Where should you start when preparing a research poster?
First, clarify the event guidelines and the main finding of your study. Then divide the poster content into sections and plan the reading order. A poster should be a concise, visual summary of the research; it should not try to present every detail of the paper in reduced-size text.
If the event or your adviser has provided a template or requirements, check those first. Poster size, orientation, file format, submission deadline, logo use, and printing requirements may vary by event. Do not present a particular size or font size as a mandatory rule without verifying this information. If the guidelines do not address an issue, ask the organizer or your adviser.
Identify your main message and audience
Write one sentence stating the main finding you want visitors to remember after viewing the poster. Then consider how familiar your audience is likely to be with the topic. If you expect attendees from outside your field, explain abbreviations, limit specialist terminology, and include only the method details needed to understand the finding.
Arrange the poster so viewers can move through the sections on their own. Headings and visuals should help them follow the flow of the research. If a chart clearly shows a finding, you can use the text to explain or interpret it rather than repeating the same information in a long paragraph. This is a practical way to simplify the content; it does not replace any specific event guidelines.
Choose and order the content
Depending on the type of study and the event guidelines, select the appropriate sections from the following: title, authors and institution, research question or brief introduction, methods, analysis, findings, conclusion, references, and acknowledgments. Not every section will be necessary for every project. Georgia State University Library lists these as typical sections that may be used in research posters and recommends considering the audience when making your selections (Research Poster Basics). The guide also recommends concise text; treat its suggested range of 300–800 words as a recommendation in the source, not an unchanging requirement.
University of New England Library Services recommends arranging sections from left to right, like a book page, and breaking up the text with headings, bullet points, and visuals (Create a Research Poster). Try this arrangement in your draft. If you choose a different layout, make the reading order of the sections clear.
Make text and visuals easy to read
Establish the visual priority of the title, main finding, and explanatory details. Use fonts and colors consistently, and make sure there is sufficient contrast between text and background. In charts, use titles and explanations that help readers interpret the data. If there are units of measurement or axis information, it may be helpful to label them clearly. Avoiding color as the sole means of distinction and also explaining chart series with labels are design choices you can consider, depending on the content.
The sources give different recommendations for viewing distance: Georgia State University Library recommends that important information be readable from about 10 feet away and other content from about 4 feet away; UNE Library Services recommends making headings, visuals, and text large enough to read from 5–8 feet away. Do not treat these as precise measurements that apply to every event. Consider the guidelines and the setting where the poster will be displayed; if possible, check a section at its actual size. When using visuals created by others, check permission requirements and provide appropriate attribution; the UNE guide specifically reminds readers of these points.
A concrete example: a fictional student research project
Entirely hypothetical example: A student is studying how students on campus use study spaces. The research question is, “Which study spaces do students prefer during exam week?” The title states the question briefly, with the author and institution information below it.
The introduction explains the topic and research question in a few short sentences. The methods section states who was surveyed, when the survey was conducted, and whether participation was voluntary. These are details to fill in for the example: in your actual poster, use only verified information about your methods; do not present an activity that did not take place as if it did.
The findings are presented in a labeled chart. For example, the library response might appear more frequently in the hypothetical results; numbers in an actual poster must come from verified data from the study. The conclusion briefly explains the significance of the finding and the study’s limitations. References and acknowledgments are included as appropriate to the guidelines and the study. If data have not yet been collected, do not present an expected result as a finding. If you are presenting a research proposal, distinguish the aim, planned method, and expected contribution; see the guide to preparing a research proposal presentation.
Review the draft and printing requirements
You can ask someone to look at the draft briefly. Then ask whether they can explain the research question and main finding in their own words, and observe which section they read first. This is a practical check for identifying points where the flow of information is unclear.
- If the poster looks crowded: Review repeated sentences and details that do not contribute to the main message.
- If a chart is unclear: Check its title, explanations, and the context of the data; add axis and unit information if applicable.
- If the reading order is confusing: Make the headings more prominent; reconsider the section order and the spacing between them.
- If printing requirements are unclear: Review the event guidelines. If the file format or submission requirements are not specified, ask the organizer or printing service provider. Before sending the poster to print, check the page size and how the visuals appear once more.
If you need additional help with poster size and the printing process, see the guide to preparing a presentation poster board.
Final checklist
- I have verified the event’s requirements for size, orientation, file format, and submission.
- The title, author, and institution information are correct, and the research question is clear.
- The sections suit my study and audience, and the text is clear and concise.
- The charts include necessary explanations, and the numbers shown match the source data.
- I have checked permission and attribution requirements for visuals.
- I have reviewed the spelling, references, acknowledgments, and printing requirements one last time.
Frequently asked questions
Which sections are required in a research poster?
Do not assume there is one list of sections that applies to every event. Follow the event guidelines first, and choose the sections appropriate to your study, such as the research question, methods, findings, conclusion, references, and acknowledgments.
What should I check before sending a poster to print?
Verify the event’s requirements for size and file format; review the spelling, author information, chart explanations, numbers, and citations. If possible, check a section at its actual size. If printing requirements are not explained, consult the relevant organizer or printing service provider.
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