Poster Printing at Cline Library
NAU students, faculty, and staff can print posters at Cline Library providing payment is made via a personal credit card.
For printing services paid via an NAU departmental purchasing card (PCard) or other interdepartmental funds, visit NAU Printing Services.
Submitting your print job
How much does it cost to print a poster? Accordion Closed
- Satin Poster Paper: $3.50/sq ft
Similar to matte, provides a more natural look and minimizes the risk of glare - Gloss Poster Paper: $4.00/sq ft
Provides a wider color range for sharper details
The average size of an Undergraduate Research Symposium poster is 34″ x 44″. A poster of this size (10.39 ft²) would have an estimated cost of $36.37 for Satin paper and $41.56 for Gloss paper.
Poster tubes are available for $4.00.
What’s the process and how long does it take? Accordion Closed
- Once your file is ready, use the form to upload and submit your print job
- Library staff will review your file and alert you if they see any potential issues
- Library staff will send you a final quote which will include a link for you to pre-pay
- After you pay, allow 48 hours for printing
- When your poster is ready for pick-up in the MakerLab, we’ll notify you by email. You can pick up your poster in the MakerLab.
Posters not picked up within two weeks of notification will be destroyed. Unclaimed print jobs are ineligible for refund.
Getting your file ready to print
Make sure your files are print ready Accordion Closed
Ensure your order processes smoothly, avoids any turnaround time delays, and results in a high quality product. Cline Library is not responsible for printing issues related to the initial data file.
- File type: All project files should be submitted as press quality PDF’s.
- Size and bleeds: The dimensions of your files match the finished size of your product and bleeds with crop marks are included when necessary.
- Resolution: The resolution of all images in your files is at least 300 DPI. Products that are larger than 6 feet may be submitted with lower resolution, but not below 72 DPI.
- PDF proofing: We perform a series of ‘pre-flight’ checks which review for many print specifications; however, it is the your responsibility to ensure a file is print ready before the order is submitted.
What is Bleed? And How much should I add? Accordion Closed
Bleed is the industry term for any color or image that goes right to the edge of the paper. What actually happens is that a picture or other graphic will need to extend 1/8” (.125”) beyond the edge of the page and that excess image or color is then cut off as a part of the finishing process. Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed from the product during the final cutting phase.
- The bleed for standard products is .125” on all sides of your file.
- Additionally, please keep all text at least .125” inside the cut-line (the edge of your file).
- It is also important to review the NAU logo spacing requirements. If you are adding an official logo please visit the NAU Widen Collective.
What size should I make my file? Accordion Closed
Please ensure your file is the correct vertical and horizontal dimensions and matches the intended output print size. It should also include bleeds when applicable.
- If you’re ordering a product that is 34″ wide x 44” tall with bleeds: submit a file 34”wide x 44”tall + .125” bleeds on all sides.
- We will print and trim to the finished size of 34”x 44”.
- If you’re ordering a product that is 34″ wide x 44” tall without bleeds:
- submit a file 34″ wide x 44” tall.
- We will print and trim to the finished size of 34″ wide x 44”.
If you have questions about product sizing, bleeds, or any other printing related items we are happy to help. It can be helpful if you contact us before designing your file and we can help you make the important decisions early on.
What is CMYK and how do I use it? Accordion Closed
The type of color your print files contain is very important not only in regard to following NAU’s branding standards and guidelines, but also to the timeliness and quality of your print project. Here is a brief explanation of color and what it means to you.
CMYK or four color process:
- Most of the your print projects will require that the color of your design is provided in CMYK. This stands for the four colors of ink used in most printing C=Cyan, M=Magenta, Y=Yellow, and K=Black.
- Please refer to NAU’s color guide and ensure that the values of your NAU True Blue and NAU Gold ALWAYS match the provided guidelines. This will be particularly relevant for color in logos, text, and large portions of color on printed materials.
Using NAU Templates for your poster design Accordion Closed
University Marketing has compiled a number of easy-to-use NAU branded templates for your design needs. Visit the widen collective website template portal for items such as: brochures, flyers, postcards, and posters.
If you are designing a product that does not currently have a template but have questions about layout, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.