Large Format Printing
Large Format Printing, or poster printing, is open to all F&M students, faculty and staff.
Poster Printing Requests are made through this form →
(You must be signed into your F&M Google account to submit)
Although we are not a print shop, this service is provided to support the academic mission.
Please understand it is not cost-effective or environmentally friendly to print a large number of quantities with this service.
If you need a large number of copies please use the papercut printers which can handle up to 11 x 17 inch paper or an off-campus provider such as Staples or a professional print service.
Design Tips
The large format printers can print up to 42" wide in one direction. Print dimensions will be adjusted to preserve the aspect ratio.
Aspect ratio is the ratio of an image's width to its height. When printing images, it's important to ensure that the aspect ratio of the print matches the aspect ratio of the original image. If the aspect ratios don't match, the image will either be cropped or have white borders.
Posters can be created in many different ways, including PowerPoint, Adobe Suite, Google Slides, and Canva
It is important to design your poster for the size you wish it to be printed. Creating a small design that you would like to be printed much larger does not make for a good poster.
If you are printing for the research fair, the recommended size is 42" x 48" - a good source for PowerPoint templates can be found here or if you are using Google Drive to design your poster here is more helpful information.
A great resource for research poster basics, design, and images can be found in this guide from NYU Libraries.
Give yourself enough time to get your poster printed - it may take up to 24 hours!
Resizing a PowerPoint for Poster Printing
Resizing a Google Slide for Poster Printing
Before You Submit Your Print
Proofread everything carefully
Format your file: To preserve formatting, it might be helpful to save your poster as a .pdf but other common file image types will also work (.jpeg, .png).
Pricing and Payment
Poster cost is based on the amount of paper and ink used for that print. That cost can not be determined ahead of time.
It can vary between $.75 - $14.00
Posters with darker backgrounds tend to cost more to print since they use a lot more ink.
Printing FAQ
1. Can I charge the poster to my department or program?
Yes - when you fill out the poster printing request form you will be asked if you would like to charge the print to a department or program. You will need to know that department's budget number when submitting. If you are not charging the print to another department or program, the print will be charged to your account.
2. What kind of printer/paper do you have?
We have two HP large format printers - HP Designjet Z6
Our printers use HP Universal Instant-Dry Satin Photo Paper
3. Can I trim my poster to a smaller size if the printed area is less than 42 inches?
Yes - The tech tutors will trim the poster for you. The paper cutter is in the Spark Lab if you'd like to adjust it further.
4. When will I be charged?
Poster charges will be processed once a month
5. When can I pick up my poster?
Prints will be available for pick up from the Spark Lab in the Shadek-Fackenthal library 24 hours after submission. You may be notified by email once your print is ready.
6. Can I come to the library to submit my poster and wait for my print?
No, print requests must be made in advance and can be picked up 24 hours later.