Large-format printing — banners, posters, exhibition graphics, window displays, vehicle wraps — follows the same fundamental principles as standard commercial printing, but the scale introduces some important differences in how artwork should be set up.
Resolution: why 300 dpi is not always the answer
For standard commercial print, 300 dpi at final printed size is the minimum requirement. For large-format printing, this rule changes — large-format graphics are typically viewed from a distance. Guidelines: posters viewed from 1–2 metres: 150 dpi at final size. Exhibition banners viewed from 2–5 metres: 100–120 dpi at final size. Large outdoor banners viewed from 5+ metres: 72–100 dpi at final size. Billboards and very large outdoor graphics: as low as 25–50 dpi at final size. Always confirm the resolution requirement with your printer before finalising your file.
Working at scale: document setup options
A common solution is to work at a reduced scale — typically 1:10 or 1:5 — and increase the resolution proportionally. A banner that will be printed at 3 metres wide can be designed at 30 cm wide at 1,000 dpi (1:10 scale). The printer scales the file up to final size, and the effective resolution at final size is 100 dpi. This approach keeps file sizes manageable while maintaining the correct effective resolution.
Bleed for large-format work
Bleed requirements for large-format work are larger than for standard print. Guidelines: posters and flat graphics: 5–10 mm bleed on all edges. Banners with hemmed edges: 25–50 mm bleed on all edges (the hem folds over the edge of the material). Roller banners (pull-up banners): ask your printer for a template — the exact dimensions vary by banner stand model. Vehicle wraps: always work from a template provided by the printer or wrap installer.
Text and logos in large-format artwork
Text and logos in large-format artwork should always be supplied as vector elements, not rasterised. A vector logo scales to any size without loss of quality. Minimum text sizes for large-format graphics depend on the viewing distance. A general rule: for every metre of viewing distance, text should be at least 25–30 mm tall at final printed size. A banner read from 3 metres away should have body text at least 75–90 mm tall.
File formats for large-format submission
PDF is the preferred format for most large-format work. Supply as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4. For very large files, some printers prefer native application files (AI, PSD) or high-resolution TIFF. Ask your printer for their preferred format and any file size limits before submitting. Always supply a low-resolution preview (JPEG or PDF) alongside your print-ready file so the printer can verify the layout and content without opening the full-size file.