It is important to remember that images and graphics can help break up text. You can convey complex information visually – through charts and graphs. When using images from the internet, trying searching Creative Commons for royalty free images. And always give credit to where you found your pictures. Like using color, don’t over do it.
Empty space is not negative space.
Aim for 40% graphic content; try to find ways in which to show your research visually.
1. Use high resolution images. Images taken off the internet may look great on-screen but may not have a high enough resolution when made large on a poster. (300 dpi is recommended.) One example of a great resource for free images is Pixabay.
2. View your poster at 100% in the software you are using to make sure images are clear.
3. Save your poster to a PDF (no matter what software you are using) and viewing it at 100% will ensure it will print the same computer to computer.
4. You can do an Advanced Image Search in Google to find large images.
Public Domain Images
You may conduct an Advanced Google Image Search to find images that are licensed to be used.
To do so, click on "Images" in Google in the upper right-hand corner. Then, go to "Settings" in the bottom right-hand corner and select "Advanced Search."
Then, you may search Google for large images, or ones less likely to pixelate, and ones that you are licensed to use (under usage rights).
Searching Google:
Other Useful Sites & Databases for Images