Guides: Posters: Design tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic tasks for creating a Powerpoint Presentation (Microsoft).
If you are a beginner to PowerPoint, check out the step-by-step process to create a presentation.
Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft)
Microsoft PowerPoint is available to UniSC staff and students through the Office 365 suite.
Create a poster using Powerpoint (University of Liverpool)
This document guides you through a step to step process of creating a poster using Powerpoint.

This video (13:21 min) demonstrates a simple 8-step process for making an academic poster for a conference in PowerPoint.

Canva (Canva)
Canva: a free visual design software that is cloud-based and does not require any installation – simply access it via your web browser.
How to use Canva for beginners (Natalia Kalinska, Youtube)
This is a full Canva Tutorial for beginners explaining all the Canva functionalities, effects and techniques you can use to create engaging graphics.

This video (9:49 min) will show you the step by step instructions on how to create a poster using Canva.

Install Adobe Illustrator (Adobe)
Download the full version of Adobe Illustrator for free.
Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator (Adobe)
Tutorials on how to use Adobe Illustrator
Create a poster using Adobe Illustrator (Adobe)
Make a poster for free using Illustrator.

This video (1 hour) shows a 4 step process to create a poster using Adobe Illustrator.

Does your poster need to be printed? On what type of material? Will your chosen colours print the same as they look on screen? On what type of material? If you are travelling and need to take your poster, consider printing on fabric which can be folded into a suitcase easily.
Does it need to be laminated?
Is it online/digital? Save it as a PDF to avoid formatting changes.
Check your assignment instructions carefully.
View your poster in its entirety to make sure everything fits in the space and there is harmony between elements of your poster.
You can find help with printing your poster here at UniSC Print Services.
Always get a second (and third) opinion on your poster!!!

Services and support (UniSC)
UniSC offers a range of services for students, including help with academic skills, careers and employability advice, library support, and accessibility and wellbeing services. Visit Services and Support on the Student Portal to find out more.

Posters - Feedback (UniSC)
Help us help you! Share your thoughts on the Posters guide and shape the resources that will support your academic success. It will take less than 5 minutes to complete this feedback form.