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Poster Presentations

How to create and present an academic conference poster.

Suggested Software

powerpoint logo Microsoft PowerPoint - For a tutorial watch, "How to Make a Good Research Poster in PowerPoint."

Adobe InDesign logo Adobe InDesign - For a tutorial visit "InDesign for Academic Posters Tutorials."

adobe illustrator logo Adobe Illustrator - For a tutorial watch "Scientific Poster in Adobe Illustrator."

canva logo Canva - For a tutorial watch "How to Make a Scientific Poster using Canva."

Poster Size and File Type

  • JCU ITS is limited to printing 42" or less for the width. For DISCOVER 2025, posters should be 42" x 56" (landscape). 
  • For other conferences, posters are large, typically 48 in. x 36 in. in landscape orientation. Check the conference requirements to decide the poster size, and check with the printer to choose the appropriate file type.

QR Codes

Quick Response (QR) codes can be added to link resources such as an electronic version of your poster, supplemental materials, an academic paper, a personal or lab webpage, a survey, your contact information, etc. Once added to the poster, individuals can scan the code with their phone. QR codes should be scannable from at least a few feet away. Try Adobe Express's Free QR Code Generator.