Whether they’re used to advertise a product, draw attention to an event or service, or communicate a specific message, banners can make an impact that reaches far and wide. But creating a visually compelling, effective large format print requires more than just a great design. With the right printing techniques and materials, large format prints can stand up to the elements and connect with audiences from a distance. Here are some of the top tips for creating large format prints that deliver on their purpose.
1. Start with a High-Resolution Design
Unlike regular print jobs, working with large format prints means starting with high-resolution images. If a banner is printed at a low resolution, it can look blurry or pixelated. This is especially true if the banner is backlit or viewed from a distance.
To avoid this, choose a file size and resolution that will match the display size and viewing distance of the final banner. Banners viewed from a distance will need to be higher in resolution than those that will be viewed up close. A good rule of thumb is to use 300 DPI for banners viewed at a distance and 150 DPI for those that will be viewed up close.
2. Optimize Designs for Large Format Printing
The design process for large format prints is similar to that of smaller print projects, but there are a few key differences. Larger files need to be a bit higher in resolution, and the use of raster graphics can create problems when they are blown up to a larger size. To eliminate these issues, choose a vector-based format like PDF for your designs and make sure that any raster graphics are saved as TIFFs or JPEGs that are high quality and have minimal compression.
It’s also important to ensure that any important information and graphics extend at least 1/8 inch beyond the edge of the banner to prevent cutoffs during production. Also, if you are using fonts that will be converted to outlines during printing, make sure they are embedded in your file so they aren’t lost when the file is enlarged.
3. Consider the Viewing Distance
The audience for a banner can have an impact on its size, shape and printing technique. If it’s intended for a large crowd, it may need to be backlit or printed on a reflective material. If it’s meant to be viewed up close, it may need to be more detailed and include readable text.
4. Keep It Simple
A busy banner can quickly lose its impact, so it’s important to make a clean and cohesive design that’s easy to read from a distance. Avoid overcrowded backgrounds and excessive use of bold fonts, which can cause the letters to compete with each other and lose their effect. Instead, focus on a single visual theme and a concise message that will grab the viewer’s attention and stay in their memory.
Large format printing can be a powerful tool for marketers and brand managers to communicate their message or services to large audiences, and following these tips will help you create an eye-catching banner that delivers on its promise. When choosing a Detroit printing company for your next large-scale banner project, it’s important to select a large format printing company with expertise in working with a wide range of materials and display applications. The right Detroit banner printing partner can ensure your banners live up to their potential and help you reach and engage a wider audience.
