Designing a Poster

• 1). Open Publisher and click Page Setup. Then use the Publication type scroll bar to scroll to Poster. Select one of the preset sizes of 18" x 24" or 24" x 36" and click the OK button. If you want a custom size, just type the dimensions into the Width and Height boxes.
  
  
• 2). Click the Text tool, which looks like an index card with a capital A on it, on the Tools palette on the left side of the screen. Press down on your mouse button and drag a rectangle shape near the top of the poster. Type the poster's headline and then highlight the text. Change the font, size, positioning and color to your preferences. Add additional text boxes to the poster as required.
  
  
• 3). (Optional) Click the Insert menu and then click Picture and choose From File. Browse to the area on your computer where you have photos or images for the poster. Double click one, and it appears in the workspace; repeat for all pictures. Click the Move tool, which looks like a white arrowhead, on the Tools palette and move the pictures into place.
  
  
• 4). Click the Insert menu and then click Picture and choose Clip Art. Pull down the Search in menu and make sure all boxes are checked. Pull down the Results should be menu and make sure Clip Art ,Photographs or both is checked. Type a word into the Search for box and click the Go button.
  
  
• 5). Scroll through the results, choosing an image for the poster. Double click it, and it appears on the poster. Drag it into place. Repeat to add other images.
  
  
• 6). (Optional) Click Format and then click Background. Click one of the preset background designs to become the entire backdrop for your poster. For more options, click the More backgrounds link and choose presets such as tie-dye, sunbursts, rainbows and other textures or use your own picture.
  
  

Getting a Poster Made for You

• 1). Consult your local yellow pages under Graphic Design or Sign Companies to look for a nearby printing company.
  
  
• 2). Meet with a graphic designer to explain your requirements and vision for the poster, providing exact information about your desires for colors, positioning, text, font and images. Provide a disk or flash drive with any photos, logos and other images for the poster; if these items are small enough, you may be able to email them directly.
  
  
• 3). Inquire about production times, such as approximate delivery dates, the possibilities of a rush job, and costs. Some companies charge setup fees for using your own images or irregular poster sizes that their cutting machines can't handle.
  
  
• 4). Request a proof, which is usually an electronic copy of your poster, through a .PDF or .JPG file, emailed to you before the poster goes to print. You'll be able to eyeball the poster for artwork positioning and proofread the text one last time.