Plotter poster printing at IU Bloomington

• Overview
• Hours
• Prepare your file for printing
  • Microsoft PowerPoint basics
  • Adobe software basics
• Printing procedures
• Content limitations
• Get help
  • Inquiries

Overview

The Wells Library has a large-format plotter (for prints up to 36" wide and 108" long) on the fourth floor of the West Tower. Both matte and satin paper are available.

As a student at Indiana University Bloomington, you can use the plotter to print large-format posters for both academic and personal use. UITS strongly recommends that you prioritize using the plotter printer for academic projects.

For cost details, see About printing allotments and credits. Also, make sure to view the Bursar Term Calendar before depositing CrimsonCash into your Bursar account.

The information here provides guidance on preparing your files for printing, payments, and options for getting help with printing your project.

Hours

• Fall and spring academic term:
  • Monday-Wednesday: 8:30am-11pm
  • Thursday: 8:30am-7pm
  • Friday: 8:30am-7pm
  • Saturday: 12:30pm-5pm
  • Sunday: 12:30pm-11pm
• Summer academic term:
  • Monday-Thursday: 9am-7pm
  • Friday: 9am-5pm
  • Saturday-Sunday: 1pm-4pm

Prepare your file for printing

UITS recommends using Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe programs for poster printing. See below for tips for preparing your project to print to the plotter. Use the resources available to create and prepare your project file to ensure successful printing. If you need assistance, support is available.

Microsoft PowerPoint basics

To prepare a PowerPoint presentation for printing to the plotter:

1. Open PowerPoint and create a new presentation.
2. From the top taskbar, select the Design ribbon.
3. At the top right, select the Slide Size property, and then click Custom Slide Size....
4. Enter a width, with a maximum value of 56 inches. (To create a poster larger than 56 inches, see Adobe software basics.)
5. Enter a height, with a maximum value of 36 inches.
6. Add content to the file and then save it as a PowerPoint file (.ppt) or a PDF (.pdf).
7. Save the file to a cloud storage location, in an email message, or to a USB device to bring to Wells Library.

Adobe software basics

UITS recommends using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, or Adobe Illustrator for your plotter project, all of which are available through IUware. Best practice is to save the file as a PDF. Make sure to store your file to a cloud storage location, in an email message, or to a USB device to bring to Wells Library.

The width of the plotter paper roll is 36 inches; therefore, one side of the file document size cannot exceed 36 inches, and the other cannot exceed 108 inches. The printer will rotate the file as needed to print properly. Keep this in mind when setting up the document size within your chosen Adobe program. To learn more about Adobe software, see the UITS IT Training Media Design Certificate Series.

Printing procedures

1. Based on your plotter print size dimensions, add the appropriate amount of money to your CrimsonCard according to this pricing chart.
   Note:

   To use a departmental account, use the form in Department funded printing in the Student Environment to have funds available before arriving for your print job.
2. Check in with the West Tower fourth floor UITS desk and inform them that you have a plotter print.
3. Staff will direct you to an STC workstation designated for plotter printing.
   Note:

   You cannot use a personal device to print to the plotter.
4. Log into the STC workstation and open the file you want to print.
5. Ask the consultant to finalize your poster for printing. The consultant will clean the relevant areas as needed and set up the file to be printed.
6. The consultant will direct you to the plotter release station. Log in and release your print job.
7. Pick up your print job. Use the cutting table to trim and roll your print as needed.
8. Return to your workstation to log out and retrieve your personal items.
9. Be sure to clean your space before leaving.

Content limitations

Since the plotter belongs to and is provided by IU, you must adhere to IU's standards when using it. Students are not permitted to print the following:

• Sexual or pornographic material
• Racist material
• Anti-LGBT material
• Anti-religious material
• Political material
• Material relating to drugs or alcohol
• Obscene material
• Any material that would result in your personal financial profit

IU has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to printing materials that fall into the categories listed above.

Get help

Consultants are available to answer your questions regarding plotter project pricing, payment via CrimsonCard, software guidance, and anything else pertaining to your use of the plotter.

Inquiries

For plotter inquiries, call 812-855-3802 (available during Wells Library hours only).