How to Design a Graduation Poster: No Experience Needed

Learn to create eye-catching graduation posters with online tools like CapCut Web. Access free templates, design tips, and stock images to make stunning posters easily and quickly.

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CapCut
CapCut
Jul 1, 2025
16 min(s)

You don't need any graphic design experience to make a graduation poster, and if you have the right tools, like CapCut Web, you too can design your own professional poster to celebrate this milestone in your life. In this guide, we will cover how to design a great graduation poster with best practice methods and beneficial information, including how to design a colorful, vibrant, great graduation poster, helpful suggestions, fun themes, and a quick and easy step by step process. Let's get started and make sure your graduation poster is one to remember!

Table of content
  1. What is a graduation poster
  2. Popular graduation poster sizes
  3. Various approaches to graduation poster making with CapCut Web
  4. Bonus Tip: Use images from free stock websites
  5. Creative graduation poster ideas to make yours stand out
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

What is a graduation poster

A graduation poster is a type of design, typically in a large format (24' x 36' ), made to represent a graduate's accomplishment. Graduation posters usually feature the graduate's name, the year of graduation, logos of the school or university attended, and pictures or images. Graduation posters are often displayed at the ceremony, at a celebration party, or kept on display at home as a memento or keepsake. Graduation posters can be proudly displayed in many forms, from the more formal poster to a more creative and fun poster depending on the personality of the graduate or the style of the event.

Graduation posters are also perfect to share on social media or to have a personal reminder of an important accomplishment. The democratization of graphic design with things like CapCut Web allows anyone to create professional-looking posters without knowledge of graphic design.

Graduation poster

Popular graduation poster sizes

When designing your graduation poster, it is very important to determine what size you want to print, or use digitally. Here are some options for poster dimensions:

  • A4 posters (8.5" x 11"): This is the most standard size, perfect for smaller events or for sharing digitally. The dimensions for A4 posters in pixels are 2550 x 3300 px.
  • Small posters: (11" x 17"): A slightly larger option than A4, these posters offer a bit more space for creativity. The pixel dimensions are 3300 x 5100 px.
  • Medium posters (18" x 24"): These are ideal for displaying at events or in larger spaces. The pixel dimensions for medium posters are 2550 x 3300 px.
  • Large posters (24" x 36"): If you want a show-stopping design, large posters are the way to go. The pixel dimensions are 3000 x 4500 px.

The CapCut Web tool supports these sizes and you can easily resize the design for the dimensions you choose. Now that you've decided on your poster's size, it's time to start designing! With CapCut Web, you can either start from scratch or use a template-based approach. Let's take a look at both methods in the upcoming section and learn more about the magical graduation poster making tool.

Various approaches to graduation poster making with CapCut Web

CapCut Web is an intuitive and versatile online design tool that makes creating a graduation poster simple and accessible for everyone, regardless of design experience. Its user-friendly design, allows you to customize templates or create your own work from scratch. CapCut Web enables you to rely on your good taste and creativity to follow through on those ideas. From simple drag-and-drop editing, free-use stock photos, different text styles, and endless layouts to work from, making graduation posters through CapCut Web is super easy. CapCut Web streamlines the process, ensuring you can create a professional-looking poster in no time. In this section, we'll explore different approaches to making graduation posters using CapCut Web's powerful tools.

CapCut Web workshop

Key features of CapCut Web for graduation poster making

  • Extensive templates and presets: CapCut Web provides a wide array of professionally designed templates, including those specifically for marketing and invitations, which can be adapted for graduation posters. These templates offer a great starting point, saving time and ensuring a visually appealing layout. Users can simply choose a template and then customize it to fit their graduation theme.
  • Rich library of decorative elements: To add personality and visual interest, CapCut Web offers a wide range of stickers, shapes, and other graphic elements. These can be used to emphasize details, add a celebratory touch, or simply enhance the overall design.
  • Powerful image editing tools: CapCut Web's image tools are essential for crafting polished graduation posters. These include an AI-powered background remover for isolating subjects cleanly, an image upscaler to ensure photos remain sharp even when enlarged for printing, and a versatile collage maker to creatively arrange multiple celebratory moments. Additionally, a range of filters and effects allows for consistent aesthetics and mood.
  • Flexible export and sharing options: Once the poster is complete, CapCut Web allows users to download their creation in various formats and resolutions, suitable for both digital sharing (e.g., on social media) and high-quality printing. This ensures that the final poster looks great wherever it's displayed.

Create nostalgic graduation posters using CapCut Web templates

Relive cherished memories and celebrate achievements with nostalgic graduation posters created effortlessly on CapCut Web. Its diverse templates provide the perfect foundation, letting you blend classic charm with personal touches. Design a poster that not only marks a milestone but also evokes the warmth of treasured moments.

    STEP 1
  1. Access the "Templates" option

To start the process of creating your graduation poster, you need to first sign up for CapCut Web, using the website link provided above. After successfully creating an account, you can proceed to head over to your dashboard and then select the "Templates" option.

