The Batten School & VIMS will open on a delay at 11am on Wednesday, January 22 on account of inclement weather.
Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of files can the Publications Center handle?

We can handle files from PC and Mac computers. Send us your files via e-mail, ftp, Flash drive or stick, or CD. 

What resolution should I use for my images?

That depends on numerous factors, the most important being whether you plan to display your images on-line (e.g., for a PowerPoint presentation or web page) or to print them (e.g., in a poster or manuscript). For full technical details on choosing the appropriate image resolution, search the web. One good site is at {{http://desktoppub.about.com/od/resolution/a/resolutiondots.htm, About.com}}. As a rule of thumb, choose a spatial resolution of at least 200 dots per inch (dpi) or pixels per inch (ppi) for an image that you plan to print. For on-line use in a PowerPoint presentation or web page, use 72 ppi—choosing a higher resolution will simply waste valuable disk space. 

How do I pay for a print job?

Because we are a service center, you need just an index number for all services and materials—no purchase orders or copy cards are required. View our prices. 

What's the best software for making a poster?

The best program for posters is PowerPoint®. It allows for a maximum size of 40" X 56" (40" is the width of the poster printer). Before you start your poster, set up the correct page size in File>Page Setup. Other programs, such as Adobe Illustrator® and CorelDraw®, will allow you to make a longer poster.

Should I laminate my poster?

We recommend lamination if you are traveling with a poster, plan to use it more than once or in a damp location, or will hang it for an extended period of time. The laminate is 3 mil, thin enough to roll and insert in a traveling tube.

What's the best way to get files to us?

Campus mail can be slow to reach us, so send your files via [[sstein, e-mail]] ftp, or , or bring them to us on a CD or Flash drive/stick.

What if I need to send a print job off campus?

Consult with us prior to sending out large, full-color print jobs that require off-campus printing. We can prepare the files, get price quotes, and arrange for drop-off and pick-up. We have the expertise to make these files "printer ready," thus helping to prevent time-consuming and costly changes at the Print Shop.