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Quick Links: Process | Phantom Objects | Naming and Saving | Choosing Page Size | Choosing Paper Type | Special Printing Instructions
Our production process and quick turnaround times depend on getting print quality, correctly prepared files from you. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in delays of printing and shipping of your printed materials while we contact you to correct any problems. Neglecting these guidelines may also produce files that do not print correctly, resulting in extra charges to reprint replacement files.
It is not a good idea to wait until the last minute to order your poster. Even if you have a few days to spare, it is advisable to put your order in early with a cushion to allow for errors and weather delays in shipping. It is better to pay a few extra dollars for a more reliable shipping method (3 day vs. ground) to have your poster in hand, rather than just in time to display it at your conference.
Phantom Objects
Make sure all of your information fits on the page and there are no extra objects outside of the printable area. Even if you do not intend for these objects to be printed, they can hinder the printing process.
Naming and Saving
When naming your file, avoid special characters such as: / \ : * ? " < > |
Be sure your file also has the appropriate file extension such as ".PPT" and ".PPTX" for PowerPoint or ".PDF" for an Adobe Acrobat file.
Choosing Your Page Size
We will rotate your poster to fit the appropriate page size. If you have already designed your poster in PowerPoint and it does not fit one of the sizes available, you have two options.
- Have us print the largest possible poster from your existing file without modification. This is usually easier than trying to change your page size. You can use our page size calculator to determine sizes that can be printed from your file as-is. The maximum size one edge of the poster can be is 48".
- Resize your existing poster to fit another size. For help, see the section on poster size. You can also use our page size converter to calculate what your new page size should be.
Choosing Your Paper Type
We offer four types of paper material: standard, glossy, vinyl, and fabric. We don't recommend laminating your poster as the extra glare is sometimes objectionable. Also, the laminating cost can double the price of your poster. We recommend using glossy paper for scientific posters due to the high depth in color, low glare, and ability to resist smudging.
- Standard - 8mil 46# Presentation Bond matte paper. Water resistant (Image won't run but paper will get soggy in rain.)
- Glossy (RECOMMENDED FOR SCIENTIFIC POSTERS) - 8mil premium, smudge resistant, water resistant, glossy paper. Captures rich, vibrant colors yet reduces glare. Doesn't get 'slimy' like competition's.
- Outdoor Banner Vinyl - 13 oz scrim vinyl, printed with UV and water resistant inks. Designed for outdoor use up to three years.
- Wrinkle Resistant Fabric - Perfect for international poster conferences! Fold up and pack in your suitcase, use an iron on the back for touch-ups. Wrinkle resistant, fade resistant, tear resistant.
Use the "Special Printing Instructions" Box
Include your platform and software version in the special printing instructions if at all possible. This ensures the highest quality and quickest turnaround possible. If you're not sure which version of PowerPoint you have, (in older versions of PowerPoint - pictured below) open PowerPoint, go to Help > About Microsoft PowerPoint.
In PowerPoint 2007/2010 (pictured below), open PowerPoint and click on the orange File Tab and look for the Help option on the left hand column of links. Once you have located Help, click on it and it will show you the version of PowerPoint you have.
If you intend to leave a large empty space on your poster to fill with other information or objects after printing, please mention this in the special printing instructions. Otherwise it might be trimmed off or cause a delay in the printing process while we contact you to ensure that all of the content is displayed properly and the size is correct.
If you have any doubts about the quality of your graphics, a special page size, or know that something about your file is quirky, write it in the special printing instructions. Also mention if you embedded any fonts in your file. Again, this ensures the highest quality and quickest turnaround possible.
Proofs
We send proofs by request only. Requesting a proof will delay the printing time of your poster.
Handouts
Handouts relative to poster presentations are generally popular and encouraged. However, we do not produce handouts. It is best to use your own laser printer or have a local print shop print large quantities of small sized prints.
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