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Poster CreatorThe poster creator is a free online tool that enables you to create and download your own awareness-raising posters which can be used to promote waste reduction, segregation and recycling. The poster creator is fully integrated with all Waste Aware websites which means you only need one account to make and edit Waste Aware posters of any type, regardless of which of our sites you opened the poster creator from.Poster Types The following poster types are available for waste awareness promotion:
Sample Posters
These links will pop up completed sample posters with examples of the type of key message you can use to promote waste recycling and separation to your staff.
Special FeaturesConstruction Posters
The poster creator now has the following features to make it easier to manage your posters:
How it works
The poster creator provides basic poster design templates that you can change to suit your individual needs by adding your own text and images.
Requirements for using the pdf creator:When you save a poster, the additional personalised details you have added are stored in our database rather than as an image file of your poster. When you open a poster, the poster creator uses Adobe Acrobat Reader to create the image file on the fly and, once you have it open, you may then save it as a pdf image file on your own computer or network. This makes the poster creator faster and more efficient, and means there is no limit to the number of posters you can have. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer or you won't be able to open your posters. Visit www.adobe.com to download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free if you do not have it installed already. Help and InstructionsThe help and instructions have been placed here so that you do not have to leave the section of the poster creator you are in whilst looking up instructions or help. Each subject below covers instructions and troubleshooting. Please have a look at 'Useful Tips' to help you get the most out of the poster creator. Note: Clicking 'Back' will ALWAYS return you to the Overview page. If you do this before performing an action, such as saving a poster or amending your account, the action will not be performed. If you do this after performing an action, this will not undo the action but just return you to the Overview page without performing any further actions. Logging In
Instructions
RegisteringIf you have used the poster creator before, then you are already registered and can log in. Start the poster creator and use the 'Log In' form on the Log In/Register page to log in. Be sure to fill in your email address and password carefully - our forms are case sensitive.
TroubleshootingForgotten Password
If you have forgotten your password, fill in the email address you use for your poster creator account in the 'Log In' form and click the 'here' link in the text below the form on the Log In/Register page. A red message should appear telling you that you have been sent a reminder email. This will be sent to the email address given. Forgotten Password And Email If you have forgotten both the password and the email address, please contact us giving your name, organisation and a current email address. We will amend your account to use that email address and send you a password reminder to that email address. Form Validation Error (pop-up message) All fields in the 'Log In' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. Server Error: Unrecognised email address! (red message) This message appears when you log in and the email address used does not match any of the accounts held in our database. Please check the following:
This message appears when you log in and the password used does not match that used for the account. Please check that you have typed in your password correctly, remember our forms are case sensitive. If you still get this message then follow the instructions given for forgotten password.
Instructions
The Overview PageIf you have not used the poster creator before, then you will need to create an account before you can log in. Start the poster creator and use the 'Register' form on the Log In/Register page to create an account. Be sure to fill in your details carefully - our forms are case sensitive. Note that your chosen password must be 6 - 10 characters long and only contain numbers and letters.
TroubleshootingOnce you have registered your account, you will be automatically logged in and sent to the Overview page. Form Validation Error (pop-up message)
All fields in the 'Register' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. Server Error: Your new choice of email address is already registered! (red message) This message appears when you try to register a new account with the same email address as an existing one. No two accounts can have the same email address, so while you may have more than one account if you wish, you must use a different email address for each. The Overview page is the hub of the poster creator and the main tool for managing your account and its contents.
Making A New Poster
Images are not resized for previewing, so any image larger than 180 x 180 pixels will only show partially from the top left down. Any image with a very large file size will take longer to load and so may not appear instantly. If you arrive on the Overview page and your name doesn't appear or you know you have posters or images in your account and they are not listed at all, please contact us.
Instructions
Editing A PosterStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page use the dropdown menu, 'Choose your poster type' (top right of the 'Your Posters' section), to select which type of poster you would like to make and click 'Go'. You will then be sent to the poster creation/editing page for your chosen poster type where you can use the form provided to enter the details of your poster.
TroubleshootingYour Poster Details:
If you have finished with the poster, click 'Back' (bottom left of the creation/editing page) to return to the Overview page where you can use the 'Open' button to open your new poster in Adobe Acrobat Reader. This will allow you to view your poster and print or save it as a pdf to your own computer/network. Note: Clicking 'Back' BEFORE you have saved your poster will mean that any details you entered in the form will NOT be saved to our database and you will return to the Overview page. If you click 'Back' AFTER saving just means that no further changes will be made to the poster and you will return to the Overview page.
