Information Technology Services

Technology Learning and Media Center (TLMC)

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• Guidelines for Plotting
• Color Printing and Plotting

Two large format poster printers are available at the Help Desk (IACC 150) for specialty printing. Color laser printing is also available in the clusters. TLMC learning assistants can assist customers in setting up their print projects and sending them to the Help Desk or cluster printers.

Size Specifications

Two plotters for printing large posters are available at the Help Desk in IACC 150. One plotter prints 36" wide and the other 42" wide. Posters can be up to 72" long. The plotters (poster printers) cannot print all the way to the edge of the paper. Therefore, all posters must have a 1/2-inch margin on the sides. This means that the "printable area" is 41 inches wide for 42-inch posters, and 35 inches wide for 36 inch posters.

Using Images

Always use the largest, highest quality images when creating large posters for plotting. Almost always, images lose quality when they are enlarged.
Resolution should be set to 144 pixels per inch or higher.

Software and File Formats for Plotting

The following software programs are commonly used to create and/or save plots and are available in the TLMC lab:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• PowerPoint
• Adobe Acrobat

*The TLMC does not support Corel software.*

In Photoshop, saving your file in native Photoshop format (psd) will retain the highest quality and the layers for further editing.

TLMC staff will assist you with saving your file in the best format for sending to the plotters. Adobe Acrobat is most often used to convert the file to pdf format, a format that usually ensures accurate plotting.

Questions?

Call the TLMC at 231-5130 or stop by IACC 150C.

The ITS Help Desk has a large format printing service with two specialty printers located at the Main Help Desk (IACC 150A) and one specialty printer located at the Barry Hall Help Desk (Barry Hall 270).

In the Technology Learning & Media Center lab (IACC 150C), students, staff, and faculty can get help setting up and sending plots and other special printing projects to the Help Desk printers. Students are on duty during open lab hours.

Payment

The Help Desk cannot accept cash. You must pay for all plots by one of the following options:

• Bison Bucks: To place money in your Bison Bucks account, see the Bison Card Center or Copy Shop both located in the Memorial Union or visit Blackboard.
• A department charge: For information on department charges, contact Cynthia Lura at 231-9562.

Paper Prices

36in wide - Your choice of paper type: $7.00/foot

42in wide - Your choice of paper type: $8.00/foot

*Prices subject to change at any time.

Available Paper Types

Glossy - Photographic paper with vibrant colors, fast dry time and superior fade resistance

Matte - Heavy weight for smoother, more durable, presentation-quality color images.

Satin - Photographic paper with a satin finish, vibrant colors, fast dry time and superior fade resistance.

For more information on these prices or questions, visit the Help Desk or call 231-8685, Option 1.

ITS Help Desk Home Page