Large Format Printing: Posters, Banners and Beyond

What counts as large format?

Large format printing covers anything bigger than A3 (297mm x 420mm). That includes A2 and A1 posters, banners, exhibition graphics, and anything printed on a wide-format inkjet or flatbed press. If it is too big for a standard office printer, it falls into large format territory.

At Papercut, our large format range covers everything from standard posters through to specialist waterproof posters and backlit posters for illuminated displays.

Standard poster sizes explained

Most poster printing follows the ISO A-series paper sizes:

• A3 (297 x 420mm): Window displays, notice boards, menus
• A2 (420 x 594mm): Shop windows, indoor advertising, event promotion
• A1 (594 x 841mm): High-impact displays, trade show graphics, retail signage
• A0 (841 x 1189mm): Exhibition stands, large retail displays, architectural plans

We also print custom sizes for specific display requirements. If you have a frame or display case with non-standard dimensions, we can match it.

Paper and material options

The right material depends on where your poster will be displayed and for how long.

Silk and gloss paper is the standard choice for indoor posters. It gives vibrant colours, looks professional, and works well for short to medium-term displays. Most event posters and promotional materials are printed on 170gsm to 250gsm silk or gloss.

Waterproof poster material is essential for anything going outdoors or in a damp environment. Our waterproof posters are printed on synthetic stock that will not buckle, tear, or fade in rain. Ideal for outdoor notice boards, construction site signage, and any location exposed to the elements.

Backlit film is designed for light boxes and illuminated displays. Backlit posters are printed on translucent material that lets light pass through evenly, making colours appear vivid and luminous. You see these in shopping centres, airports, bus shelters, and retail window displays.

Getting your artwork right for large format

Large format printing is less forgiving of low-resolution images. At A4 size, a slightly soft image might go unnoticed. At A1, it will be obvious. As a rule, supply images at 150dpi at the final print size as an absolute minimum. 300dpi is ideal if your file size allows it.

Bleed is still important. Add 3mm to 5mm of bleed on all sides, even on large prints. And keep critical content (text, logos) at least 10mm from the trim edge, as large sheets can shift slightly during cutting.

If you are unsure about file setup, our guide on setting up print-ready artwork covers the fundamentals, and we check every file before it goes to press.

Indoor vs outdoor: choosing the right product

The decision tree is straightforward:

• Indoor, short-term (weeks): Standard silk or gloss poster
• Indoor, long-term (months): Heavier stock (200gsm+) or consider lamination
• Outdoor: Waterproof poster or rigid signage like correx or foam board
• Illuminated display: Backlit poster

For outdoor use over longer periods, rigid substrates tend to last better than flexible media. But for temporary outdoor campaigns (a weekend event, a one-month promotion), waterproof posters do the job at a lower cost.

When to go large

Large format works best when you need to grab attention at a distance. A window display, an exhibition backdrop, a point-of-sale feature wall. If people are walking past at speed, bigger is almost always better. Pair your posters with roller banners at events for maximum impact with minimal setup time.