Posters are one of the most effective marketing techniques. It can capture one’s eyes and convey your message instantly. However, to maximize its benefits, you must ensure that posters are of high quality. One of the easiest ways to create fantastic posters is through Google Docs. To help you get started, we gathered the five best websites that offer free Google Docs poster templates. We are also giving you the steps to create a poster easily using Google Docs. 

Where to Get Free Google Docs Poster Templates? 

Before creating posts on Google Docs, here are the best sites to access free poster templates for various purposes. 

1. GooDocs

The GooDocs offers a library of templates for Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. You can open and edit thousands of professionally designed templates on their website. These templates can be customized for any purpose, including:

  • Resumes 
  • Newspapers 
  • Business Cards
  • Brochures
  • Flyers 
  • Restaurant menus 
  • Calendars 

To see all the templates, click on the category you are interested in. You can also enter the template you need in the search box. Once downloaded, you can customize it according to your tasks and ideas. 

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2. SlidesDocs

SlidesDocs aims to provide professionals and students with customizable templates for docs and presentations. It has a wide selection of office templates, including Google Slides themes, PowerPoint themes and backgrounds, Google Docs or Microsoft Word templates, Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel templates, and infographics. 

To use the website for free, search the topics and download the templates for your presentations or reports. If you want to access millions of creative assets with unlimited downloads, you can avail yourself of the SlidesDocs Premium Plan. 

3. Template.net

Template.net offers 25,000+ beautifully designed, editable templates for various uses. You can download these templates and customize them using your preferred software without starting from scratch. 

One of Template.net’s best features is offering a mix of free and paid templates. Free templates are a good way to try its services, while paid options provide better designs and features. Pro memberships at Template.net start at $8 per month. 

4. Canva

While Canva does not directly offer Google Docs poster templates, you can still use Canva to create posters and easily integrate them into your Google Docs document. To create a new poster design in Canva:

  • Choose a template or start from scratch.
  • Customize the design by adding text, images, and other elements.
  • Export the poster as an image and insert it into your Google Docs poster or document.

Additionally, you can resize the poster to fit your document’s layout. 

5. Marq (formerly Lucidpress)

Marq is a cloud-based web-to-print solution that helps businesses improve sales through posters and brochure printing, digital asset management, and more. The website allows users to design marketing materials using editable templates and embed business logos into the print-ready designs.

Marq uses a per-feature pricing model; The free version allows full access to stock photos with a storage limit of 25MB. However, Pro, Team, and Enterprise plans start at $10 per user/month. 

How to Create a Poster on Google Docs 

Now that you have five free Google Docs poster template options, it’s time to learn how to create your first poster. Here’s the step-by-step guide for making a poster on Google Docs:

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Open your web browser and go to Google Docs. To proceed with your project, ensure that you’re signed in with your Google account. 

To create a new document, Click on the “+” icon. You should rename your document to keep it organized.

Step 2: Set up the page

Setting up the page right ensures your poster looks great and is easy to read. To enhance the visual appeal of your poster, pay attention to your page format and page alignment.  Also, you can change the page orientation, page size, margins, and other things during this step.

Step 3: Add a background

With the right background, you can set the tone for your poster, making it visually interesting and engaging for the audience.

To insert a background image:

  • Click Insert > Image > Upload from your computer or choose another source.
  • Resize and position the image to cover the entire page for a background.
  • Right-click on the image, select Image Options and adjust transparency if needed.

Step 4: Add content

This is the highlight of your poster. Enhance your poster’s impact by using text boxes, images, and shapes to convey your message effectively and create a visually engaging presentation.

To insert text boxes:

  • Click on Insert > Drawing > + New.
  • Click on the Text box icon and draw a text box. Add your text.
  • Resize and position each element to create a balanced layout.
  • Click Save and Close.

To add images:

  • Click on Insert > Image.
  • Choose the source of the image (e.g., upload from a computer, search the web).
  • Insert and resize the image. Move it to the desired position on the poster.

To add shapes and lines

  • Click on Insert > Drawing > + New.
  • Use the shape and line tools to add design elements.
  • Customize color and size.
  • Click Save and Close.
  • Add text and shapes using ‘Drawing’ from the drop-down menu to add custom designs and text

Step 5: Customize your design 

Experiment with different fonts and colors and change how you arrange things to create an eye-catching, easy-to-understand design. Pick fonts big enough to read from a distance and use colors that contrast nicely so your message pops.

Use alignment tools to neatly align elements and keep your design balanced. Consider who you’re trying to reach and choose design elements they’ll connect with. 

Step 6: Review and finalize the document

This step is essential for catching errors like spelling or format misalignments. Check your layout to ensure all design elements are in place and easy for your readers to view. Likewise, review the clarity of your text; you don’t want your main message to be missed! Then, add finishing touches to improve the overall design to confirm it’s ready for printing or sharing without any last-minute surprises.

After ensuring that your poster content is complete, save and download:

  • Click on File > Download > PDF Document or another format if you need a high-quality printable version.
  • Save your poster and download it as a PDF to share digitally.

Step 7: Print or Share 

Now that you’ve completed the final checks and your poster is ready, on to your final step.

You can download the finished poster or get a shareable link to send it via email or other digital channels. Choose how you want to share your poster based on your audience’s activity. If you need a physical copy, print your poster using your printer settings.

Skip the DIY, Let Penji Design your Poster! 

Do you need a show-stopping poster but need more time or skill? Google Docs poster templates may not be enough to achieve your desired design. That said, forget the DIY and work only with Penji. 

Penji’s talented graphic designers can help you design logos, posters, advertisements, and more. Subscribe now and enjoy quick turnaround times, unlimited revisions, and a flat-rate monthly plan. Watch our demo video to learn more.