Photoline

How to make the perfect large format banner display

SIMPLIFY

Simplicity is king. Banners and large format posters are supposed to grab attention and then deliver their message in seconds. That’s all the time you have.

First of all, choose one main message for your banner. Then, you’ll need a striking image or design-led text for fast fire impact. Include your logo, unless perhaps it’s an in-house display. Add a web address over and above a phone number—they’re easier to remember.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT LARGE FORMAT BANNER DISPLAY

Coco Chanel once said: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.” And it’s the same with your banner. Look it over carefully at the end and take one thing off. You’ll be pleased you did. 

AMPLIFY

Banners and large format posters need to be seen and read at a distance—and often when the viewer is being distracted by lots of other things. Think about how much time it takes to process the road signs at an unfamiliar roundabout and give people the best chance to taking the right direction… to your business!

Be sure to keep words to a minimum and use large text in an easily readable font. Imagine you’re shouting across a busy road at someone: you’d have to keep your choice of words short and to-the-point, right? It’s exactly the same with print materials: make your banner SHOUT.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT LARGE FORMAT BANNER DISPLAY

At the same time, be sure to include any vital information. If you’re advertising an event, for example, it’s essential you include the date, time and location… you’d be surprised how easy it is to overlook these details. Ask someone who knows nothing about your business or what you’re advertising to look at the final design. Is it clear to them? Is there anything else they feel that they need to know?


DIVERSIFY

Your large format print needs to stand out. If you’re creating a banner for a specific place, then show your designer the location, so that he or she can create a design that contrasts well with the surroundings. If you’re creating something like an exhibition banner that will be used repeatedly in different places, then go for a more classic design with text that stands out clearly from the background.

Don’t forget to think about how your banner is going to be hung or attached to the supporting material. Keep this area clear of any image or text.

Here are a few design things to check before you rush off to the printers:

  • Source high resolution graphics or vector images.
  • Don’t increase images far past their original size.
  • Make sure all photos are at a resolution of 300dpi
  • Keep all text at least few millimetres away from the edge of the page if not given guidelines on bleed and slug from your print company.
  • Request a colour proof if you need to absolutely sure on the shade and tone of the graphics

Find out more about our flag, banner and large format printing service by visiting the product section of our website or giving us a call on 0191 232 5454