Select the templates option

Once you click on the "Templates" option, you will be introduced to a new page, where you will be allowed to search for "Video" as well as "Image" templates, specifically catered for your graduation passout. Be sure to select the "Image" option from the drop-down menu and then enter your preferred search term. Alternatively, you can browse through the featured image templates presented right in front of you.

Search for your graduation poster

Upon hitting the search button, you will be presented with some template options to choose from. Be sure to browse through and select the one that fits your vision.

Select your template

Once you click on a template, a new pop-up window will appear asking you to "Use this template". If you are sure about your choice, simply click on it.

Use your selected template
    STEP 2
  1. Customize your graduation poster

In the next step, you will be presented CapCut Web's online photo editing tools, to help you create the perfect poster for your use case scenario. Since each tool has a distinct function, let's go over them one-by-one. Start by first resizing your template size to match your requirements. To do this, click on the "Resize" button on the right-hand side of your screen.

Resize your graduation poster

On doing that, a pop-up window will come up, asking you to set the new size or resolution, based on the social channel you will be sharing. You can then click on "Resize" to instantly resize your poster on the same page, or select "Resize on new page" to open up a new web page with your resized image for further editing.

Select your new resolution

After resizing your image, you can then turn your attention towards modifying other parts of the template. To do that, you need to first select the specific element you want to change or alter, and then choose the appropriate options. For instance, you can start re-arranging various elements of the poster by playing with the "Layers" or using the editing tools to adjust the style, size, spacing, etc. of the text. You can also change the placeholder images with graduation photos of your own.

Adjust various elements of the posters using the layers

And if you are planning to replace any element from the poster, all you need to do is select the specific element on your graduation poster, and use the "Replace" (recycle icon) option to change it. For example, you can change one specific logo (like we have shown in the screenshot) to something better, such as your own school logo or emblem. Conversely, you can click on the three-dotted menu to reveal the "Delete" function, through which you can eliminate certain elements of the poster.

Replace or delete elements of the poster

Once you are done with your basic poster adjustments, you can delve in the more advanced side of things. To accomplish this, explore your options on the right-hand side of your screen, which includes playing with the different layers of your poster elements, choosing the right filter and effects, and adjusting the poster's color, details, and light exposure.

Customize your graduation poster with filters, effects, etc.

There is also the option of removing the background from any image and changing the opacity of the poster. Additionally, you get access to the "Smart tools", through which you can upscale images, improve photos taken in low-light, and enhance the faces of people (retouch), and much more.

Customize your graduation poster with smart tools, remove background, etc.

Then, on the left-hand side of your screen, you get the option to change the various design elements in your poster (theme, color, fonts), add text to your poster, include shapes and stickers, integrate frames and collages, upload additional media, and much more. Apart from that, you can play with the various plugins provided, such as image generator, image studio, text-to-design, and AI model.

Customize your graduation poster with text, media, etc.
    STEP 3
  1. Preview and export

If you are finally satisfied with how things look on your poster, you can select the "Download all" option to swiftly download your created poster in your preferred quality, size, and format. Conversely, you can share the same with your batch mates on Facebook and Instagram.

Export your finalized poster

Create stunning graduation posters using CapCut Web photo editor

Unleash your creativity and design stunning graduation posters using CapCut Web's powerful photo editor. Beyond templates, its robust tools—like background removal, image upscaling, and artistic filters—allow you to elevate your photos, creating a visually captivating tribute to academic success. Make your graduation announcement truly stand out.

    STEP 1
  1. Access "Image > New image"

Begin your journey by first signing into your CapCut Web account and then accessing the "New image" under the main "Image" tab.

Select the new image option

You will then be redirected to a new web page, where you will be allowed to upload your graduation poster for further editing. Alternatively, if you would like to work with a blank canvas, remember to select the ideal resolution for the same. Generally, graduation posters represent verticality (long lengthwise), so make sure you select a resolution like 1080 by 1920 pixels for the ultimate results.

Upload your poster for editing
    STEP 2
  1. Edit your uploaded graduation poster

Upon uploading your poster to CapCut Web's servers, you will get access to its myriad tools, ready to be taken advantage of. Start toying around with the editing tools on the right-hand side of your screen, which include options such as layers, filters, and effects. Then you have the options to adjust color, details, and light balance, in your poster, along with changing opacity. There is also the background removal tool and the addition of "Smart tools", where with the former you can remove background from any image, while with the latter, you get access to AI functions such as image upscaler, low-light image enhancer, retouch, etc.

Edit your poster with effects, smart tools, etc.

Moving over to the left-hand side of the screen, you get access to the option to upload your media, change the design elements of your poster (fonts, themes, colors), add text and shapes, include stickers and frames, and even integrate collages for multiple photos. The options are truly endless, to say the least. Additionally, you can play with various available plugins, such as the text-to-design option, image generator, and so on.

