Computing NETWORK Services

Preparing a Poster for Printing

Size

Our paper rolls come in 36" and 42" widths, so we recommend setting one dimension of your poster to either of these measurements. Then you won't have to do any trimming and pay for paper that will be trimmed off anyway, or end up rescaling at the tail end of your project.

The other dimension can be any size.  Our charges are based on square footage, as well as on the type of paper used for printing.

Check your conference requirement guidelines as well.

Margins

Our printer cannot print to the paper's edge, so we recommend leaving half-inch margins all around.

APPLICATION

You may use any software application so long as you can save the final version as a PDF or PostScript (PS) file.  Otherwise, stick to Microsoft Office PowerPoint.

Set your output size requirements at the outset.

When converting your document to PDF or PostScript, make sure you go through the document properties dialog and fix the settings to specify the correct size and CMYK as the colour scheme (not RGB).

As well, store all the fonts as part of the document to make sure that no last-minute font substitutions occur when it comes time to print.  Or stick to the common fonts:  Times, Arial, Helvetica, Symbol, Wingdings.

COLOUR SELECTION

Our printer is a colour inkjet.  But for best readability, we recommend using black ink on white background for the bulk of your text.

Avoid using colour background (filled or images) for the entire poster.

Don't use gradients in text boxes.

IMAGES

When inserting images into your document, choose the appropriate resolution.  Too low (less than 150dpi) means your images will come out blurry.  Too high (more than 300dpi) will significantly increase the document size and processing time without adding information that is visible to the human eye.

Additional Guidelines

The UBC Media Group also offers large format printing services.  Here are some additional guidelines from their website.

proofread, proofread, proofread

Don't just rely on the spell checker to catch errors in the text.

View your poster at 100% and 200% zoom to check the finer edges and details.

After being satisfied with the on-screen appearance of your poster, take the time to print a smaller version on regular paper and proofread the hard copy as well.  

Have a friend take another look, too.

CHARGES

Please see this form for applicable poster printing charges.

We are not responsible for mistakes that should have been caught at the proofreading stage.

Ready to print?  

Please print and fill in this form to calculate the printing charges and present it to the Main Office for payment.  Then contact support to make an appointment for printing. Copy your file to a USB key and bring it and the paid form to Room 240C for your appointment.  

Please provide 24-hour turnaround, as complicated plots can take a long time just to upload, and there is a required drying time at the end of the print job.

Lamination

We do not have a laminator so you would have to bring your poster to a commercial enterprise or to the UBC Media Group.