| 1. First, choose which computer you wish to use:
The plotters will accept jobs only fromthe GRID lab computers, so
it is simplest just to use them to make your poster. If you choose
your personal computer, be sure that when you move your file to
the GRID lab to print, bring all associated files (e.g. pictures,
graphs...) on a CD or thumb drive.
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| 2. Decide what software you wish to use:
I recommend using Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop!
I realize that many of you only have Microsoft Powerpoint, and although
it is easy to use, people encounter the most issues trying to print
or convert their files to pdf’s from ppt. If you have a choice,
DON’T use Powerpoint! Also, Illustrator templates are available
on the GRID
webpage.
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3. Next, Choose what poster size you want to use.
The max width is 42 inches for Escher or 36 inches for Ptolemy.
Don’t choose a poster size with a width larger than 42 inches.
The length can be as long as you wish.
Also, posters smaller than 36 inches are OK too. Remember, try to
minimize paper waste! Also, use the inkjet will print up to 18 x 21
inch paper for test prints
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| 4. Set Paper size:
Click 'File' -->
and choose 'Document Setup....'
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5. Next, in the document setup window, Enter your
custom poster size -->
then click 'OK.' -->
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| 6. Remember as your making you poster; large files
often have problems prnting. A total file size under 100 MBseems
to mork much better. I reduce file sizes, keep the resolution of
all imbedded images below 300 dpi, as this is the max resolution
of the plotters.
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7. Now you are ready to create your
poster. Be sure to keep all your files (e.g. picture, figures) in
one place on the hard drive.
For advice on how to make an effective poster, talk to members of
your group or look at an example in the hallways that you like and
use that layout/color scheme. Also, it is a good idea to do a scaled
down, 11x17 test print on the grid-inkjet printer before plotting.
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8. When your poster is done,
Click FILE --> 'Print'
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| 9. Choose the printer (Escher or Ptolemy) -->
10. select the media size (the paper size you selected above in
step 5) -->
11. Click “PRINT ”
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| 10. To release your job, visit the plotter release
form at: GRID Release Forms
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| 11. You must login with a valid SUNetID to access
the form.
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| 12. To release your job, first select it from the
pull-down menu. On the PC, you will recognize the username you used
to login to the computer. On the Mac, you should look for the name
of the computer from which you released the job. It is also a good
idea to check the size of your job. This serves as an extra check
that you indeed selected your job, and can prevent certain kinds
of crashes: The plotters will choke on jobs that are much larger
than about 100Mb.
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| 13. You must enter the following information in the
release form: a project number, a task number and an award number.
If you still use the old accounting system, you can convert it into
the new system as indicated on the release form. You must enter the
size of your poster and will be charged $1 per square foot. Click
"release", hit the "Back" button of your web browser and "Refresh"
the web page. Your job should now be marked by an asterisk. A few
minutes later, the plotter should start receiving your plot. It will
have to process the file before plotting and might take anywhere from
10 minutes to an hour before starting to print.
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