What file types and resolution should I use for large format?
Signs & Banners
PDF is best. We also accept JPG and TIFF. Outline your fonts, convert colors to CMYK and flatten the file before uploading.
Large prints don't need the 300 dpi that paper products do, because they're seen from farther away. At full size, these are good targets:
- Outdoor vinyl banners: about 100 dpi
- Flags: about 150 dpi
- Coroplast signs and adhesive vinyl: about 200 dpi
- Canvas, foam core and PVC: about 250 dpi
- Indoor banners, car magnets, floor graphics and posters: about 300 dpi
For very large banners you can design at a smaller scale and keep the same proportions. Half scale at about 200 dpi or quarter scale at about 300 dpi both work for an outdoor banner. That keeps the file size manageable, since many design programs and PDF viewers can't handle pages over about 200".