Form Validation Error (pop-up message)
All fields in the 'Log In' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. My image is too large for the space provided If you use an image larger than the space provided in the design, i.e. a 180 x 180 pixel image in a 180 x 90 space, the image will only display partially from the top left down. This is because images are not resized for previewing. When the poster is saved and opened, the image will be proportionally resized to fit in the space provided, so that 180 x 180 image would be resized to 90 x 90. Note: This only changes the apparent dimensions of the image as it appears in the poster, not the actual dimensions of the image file itself. Images with dimensions larger than 180 x 180 pixels (our recommended size) or which have a very large file size will still be useable but will slow things down. You can check whether your image will be need to be resized or not, when the poster is opened, by viewing the poster in 'Preview' mode. The image will not be resized in preview but it will be truncated to show whether the image fits the space or not. If it doesn't fit, then it will be resized to fit when the poster is opened.
Instructions
Deleting A PosterStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page find the name of the poster you wish to edit in your poster list, click on its name to select it and then click 'Edit' in the button column to the right of the poster list. You will then be sent to the poster creation/editing page for your chosen poster where the detail entry form will be populated with the existing details for the poster you have selected. Use the form to edit the poster details you wish to change.
TroubleshootingAt any time during poster editing, you can use the 'Preview' button (bottom right of the creation/editing page) to see what your poster will look like and to see if your text and image(s) will fit in the space provided. You cannot access the detail entry form in this state so click 'Close Preview' to go back to the form view. Once you have finished entering your poster details click 'Save' (bottom right of the creation/editing page) to save your poster to our database. A green message box will appear telling you your poster has been saved. If you wish to continue editing your new poster simply close the box and carry on. If you have finished with the poster, click 'Back' to return to the Overview page where you can use the 'Open' button to open your poster in Adobe Acrobat Reader. This will allow you to view your poster and print or save it as a pdf to your own computer/network. Note: Clicking 'Back' BEFORE you have saved your poster will mean that any changes you entered in the form will NOT be saved to our database and you will return to the Overview page. If you click 'Back' AFTER saving this just means that no further changes will be made to the poster and you will return to the Overview page.
Form Validation Error (pop-up message)
All fields in the 'Log In' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. My image is too large for the space provided If you use an image larger than the space provided in the design, i.e. a 180 x 180 pixel image in a 180 x 90 space, the image will only display partially from the top left down. This is because images are not resized for previewing. When the poster is saved and opened, the image will be proportionally resized to fit in the space provided, so that 180 x 180 image would be resized to 90 x 90. Note: This only changes the apparent dimensions of the image as it appears in the poster, not the actual dimensions of the image file itself. Images with dimensions larger than 180 x 180 pixels (our recommended size) or which have a very large file size will still be useable but will slow things down. You can check whether your image will be need to be resized or not, when the poster is opened, by viewing the poster in 'Preview' mode. The image will not be resized in preview but it will be truncated to show whether the image fits the space or not. If it doesn't fit, then it will be resized to fit when the poster is opened.
Instructions
Opening A PosterStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page find the name of the poster you wish to delete in your poster list, click on its name to select it and then click 'Delete' in the button column to the right of the poster list. A message box will pop up and you will be asked to confirm your deletion request.
TroubleshootingIf you click 'Back' on the message box, your poster will not be deleted. If you click 'OK' on the message box, a red message will appear telling you poster has been deleted successfully and your poster will be deleted from our database. None of the images you have used in it will be deleted and any copies you have of your poster on your own computer/network will remain intact.
Instructions
Uploading An ImageStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page find the name of the poster you wish to open in your poster list, click on its name to select it and then click 'Open' in the button column to the right of the poster list. The 'Opening File' dialogue box for your browser will appear. Click 'OK' or 'OPEN', depending on which browser you are using, to start Adobe Acrobat Reader and open your poster.
TroubleshootingDoing this may also cause your browser (Mozilla, Firefox) to open a 'downloads' box which you can close. This is simply your browser letting you know you have opened a file from the internet, it does not mean you have actually downloaded it or stored it on your computer/network. You must use the 'Save' option on the 'File' menu in Adobe Reader to do that. Please make sure you do have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your machine. If you do have Adobe Acrobat Reader, try opening the poster again. Please ensure, in the 'Open File' dialogue box, that you have the 'Open with Adobe Reader' option selected before clicking 'OK' (Opera, Mozilla, Firefox) or that you have clicked the 'OPEN' button (Internet Explorer). If your poster takes a long time to open, please remember that this may be due to the file size of any image you have used in the poster. Excessively large file sizes will cause the poster creator to run slowly. If you experience any other problems opening a poster, please contact us.
Instructions
Editing An Uploaded ImageStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page click 'Upload New Image' (top right of the 'Your Uploaded Images' section. You will be sent to the Upload Image page where there is a form for you to use to upload your images.
TroubleshootingNote: You are only allowed 10 images in your uploaded image collection and you will not be able to access the Upload Image page if you have 10 images. To upload more images you must delete at least one image first. Your Image Details:
A red message will appear to tell you your image has been successfully uploaded and will also tell you if you have reached your maximum of 10 images. If you have 10 images you will not be able to upload any more images without deleting at least one and should click 'Back' to return to the Overview page.
