The Research Data and Design Commons has two large-format printers for printing research posters, banners and signs. Our two printers, the HP DesignJet Z6dr and the HP DesignJet Z9dr will print PDF files on a 36″ wide roll of matte or glossy paper, on a 36″ wide roll of canvas or on a 42″ wide roll of adhesive fabric.
The printable width of the glossy paper is 36″ while the printable width of the matte and canvas is 35.5″ and for adhesive fabric it is 42″. PDF images should be designed to these specific dimensions to avoid distortion or loss of detail.
We only accept prints in person at the lower-level service desk.
Large-Format Printing Fees
Each roll is produced at a standard width, so the pricing is determined by the length of the print. Rates are listed in full-foot increments but can also be billed at the half-foot increments (6” inches) at half the full foot price.
Payment must be completed prior to printing. We accept UD Flex, credit cards, debit cards or Webform (Requisition ID). Please note that cash or purpose codes/speed types are not accepted.
If you wish to use a purpose code/speed type, please fill out the Request for Service – Large Format Printing webform using that PeopleSoft SpeedType/Purpose Code/ Account Code. Just make sure that the “Research Data and Design Commons (RDDC), Morris Library” is selected as the location. We only accept completed and approved, and sent to the “service provider” webforms. Please come with the Requisition ID number to help us find your web form when you come to print.
| Glossy (36″ wide) | 12″ | $6.00 |
| Matte (35.5” wide) | 12” | $6.00 |
| Canvas (35.5″ wide) | 12″ | $12.00 |
| Adhesive Fabric (42″ wide) | 12″ | $12.00 |
Here are a few examples of charges for typical large-format printing:
| 32″ x 60″ poster on glossy paper (requires five linear feet at $6/ft) | $30.00 |
| 24″ x 35.5″ map on matte paper (requires two linear feet at $6/ft) | $12.00 |
| 18″ x 32″ photo on canvas (requires 1.5 linear feet at $12/ft) | $18.00 |
| 40″ x 36″ photo on adhesive fabric (requires three linear feet at $12/ft) | $36.00 |
Please allow adequate time for the printing and drying of large-format images. For canvas prints, we recommend next-day pickup to allow 24-hours for curing before folding or rolling. Glossy, matte, and adhesive fabric papers dry nearly instantly once printed.
People may watch posters being printed through the window or may leave and return later to claim their prints. Staff are not responsible for any incorrectly formatted PDFs or for poster ink fading over time.
Printing your poster
After the poster is designed, follow these steps to have it printed:
- Please refer to the “RDDC hours (URL)” to check our service desk hours. Note: We stop accepting prints 30 minutes before the service desk closes.
- Bring print-ready PDF files on a USB flash drive to the service desk. If you do not have a flash drive, one can be loaned out at the service desk. (Hint: including your name, such as myname_poster.pdf, as part of the file name helps us stay organized )
- Staff will confirm the image size, quote the price and then accept payment for the poster.
- Posters are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and require approximately 15 minutes. Depending on the volume of requests, same‑day pickup cannot be guaranteed.
- If you choose to wait, your print will be available for pickup as soon as it is completed. If you prefer to return later, we will notify you by email once your poster is ready to pick up.
Payment must be completed before we print the poster. We accept Flex, credit or debit cards. We do not accept cash.
Designing Effective Posters
Please visit the Graphic Design LibGuide for more information on how to design effective posters. You can also find premade research poster templates in that guide.
Another great resource is the Poster and Presentation Resources from The Graduate School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The University of Delaware’s Office of Communications and Marketing website also includes additional resources related to UD Brand Style Guide and how to use UD logos for web or print publication use.
Other Poster Printing Options
In addition to the Research Data and Designs Commons, University of Delaware users may print large format materials using UD’s Smith Hall poster printing during the computing site’s hours of operation or contacting University Printing.
Anyone may take large format printing projects to commercial establishments, such as FedEx Office and Shamrock Printing (vendor names included for informational purposes). Shamrock Printing prints on 36″ to 44″ paper while Fedex Office prints on paper up to 60″ wide. Both can print banners.
For other questions around printing in the library please visit the Print/Scan page.