What is your message? 

Space is limited on a poster so you need to be strategic about the content. Extract important ideas and organize the information efficiently. Before you begin your poster, write 100 words or less summarizing the purpose and findings of your research. Your poster should visually communicate this message. 

Summarize Supporting Information

Don't waste time on minor details. Use supporting information to highlight your message. 

Create a Logical Visual Flow

Use headings, arrows or numbers to direct people to the different sections of your poster. Make the headings easy to read. The bigger and more central something is, the more people will notice it. Check out the poster examples below for ideas on how to structure your poster and inspiration. 

Graphics 

Use images, charts, figures, timelines and diagrams to visually communicate your findings and process. Make sure the graphics are simple, consistent in scale, properly labeled and legible from at least three feet away. 

Text

Do not use more than two fonts on your poster. One font is preferable. The minimum text size for a poster is 16 pt. Headings should be between 30 and 60 pt. The poster title should be over 72 pt. Choose fonts that are attractive and easy to read such as Helvetica, Times New Roman, Trebuchet and Century Gothic. Sans serif fonts (e.g. Helvetica) usually work a little better than serif fonts (Times New Roman). Use bold or italicized type to emphasize certain text. Do not use underline or capital letters for emphasis. 

Colors

Use light color for backgrounds and dark color for text. Use complimentary colors. Colors across from each other in the wheel are complimentary.