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 logo
- 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
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 logo image.
Select the image file and click Open.
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 #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: Use a Template
Click the Design tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
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
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.
Conclusion
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.