July 31, 2025

The Complete Guide to Large Format Printing

In some cases, bigger is better. Large format printing is a potent marketing tool that empowers businesses to showcase captivating graphics and messages on a massive scale. A colossal banner stretches across the facade of your storefront, boldly announcing a sale or promotion to passersby. From the bright lights of a trade show to the bustling streets of a downtown area, large format printing guarantees your brand gets noticed. With large format printing, your message is not only seen but demands attention. By grabbing attention and generating interest, it is a game-changer for businesses seeking to make a lasting impression.

 

What Is Large Format Printing?

Large format printing refers to any project that is printed on large sheets of paper or other materials. These projects are typically too large to be created on standard commercial printing presses. Instead, they require specialized equipment to give you an expanded printing area.

On flatbed printers, the material is placed on the flat surface of the printer, and UV light turns liquid ink into solid ink in order to print directly onto the material. Roll-to-roll printers print on flexible materials, such as vinyl banners or canvas, by rolling the materials through.

Graphic-heavy designs and print jobs that need to be seen from a distance are great contenders for large format printing. Some of the most common large format print products include banners, posters, and trade show displays.

The Benefits of Large Format Printing

There are tons of benefits to using large format printing for your organization. Most importantly, large format printers make it possible to produce signage and graphics of all sizes. When you need your message to be highly visible, a large format printer makes it happen.

Large format printing is also versatile and assists in a wide array of marketing efforts. By making text and graphics larger, you can grab the attention of passersby and get your message across faster. Large signage boldly announces your services and latest updates to potential customers, while keeping existing ones informed about essential information and exciting offers. It effectively promotes special events and ensures your branded messages stand out, building brand recognition with ease.

Technology in the large format printing industry has also evolved over the years. This allows for more creative applications and material options. Instead of paper, you can create large-format print products out of vinyl, canvas and other textiles, wood, glass, and more! Even better, large format printing is cost-effective and typically produces high ROI.

 

5 Large Format Print Essentials

Large format printing lends itself to a wide array of products. Here are five of the most common large format uses for businesses of all sizes.

1. Banners

Large banners effectively showcase new products and promote special offers. When you need to display a message loud and clear, consider hanging a banner from the marquee in front of your business or on a fence for street-level advertising. People walking or driving by will inevitably notice it.

The most common material for banners is vinyl, which is both flexible and durable, so it’s good for long-term use inside and outside. When you design your banner, keep a few tips in mind. Use an easy-to-read font and keep the word count short, so it’s readable in just a few seconds. You also want the banner to be readable from far away. As a general rule of thumb: 1 inch of height equals 10 feet of visibility. So, if your message needs to be seen from 30 feet away, the text needs to be at least 3 inches tall.

2. Blueprints

Architectural, construction, and interior design businesses rely on blueprints to showcase their plans for a client’s space with professionalism. In contrast to standard small format printing, blueprint printing requires unique sizes and materials.

Blueprint paper needs to be durable in order to last the length of the project and resist wear and tear from regular use. Large format printers can create blueprints on differently weighted materials, such as 20 lb, 24 lb, or 32 lb paper. It’s also common for blueprints to be printed on vellum, which is a smooth and durable material made from synthetic materials, cotton, and wood pulp.

Blueprints need to be large in order to show more detail to the client and the team using them. There are a few common sizes used in blueprint printing:

  • 18″ x 24″ (Arch C)
  • 24″ x 36″ (Arch D)
  • 30″ x 42″
  • 36″ x 48″ (Arch E)

3. Posters

Large format posters are applicable to a wide range of businesses. You might need a single poster for an event or meeting, or a group of posters to use as wall decorations or advertisements in your storefront. Regardless of what you use them for, posters grab attention and make a big impact.

Create custom posters that showcase your logo and taglines, brand messages, mission or value statements, inspirational quotes, photography, brand imagery, or abstract designs to elevate your office space. Place attention-grabbing posters in your storefront windows or at aisle end caps to promote new products or special offers and draw customers in.

Posters are cost-effective, fast to produce, and easy to replace regularly. They’re also available in a range of sizes to best fit your space:

  • 11″ x 17″
  • 12″ x 18″
  • 13″ x 19″
  • 18″ x 24″
  • 24″ x 36″
  • Custom sizes 

4. Trade Show Displays

If your business is attending a conference or trade show, make your booth unforgettable at conferences and trade shows and give attendees a reason to stop by. A well-designed and expertly printed trade show display grabs attention, establishes credibility, and sets your brand apart from the competition.

High-impact, large format displays featuring bold designs, your logo, and brand colors immediately capture attendees’ attention. As attendees approach, engaging displays can teach them about your products and services. 

Depending on the trade you’re attending and your company’s needs, here are just a few of the attention-grabbing pieces your display may need:

  • Acrylic and aluminum signs
  • A-frame signs
  • Branded table covers
  • Canopy tents
  • Foamcore and gatorboard displays
  • Pop-up displays
  • Table-top displays
  • Vinyl and fabric banners
  • X-Style collapsible or retractable banners

5. Yard Signs

Yard signs are the ideal choice for large, outdoor signage that meets both short- and long-term needs. Much like banners, yard signs grab attention and convey a message from a distance. With this in mind, keep your message concise and easy to read for maximum impact.

Most yard signs are made of corrugated plastic — a durable material that can withstand the elements — and a metal stake. This way, they won’t fly away or disintegrate in rain or snow, making them cost-effective, long-lasting, and reusable.

Depending on your message, yard signs come in a few different sizes:

  • 12″ x 18″
  • 18″ x 24″
  • 24″ x 36″

Turn to PostNet for Your Large Format Prints

The possibilities for large format printing are almost endless. Whether you need a banner advertising a limited-time promotion or a trade show display that wows the crowd, working with a large format print provider will help you make your message stand out! If your business is in need of large format print products, turn to the design and printing experts at PostNet. Stop by your local center to get started or connect with our team online today.

Categories:

Print Related Posts

Three colorful, creative boxes

Multi-Channel Marketing: Making Your Print & Digital Tactics Work Together

Learn More About Multi-Channel Marketing: Making Your Print & Digital Tactics Work Together
Back to Top
Find a Location