Form Validation Error (pop-up message)
All fields in the 'Log In' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. Server Error: You have already used the name, "--------", for another image... (red message) This message appears when you try to name a new image with the same name as one already in your collection. No two images in your uploaded image collection can have the same name, so you must use a different name for each. Server Error: You have already uploaded "--------" into your collection under the name "--------" (red message) This message appears when you try to upload a new image source file with the same source file name as one already in your collection under another name. No two images in your uploaded image collection can have the same source file name, so you must use a different source file for each. For example, you cannot upload a file called 'mypicture.gif' if you already have a source file called 'mypicture.gif' in your collection under another name. Server Error: "--------" has not been uploaded... (red message) This message appears because you are only allowed 10 images in your uploaded image collection. If you have 10 images you will not be able to upload any more images without deleting at least one and should click 'Back' to return to the Overview page. Server Error: An Error occured. Please check the attached file (red message) This message appears when there is a transfer problem in uploading your file. The actual server error will be displayed with it. If this should occur, please contact us, quoting the server error, and we will help you resolve the issue.
Instructions
Deleting An Uploaded ImageStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page find the name of the image you wish to edit in your image list, click on its name to select it and then click 'Edit' in the button column to the right of the image list. You will be sent to the Edit Image page where you will have a choice of editing the image's details or swapping another image in your collection for use instead of it in your posters.
TroubleshootingEdit Image You can change either the name and source file of the image you selected, or both at once.
You can change which image is used in your posters by exchanging one image in your collection for another . This process will not delete any images from your uploaded image collection. It allows you to exchange one image for another within your collection in the poster details stored in the database. The new image will appear in all posters the current image is used in instead of it.
Form Validation Error (pop-up message)
All fields in the 'Log In' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. Server Error: You have already used the name, "--------", for another image... (red message) This message appears when you try to rename an image with a name already used for another image in your collection. No two images in your uploaded image collection can have the same name, so you must use a different name for each. Server Error: You have already uploaded "--------" into your collection under the name "--------" (red message) This message appears when you try to replace the current image source file with a new source file which has the same file name as one already in your collection under another name. No two images in your uploaded image collection can have the same source file name, so you must use a different source file for each. Although you may not replace the current image with a source file already in your collection under another name, you may replace it with one which has the same name as itself because you are not duplicating the image but overwriting the existing version. Server Error: An Error occured. Please check the attached file (red message) This message appears when there is a transfer problem in uploading your file. The actual server error will be displayed with it. If this should occur, please contact us, quoting the server error, and we will help you resolve the issue.
Instructions
Editing Your AccountStart the poster creator and log in. On the Overview page find the name of the image you wish to delete in your image list, click on its name to select it and then click 'Delete' in the button column to the right of the poster list.
TroubleshootingYou will then be asked to confirm your deletion request and a red message will appear at the top of 'Your Uploaded Images' telling you how many posters the image is used in. If it is used in any posters, a 'Show List' button will also appear with this message so that you can see a list of the names of the posters the image is used in. If you click 'Back'on the message box, your image will not be deleted and, if it is used in any posters, you can use the 'Show List' button to see which of your posters the image is used in. The button will then change to 'Close List'. If you click 'OK' on the message box, a red message will appear telling you your image has been deleted successfully and your image will be deleted. It will also be removed from all posters held in our database in which it appears. Any copies you have of your poster on your own computer/network will remain intact.
Instructions
Useful TipsStart the postercreator, log in and on the Overview page click the 'Edit My Account' button at the bottom of the page. You will be sent to the Edit Account page where you can edit your account details. The form will be pre-filled with all of your details except password.
TroubleshootingSimply change the details you wish to change (you can change your password at the same time as your personal details) and click 'Update Account'. Your account will be updated and a red message will appear confirming that the account has been updated and listing which details were changed. If you are happy with your changes just click 'Back' to return to the overview page.
Form Validation Error (pop-up message)
All fields in the 'Log In' form are validated before any information is sent to the server. This is just to check that required fields are filled in, information given is in the required format for the field and that no illegal characters appear in any of your entries. Error messages for validation will appear as pop-up message boxes and will instruct you on how to correct your error. Server Error: Your new choice of email address is already registered! (red message) This message appears when you try to change your email address to one used for another account. No two accounts can have the same email address, so while you may have more than one account if you wish, you must use a different email address for each.
Managing Your Images
Edit Image Details:
This useful feature allows you to change the name of an image stored in your uploaded image collection or overwrite an image source file in your collection with another from your computer/network.
This useful feature allows you to change which image you use throughout your posters by swapping one image in your collection for another in use, without having to go through each poster individually and remake the selection. For example: If you have used an image from your collection, 'firstImage.gif', in a few posters but would like to use another image in your collection, 'secondImage.gif', you can use 'Swap Images' to do just that. Both images remain in your collection but which one is used has been changed in the poster details stored. |
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