What Kinds of Projects Need Wide Large Format Printing?

Some projects are just too big for a regular printer. When you need a sign you can see from across the street, a banner that stretches across a wall or a display that turns heads at an expo, wide format printing is especially beneficial.

Wide format printing gives you room to extend your print and make it visible from afar. It’s also used for large visuals that need to stand out and stay sharp even when viewed up close. In this blog, we’ll look at what wide format printing is, the types of projects that use it for and what to keep in mind when designing for it.

Wide format printing, or otherwise known as large format printing, uses specialised printers that can handle larger materials than a standard office printer. Instead of printing on A4 or A3 sheets, these printers work with rolls of paper, vinyl, fabric or other materials that are designed for big visual displays.

This type of printing uses the same process as printing posters, signage, banners, exhibition graphics and other oversized pieces. You can learn more about the process in our guide on how large format printing works in various applications. 

If your project needs to grab attention, remain legible from a distance and perform reliably in public spaces, large format is the best printing option. Some of the most common uses include:

Posters and banners that need to stand out

Big posters and pull-up banners are the staple projects of wide format printing. They’re ideal for anywhere you need a large visual with clear text and images, including storefronts, trade shows, events or conferences.

For more about posters and banner options, see posters and banners.

Event signage

From welcome boards to directional signage, wide format printing can transform an empty venue into a branded, polished environment. At a conference, expo or product launch, these larger signs guide guests easily through the space so they always know where to go.

Retail displays

Retailers often use wide format printing to create window graphics, point-of-sale displays and wall signage. These larger-than-life visuals draw people in and help create a branded atmosphere inside a store.

Vehicle graphics

Vehicle wraps and decals are also created using wide format printers. The design needs to be sharp and precise as it will be applied to a large surface. Through this process, a single van or car effectively becomes a moving billboard.

Large format fabric printing

Sometimes the base material isn’t paper or vinyl. Large format fabric printing is also used for soft signage, exhibition backdrops, tablecloths and even promotional flags. Fabric prints are easy to transport, hang and reuse, making them perfect for events where you need lightweight but durable displays.

Opting for a bigger printing size doesn’t mean you can simply scale up any image and call it done. Design for wide format needs some extra care. Our team at Snap Print Solutions has put together some essential tips to help you design with confidence:

• Start with a high-resolution file. Images that look good on a small screen can become blurry when expanded. A designer who knows the correct image resolution for large format printing can save you the hassle.
• Think about viewing distance. Text needs to be readable from further away. Keep your message simple and use large fonts.
• Leave space in the design. Clean layouts stand out more than cluttered ones, especially when people see them from across a room or a busy street.
• Match your colours. Big prints magnify colour issues. Use CMYK colour mode and test prints where possible.

For a full breakdown, take a look at our info sheet on large format printing.