Using PowerPoint

Getting Started | Adding and Revising Content | Printing Your Poster

Note: In this section, software menu commands are highlighted in light blue.

Getting Started

1. Launch PowerPoint. Then download a template, or start from scratch by choosing File menu > New

2. Specify the dimensions of the poster by choosing File menu > Page Setup.

Page Setup

Note: The maximum page (slide) size in Powerpoint is 56" by 56". Printers are limited by by size of paper they take. For example, the HP DesignJet 1055CM uses 36" rolls of paper. The dimensions for a typical poster could be 56" wide by 36" high.

3. If you want to use a background color other than white, you can change it. To set a background color, choose Format menu > Background. Choose a light color.

Set Background color

4. Set a default font by choosing Format menu > Font.

font

5. (Optional) If you want, you can use PowerPoint's grids and guides to help you layout your poster. Choose View menu > Grid and Guides.

Grid and Guides

To make full use of the grid, make sure "Snap objects to grid" is checked. To display the grid, be sure "Display grid on screen" is checked.
To move a guide, click and drag it. To create a new guide, press the Ctrl key while you drag a guide.