Large Format Printer

 

 

---

Who can use the large-format printer, and what can they use it for?

Any undergraduate or graduate student at Western Carolina University can use the large-format printer to print large research-related items for class assignments, such as maps generated with GIS programs or poster presentations. We can also print items from our digital collections. Not sure if your project qualifies? Contact the Scholar Studio for help.

The large-format printer should only be operated by library staff. This is not a self-serve amenity.

If you need help creating a research poster, check out our guide on research poster design.

What sizes can I print in, and how much does it cost?

We have three widths of paper, and the price depends on which one your project needs. Payment is due when you pick up your print. We accept cash, CatCash, and checks. The student must provide the departmental fund code if a department agrees to be billed for the cost.

24” paper------$3/linear foot

36” paper------$3.50/linear foot

42” paper ----- $4/linear foot

Here are some common poster sizes in scale, along with their prices: 

How many copies can I print?

Two copies per project.

What if I have a non-academic project I want to print at a large scale?

For projects that don’t fall within the scope of what we support, we recommend contacting the WCU Print Shop.

What format should my file be?

Please submit all projects as PowerPoint (PPT) or PDF files, using your name and the date as the filename (for example: guyfawkes_11-05-19.PPT). We need a high-resolution image to print at a large size without losing image quality, so we recommend having the resolution set at 300 DPI. 

What is DPI? How can I find the DPI of my project? 

DPI stands for “Dots per Inch.” The higher your DPI, the more detailed your image will typically be. Resolution refers to the dimensions of an image in pixels. 

To find your image’s resolution on a Mac, right-click on the image in Finder and click Get Info. The dimensions are listed under More Info. To find it on Windows, right-click on the image in File Explorer, click on Properties, and look under Details. 

How do I have something printed?

If your content meets our guidelines and you’ve double-checked the size, email your file to scholarstudio@wcu.edu. Explain what size you want your printed document to be and any other preferences or requirements. Contact the Scholar Studio or stop by the circulation desk if you have any questions. 

You’ll get an email when your print is ready so you can pay for it and pick it up at the Circulation desk. Most prints will be completed and available within 24 hours, depending on the library’s hours. If there is an issue with your print, we’ll contact you.