Wide format print covers a broad range of applications: banners, signage, exhibition graphics, window displays, wallcoverings, vehicle wraps, and more. If you’re approaching it for the first time, the range of options and the specific production requirements can feel unfamiliar compared to standard print.
A few things are worth understanding before you place an order, both to get the result you want and to avoid the issues that catch first-time buyers out.
Resolution works differently at large sizes
One of the most common misconceptions about wide format print is that high-resolution artwork from a standard print project will translate directly to a large-format application. It often doesn’t.
At close viewing distances, wide format print needs high resolution, typically 150 to 300 dpi at the final output size. At further viewing distances, the requirement drops because the eye can’t resolve fine detail from a distance. A banner viewed from five metres doesn’t need the same resolution as a product label viewed in hand.
Before you size your artwork, think about where the finished piece will be viewed from and at what distance. That determines what resolution you actually need, and whether your existing files will work or need to be recreated.
File format matters more than you might expect
Vector files, typically AI, EPS, or PDF with embedded vectors, are the safest format for wide format print because they scale without quality loss. Raster files, JPEG, PNG, and similar, are resolution-dependent and can soften or pixelate when scaled up significantly.
If your design contains logos, text, or graphics that are vector-based, make sure they’re provided as vectors rather than rasterised into a flat image file. This is one of the most frequent causes of quality issues in wide format production.
Substrate choice changes everything
The material the design is printed onto has a significant effect on how it looks and how long it lasts. Outdoor banners need materials that can withstand weather. Exhibition graphics used indoors can be lighter and less robust. Wallcoverings need to be suitable for the surface they’re applied to. Window graphics need specific adhesive properties depending on whether they’re applied to the inside or outside of the glass.
If you’re not sure which substrate is right for your application, describe the environment the printed piece will be used in, how long it needs to last, and whether it needs to be repositioned or removed. A good print supplier will point you in the right direction.
Bleed and safe zones still apply
Wide format print has the same requirements for bleed and safe zones as standard print, but the scale makes the consequences of getting it wrong more visible. A background that doesn’t extend to the edge of a large banner, or text that’s too close to the trim line, will be immediately noticeable at the finished size.
Most wide format suppliers will provide a template or specification document for the size and format you’re ordering. Use it rather than setting up the file from scratch.
Lead times are longer than for standard print
Wide format print, particularly for larger or more complex jobs, takes longer to produce than standard digital print. Factor this into your planning, especially if the piece is needed for a specific event or launch date.
If you’re working to a tight deadline, let the supplier know upfront. Some jobs can be expedited, but it’s better to build enough time in at the start than to rely on a rush turnaround.
Birch handles wide format print across a range of applications, from banners and signage to exhibition graphics and point of sale materials. If you have a brief you want to discuss, get in touch via the contact page and the team will advise on the best approach for your project.
