Wide Format Printing (Plotter)

** Posters should be submitted no later than 48 hours before they are needed. Please keep in mind, the turn around period from delivery to pickup can take up to 48 hours depending on volume and for other unforeseen delays.  It is possible that your software version may differ from ours and this may cause your document to display differently at the Print Shop. You can always verify what the print preview looks like on our computer prior to printing your document.**

Wide Format Printer Information:

We use 36” wide matte white paper with a weight of 26lbs, a 4.5mil thickness and it is not recommended for outdoor use. There are no other options for paper, and we cannot use paper brought to us.

The HP T1200PS Plotter will print in 36” width and a maximum recommended length of 72”. The plotter uses six colour ink cartridges and is capable of printing 1200 x 1200 dpi.

You can also request to have a black or greyscale print, however the cost is the same at $4 per square foot.

Commonly seen poster sizes are 36” x 48” and 36” x 56”

Poster Creation:

We recommend using Microsoft Power Point or Publisher to create your poster as these programs will allow large page sizes.

If you are looking to add Lakehead Crests or Logos please refer to the Branding and Marketing website for the correct current images and their acceptable use.

Lakehead University Branding and Marketing

The most commonly printed sizes of posters are 36” x 48” and 36” x 56” in either a portrait or a landscape orientation.  For your convenience, we have included these blank PowerPoint templates in the correct sizes and orientation.  

36 X 48 portrait

36 X 48 landscape

36 X 56 portrait

36 X 56 landscape

When you begin, if you are not using a preformatted template given to you by your instructor, first change the page size to the final poster size. If you want a 36” x 48” poster, change the page size to 36” x 48” and then add your text and images. Once you have completed the poster, save the document as a PDF file in the size it will be printed. Check the PDF over, as there may be differences from the original file once it has been sent to PDF.  We cannot resize, edit or manipulate your document.  We will print (in inches) the document as it is provided to us.  Please ensure that you create the document in the size you want it printed before coming to the Print Shop.

** Please note ** that you must be a current Lakehead University student, staff or faculty member in order to use this service. If you are not, you may need to contact your Lakehead University affiliated group for further assistance or support, such as Alumni Relations.

The poster MUST be in a PDF or PowerPoint format.

** Please note ** If a poster is submitted in a size other than the intended output it may cause the poster pixel size to stretch and text and pictures may become quite distorted. Poster dimensions must be submitted in inches. **

Please indicate who will pick up the poster, if other than the submitter.

*NOTE: if paying by budget code, the approving authority for that code must email printing@lakeheadu.ca stating they approve the purchase. 

Poster craft paper storage tubes with plug ends -size 36" x 2" are available for $5 each.