Poster Printing FAQs

Before submitting a poster to print.

Please check the poster dimensions before submitting. You are required to enter the poster dimensions on the Poster Printing Application Form. If the poster file dimensions do not match the dimensions entered on the form, we cannot print the poster due to the mismatched size. The poster will be placed in “Pending” mode and printing will be delayed until the issue is corrected (see below).

 For any issue that may occur and prevent us from printing a poster, you will receive an email describing the problem and suggestions to resolve the issue. Printing delays can be expected. Your poster will be placed in “Pending” mode until the issue is corrected and the poster can be printed.

NOTE: It is not the responsibility of SSTS to modify or make changes to the poster.

How much will my poster cost?

The current printing cost is $5.50 per square foot. Our Poster Printing Application Form has a cost calculator. Enter the poster dimensions, select inches or centimeters and the cost will be displayed. If multiple copies are required, change the Quantity and the cost will be automatically calculated.

What are the maximum dimensions you can print?

Our printer paper maximum size is 44 inches X 100 inches / 111.7 X 254 cm. One dimension (width or height) must be 44 inches / 111.7 cm or less. We can rotate the poster image to accommodate printing as long as one dimension is below the 44 inch / 111.7 cm threshold.

What payment types do you accept?

We only accept Cash or Western University Speedcodes. We do not accept credit or debit cards as we are an In-House printing service and do not have access to credit or debit payment devices.

When will my poster be printed?

We limit access to our printing service so posters can be printed promptly. Posters are usually printed the same day or next day, but that may vary due to the current volume of posters that have been submitted. Posters are printed on a first come first served basis and entered into our database in numerical order. After submitting your poster for printing, you will receive automated emails during the printing process to keep you informed and updated on the progress of your poster.

What file formats do you accept?

A Pdf is required. A PowerPoint file (if available) can also be submitted as a secondary file (in case there are formatting issues with the Pdf file). Other file formats can be printed if the file submitted is compatible with the printing programs we have installed on our computer.

Do I have to pay before my poster is printed? (Cash payment method).

Pre-payment is not required. Payment is completed when the poster is picked up. Cash payment posters will be placed in the print queue in numerical order to be printed as soon as a printer is available.

Speedcode payment method.

NOTE: Speedcode payment posters are placed “On Hold” until we receive a speedcode from the individual with account signing authority. Printing will be delayed until we receive the speedcode authorization.

You must enter the appropriate account holder information required on the Poster Printing Application Form. An automated email requesting a speedcode will be sent to the specified research grant holder or department account administrator or DoSA Designate.

ONLY Individuals with account signing authority can provide a speedcode and approve the printing expense by replying to the automated email. SSTS does not have signing authority for these accounts so we require this approval from the authorized individual before printing the poster.

What is a speedcode?

A speedcode is an internal code associated with a specific Western University research grant or department administrative account. ONLY Individuals with approved signing authority can provide a speedcode and authorize the printing expense to the specified account.

What is a DoSA Designate?  (Delegation of Signing Authority)

An alternate individual who also has approved signing authority for a specified account, can provide the speedcode and approve the printing expense.

How will I know when my poster will be ready to pick up?

You will receive automated emails during the printing process to keep you informed and updated on the progress of your poster. You will receive a final   email when the poster is ready to be picked up, including final cost, building, room number and available office hours.

Can I withdraw my printing request?

You can only withdraw your printing request BEFORE the poster has been printed. If the poster has already been printed you will be responsible for the associated printing cost.

Can I change the Cash payment method to Speedcode payment after the poster has been printed?

We cannot change the Cash payment method to Speedcode payment AFTER the poster has been printed. The printing and payment information has already been entered into our database. We are not able to retrieve the data to make changes.

Can I change the Speedcode payment method to a Cash payment?

Yes. If the Individual with account signing authority is not available or has not responded to provide a speedcode and approve the printing expense, you have the option to pay with Cash. Once we are notified about the payment change, we can proceed and place your poster in the queue for printing. An automated email will be sent to the specified account approver that a speedcode is no longer required.

Do you print business cards or small size posters?

We only print large format size posters. Our printer paper width is 44 inches (111.7 cm). We do not print business cards, letter, legal, ledger (11 X 17”) or other small size prints.

What kind of paper do you use?

We only use one type of paper – Premium semi-matte professional paper.

Do you print fabric posters?

We do not print fabric posters.

I have more than one poster to print. How do I submit them?

If the posters are the same dimensions, you enter the dimensions in the appropriate boxes, select inches or centimeters, click in the Quantity box and select the quantity you require. Cost calculation will also change accordingly. If the posters are different dimensions, you will have to submit each poster on a separate form.

Do you deliver?

All posters must be picked up from Social Science Room 1226.

How can I check my poster size?  (.pdf and Powerpoint)

Pdf format - Open the file in Acrobat Reader – click File (top left) – scroll down and click Properties. In the Advanced section – Page Size will be the poster size.

Open Powerpoint (2016 version) – click Design (top left) – click Slide Size (top right) Click Custom Slide Size – your poster dimensions should be displayed.

How can I change the size of a Powerpoint slide?

Open Powerpoint (2016 version).  Click Design (top left). Click Slide Size (top right). Click Custom Slide Size. Enter the dimensions you require. Select the Orientation (portrait or landscape). Select Maximize or Ensure Fit.

NOTE: Changing the size of a Powerpoint slide may change the formatting of the slide contents. You may have to re-size/adjust the contents to fit the new slide size. The maximum dimension for PowerPoint is 56 inches.