Edit your poster with stickers, frames, etc.
    STEP 3
  1. Preview and export

Lastly, if you are happy with the graduation poster created thus-far, you can simply click on the "Download all" button, and your poster will be downloaded based on your preferred size, quality, and format. Alternatively, you can share the same across your social media channels, such as Facebook and Instagram directly, so that your classmates can see what you are up to.

Export your graduation poster

Bonus Tip: Use images from free stock websites

To take your graduation poster designs to the next level, you can import images from free stock sites to add to it. CapCut Web allows you to import images, making the process more smooth and interesting.

  • Unsplash

Unsplash has a wide variety of free lifestyle images or portraits, which are perfect for graduation posters. A photo is an excellent option for a graduation poster, and you won't find any images that limit you to formal or informal style; there are high quality, high resolution images for any style you may want to add a personal touch to your design.

Unsplash graduation poster design ideas
  • Pexels

Pexels is a quality source for graduation images and images of students in general. If you plan on using images of the graduation celebration; perhaps a cap toss, or when students reflect on their momentous day, Pexels has an extensive library of free images symbolizing any gracious event, which will be great to use in your poster.

Pexels graduation poster
  • Pixabay

If you want to include a small variety of graphics, Pixabay is the best for vector art, icons or illustrations. Pixabay has a large variety of resources to use in enhancing the creativity of your graduation poster, especially if you want unique or custom illustrations or visuals.

Pixabay graduation poster
  • Freepik

Freepik has an assortment of illustrations and poster vectors you can edit and modify. Freepik has a pretty good variety of resources that are editable, and useful for posters. You will be happy to know that there are a lot of free designs for academic events, and that some images/illustrations do require attribution. If you want to actually have unique elements added to your poster, Freepi k is a useful resource for us.

Freepix graduation poster design

Creative graduation poster ideas to make yours stand out

Make a one-of-a-kind, stunning graduation poster by personalizing it to add your own creative flair. CapCut Web gives you the tools and templates to create posters that aim to stand out. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:

  • Photo collage posters

Photo collage posters are a fantastic way to showcase the graduate's journey. Combine various images from their academic years, special moments, and graduation day to tell a story. CapCut Web's collage templates make arranging photos easy, allowing you to create a heartwarming visual narrative.

Photo collage poster example
  • "Then & Now" timeline posters

A "Then & Now" poster highlights how much graduates have changed over the years. Place a childhood photo alongside a recent graduation picture to showcase their journey. This design can be enhanced with captions, dates, and a timeline to further personalize the experience.

"Then & Now" timeline poster example
  • Inspirational quote-based posters

Motivational quotes are a great addition to any graduation poster, offering encouragement and celebrating achievement. Whether it's a famous quote or a personal message, CapCut Web makes it easy to choose fonts and layout styles that make the quote stand out as the centerpiece of the design.

Inspirational quote-based poster example
  • Minimalist style posters

If you're looking for a more sophisticated and modern aesthetic, minimalist posters are the best option! Make use of an image or simple icon, select a clean font, and use plenty of white space to ensure a modern look. CapCut Web-standardizable templates can help you achieve a minimalist theme while maintaining elegance.

Minimalist style poster example
  • Posters with school colors and mascots

School pride can shine through in your poster by incorporating the school's colors, logos, or mascots. This design celebrates both the graduate's achievement and their school community. CapCut Web's tools make it simple to match color schemes and include high-quality images or logos that reflect school spirit.

Poster example with school colors and mascots

Conclusion

We have covered the basics of creating an amazing graduation poster, including the typical poster sizes, ideas to use, and how to use CapCut Web's amazing features to design your graduation poster. You can either start from a blank canvas or a templated poster, and CapCut Web has everything you need to get started for free, including stock images, text styles and text layouts. We also included some creative ideas for graduation posters, including photo collage, inspirational quotes, and minimalist designs. Using the easy-to-use features on CapCut Web can help you create a unique and professional-looking graduation poster in no time. Create your poster today and be creative to make the graduation poster as unique as the graduate!

FAQs

    1
  1. Can I create a digital graduation poster to share online only?

Yes, CapCut Web allows you to create digital posters that are optimized for online sharing. With a wide selection of customizable templates, design elements, and AI-powered tools, you can create a personalized graduation poster in minutes. Once done, you can easily download your design in PNG, JPEG, or PDF digital formats. You can also share it on social media like Facebook and Instagram.

    2
  1. What is the ideal text size and font style for readability?

For graduation posters, use bold, legible fonts like Bebas Neue, Playfair Display, or Montserrat to ensure names and messages stand out. CapCut Web offers a wide font library and lets you preview styles instantly. You can adjust font size, spacing, and color easily to suit your design, perfect for both digital and print poster visibility.

    3
  1. Can I reuse graduation poster templates for other events?

Absolutely! CapCut Web templates are truly flexible and can be easily edited for other events such as birthdays, anniversaries or promotions, to name a few. You are able to reuse and tailor the same template as you can change the text and images.