.

Free Minimal Fashion Flyer & Poster Template

A creative free PowerPoint template you can use to craft posters for fashion, apparel, and design-related posters. This template comes in print-ready format and its easily customizable as well.

INFOGRAPHIC – Multipurpose PowerPoint Template

This PowerPoint template comes with a set of infographic slide designs. These will come in handy when designing data-backed posters for business meetings. The template includes 80 fully customizable slide layouts.

Infographics – Modern PowerPoint Template

Another minimal and creative infographics PowerPoint template featuring multiple slides in 5 different color schemes. Use this template to craft posters with attractive infographics and illustrations.

Chart Infographics PowerPoint Template

Want to add charts to visualize data in your poster designs? Then use this professional PowerPoint template. It comes with editable charts and graphics you can use to create a more visually appealing poster in PowerPoint.

Education – Creative PowerPoint Presentation Template

If you’re working on an educational poster design, this is a great PowerPoint template you can use to create an attractive poster for schools and children. The template includes editable graphics, icons, and much more.

For more great templates be sure to check out our best business and corporate PowerPoint templates collection.

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How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a well-known software for creating presentations . But little do people know PowerPoint also does a bang-up job in creating eye-catching posters. Learning how to make a poster in PowerPoint is easy. Follow this seven-step guide on how to make posters in PowerPoint. 

1. Open PowerPoint

Open PowerPoint , click the Blank Presentation option or choose a poster background template. Let’s start with a clean slate for this ‘How to make poster in PowerPoint’ guide. 

2. Set poster size

Depending on the purpose of your poster, you need to set the proper poster size to ensure the quality is spot on. Here are the most common poster sizes to guide you:

• 27 by 40 inches – This is the largest poster size that is best for movie posters
• 24 by 36 inches – Next to the extra large poster size, this is a large-sized poster that fits in outdoor advertising spaces, events, or retail stores
• 18 by 24 inches – This is a medium-sized poster that can still grab attention when displayed indoors or outdoors
• 11 by 17 inches – This is the smallest poster size on the list. You can choose this size when putting your posters on street posts, store windows, bulletin boards, or public bathrooms. 

Go to the Design menu at the top toolbar. 

Click the drop-down arrow of the Slide Size menu, and click Page Setup . Choose Custom from the drop-down menu and enter your preferred poster dimensions. 

Tip: Most poster sizes are in portrait mode rather than landscape mode, which means they’re taller instead of wider. 

If you already have content on your slide, a pop-up will ask if you want to scale up or down. You will be asked to choose between Maximize and Ensure Fit . Select Maximize to scale up and ensure the text is legible enough for the new size. 

3. Add images, background, logos, etc. 

If you’re not choosing from the PowerPoint poster templates , prepare and save your poster design details on your computer. Add the image and other design elements by dragging and dropping them from your folder to PowerPoint’s design interface. 

Tip: When using a background, ensure it doesn’t compete for attention. Choose a solid tone or simple gradients to make the essential poster details pop. Also, select a background color that complements your font well. 

Posters are relatively larger than presentation slides. That said, check if your saved images, icons, and backgrounds are large enough to prevent compromising the printed quality. Ensure the images have a DPI of at least 150. If you’re pulling images online, note that these aren’t large enough for poster printing. And the outcome might come out pixelated. 

Tip: Drag and drop all design elements on your empty canvas and adjust later. It’s easier to put all visual components and move them around to areas you deem fit. 

4. Add text

The next step in this ‘How to make poster in PowerPoint’ guide is to add text. Prepare your text beforehand so everything is ready and good to go. If you’re satisfied with the design layout, carefully considering the text placement is crucial. This will help guide the readers from the most vital information to the least. 

Here are a few reminders when adding text to your poster in PowerPoint:

• Keep the copy concise
• Headings should appear the largest on your poster
• Consider a bullet-style format for good structure
• Choose a straightforward sans-serif font for legibility
• Go for 20 percent text, 40 perfect figures/symbols, and 40 percent space
• Make sure the text is legible from around five to seven feet away
• Leave some room around your texts
• Avoid using all uppercase letters 
• Combine bold and italics to emphasize words/phrases/headings
• Limit combinations to not more than two typefaces

Here is a poster font size guide:

• Headings must be 85 pt
• Subheadings must be 36 pt
• Body text must be 24 pt
• Captions must be 18 pt
• Authors must be 56 pt

For your text to be legible, follow these pointers:

• Use 30 pt to be readable from six feet 
• Use 48 pt to be readable from 10 feet
• Use 60 pt to be readable from 12 feet
• Use 72 pt to be readable from 14 feet

Click the Text Box icon and type your heading, subheading, body text, and the rest of the copy. 

5. Choose colors

Of course, you want your poster to grab attention, and adding colors will give your poster life and vibrance. You might need to skip this step if you’ve chosen a custom design. 

However, if you’re customizing your poster’s background colors, follow these tips:

• Limit the combination to two to three colors to prevent your poster design from looking chaotic
• Go for a lighter color if your text color is darker and vice versa
• Create contrast between the images and texts
• Avoid bright color combinations

6. Make the final adjustments

After dragging and dropping the images, typing the copy, and arranging the layout, it’s time to make the final adjustments. Move the elements around and review the structure from top to bottom. Ensure reading is a breeze when putting yourself in your audience’s shoes. 

7. Export and print

The last step in learning how to make posters in PowerPoint is to export the file and print the poster. Depending on how you’ll distribute the poster , you can select a safe file format: PDF. If you only print the posters, choosing PNG over JPG is better for larger images. If you’re working with virtual teams, PDF files allow you to easily share files online. 

Need compelling poster designs? Subscribe to Penji for unlimited designs and revisions at fixed monthly rates! Sign up now for a 15 percent discount. 

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Here are some PowerPoint templates to get you started. Feel free to change the colors and layout as needed. These templates are within the PowerPoint page size limit of 56" and comes in several different aspect ratios, each of which can be printed in a number of sizes (as listed).

Persuading Sapphire

• 48 x 36 56x42 | 64x48
• 48 x 24 72x36 | 84x42 | 96x48
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• 36 x 36 (square) 42x42 | 48x48
• 36 x 48 (vertical) 42x56 | 48x64

Pondering Peacock

Assessing Slate

Hypothetical Ocean

Philosophical Seafoam

Conceptualizing Cobalt

Perceptual Pewter

Deliberating Watermelon

Concentrative Chartreuse

Intuitive Cerulean

Intellectual Sage

Inquisital Anchor

Ruminative Mauve

Debating Denim

Comprehensive Crimson

Rational Rouge

Introspective Porpoise

Melancholy Medallion

Concluding Cider

Pragmatic Graphite

Imaginative Arctic

Speculative Stone

Contemplative Cloud

Theorizing Vermillion

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