poster rules of thumb

Here are a series of hints and tips to help you get the most out
your poster session.

LAYOUT
▶  The width of text boxes and lines of text should contain about 40 characters or 10 to 12 words.

▶  Avoid overcrowding the poster. Ample use of white space will make the poster more readable.

TEXT
▶  Title letters should be not less than 1” high and not more than 3” high.

▶  White text on a black or dark background is hard to read and should be avoided or confined to titles.

▶  Words should be spelled out, avoiding ambiguous abbreviations.

▶  Words should run horizontally from left to right, not vertically or diagonally.

▶  The text, tables and graphics should look integrated by using the same typeface family and style.

▶  Type should be in upper and lower case in a sans serif face (e.g., Helvetica or Arial) that is clear and precise.

▶  Use Italics rather than underlining when necessary.

▶  Avoid blocks of text longer than 8-10 sentences; wherever possible use bulleted sentences rather than blocks of text.

▶  Lettering for text in the body of the poster should be readable from at least 4 feet away — use text that is at least 3/8-inch in height.

GRAPHICS
▶  Tables are preferable to graphics for small data sets, whereas charts are preferable for data sets of greater than five or more groups.

▶  Illustrations and graphs should have accompanying captions.

▶  Elaborately coded shadings, cross-hatching and colours should be avoided.

PRINTING
▶  A matte finish on the posters or uncoated paper provides better visibility and reduces glare.

▶  A satin finish enhances images, crispness and colour.