If you walk down a street, enter a shopping mall, or join a trade show, you’ll probably observe large format prints nearby. Using large-scale visuals such as banners and window graphics will catch viewers’ eyes, unlike the size of a phone screen. But what exactly is large format printing?
For people in charge of a business or marketers setting up future events, learning the basic principles of large format printing helps create better, more memorable visuals.
Okay, let’s review the important parts of large format printing, including its definition, the method, how it stacks up against standard printing, and what’s included when you make an order.
What Is Large Format Printing?
Printing wide-format means using a process for printing materials that are too big for usual commercial printers. Usual printers only handle sizes up to A3 or A2, but a large format printer can take in widths as large as 100 inches and in rare cases much more.
Imagine, for example, creating a huge wall poster, or covering a building’s walls with artwork. That’s large format printing in action.
Most of the time, the tool is applied to produce noteworthy graphic designs for marketing purposes.
- Banners
- Posters
- Signage
- Wall murals
- Window decals
- Floor graphics
- Trade show displays
- Vehicle wraps
- Construction site hoardings
If a print is made for a big audience and meant to be seen across a wide space, it probably comes from large format printing.
How Does Large Format Printing Work?
Essentially, large format printing makes use of advanced digital printers that have ample print space and new types of ink. They are able to print wide and at the same time provide precise color accuracy so that your images remain sharp at any size.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
At this point, artwork is created in high resolution, making sure the large printed version will not show pixels.
What you are printing on will depend on the application, since you can use vinyl, fabric, paper, foam board, PVC, canvas, and similar materials.
In the print application, UV, solvent, latex, and aqueous inks are delivered in precise and detailed layers by the machine.
The last step is to finish the item, which might involve laminating, trimming, grommeting, or mounting it according to the needs.
What makes large format printing great is that you can choose the right size, material, and finish as you like.
What Makes It Different from Standard Printing?
When your aim is flyers, brochures, booklets, or business cards, use standard printing, which lets you hold the copies in your hand.
On the other hand, large format printing is made to bring about a strong impact. It is created to catch attention from a distance, look striking in crowded places, and endure both inside and outside.
When Should You Use Large Format Printing?
To find out if you require large format printing, look over this short checklist.
Use large format printing when:
- It helps if your business is noticeable far enough away (using, for example, signs on the road or in front of shops)
- You are getting ready to put up a booth or retail display.
- One way is to develop a branded environment, for example, with murals for the walls or graphics for the windows
- You’re running an outdoor marketing campaign that has to resist weather conditions.
- You should find a better way to advertise because the promotion should have more impact than a regular A4 poster
In these scenarios, standard prints just won’t cut it. Your brand logo should be both easy to spot and display your business’s professionalism.
What Materials Can Be Used in Large Format Printing?
An important benefit of large format printing is how well it works with many different types of materials. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Since vinyl is strong and flexible, it works well on both banners and outdoor signs.
- Canvas: Excellent for fine art prints and photo reproductions
- Foam Board: Lightweight and rigid, ideal for presentation boards
- PVC/Plastic Boards: Durable for permanent indoor/outdoor signage
- Fabric: Used for soft signage and textile displays
- Window Cling/Film: For temporary or semi-permanent window graphics
- Match the paper of your choice to the kind of event you are promoting
Since every material feels and ages differently, picking the one that suits your project is necessary. Not sure what to pick? That’s where an experienced provider (like DokoPrint!) can help.
How to Prepare Your Design Files
Planning is more important when making a large flyer compared to an A4 one.
Here are some essential tips:
Whenever you are able to use them, opt for vector graphics (using AI, EPS, or PDF files).
Make sure the settings are at 150–300 DPI with the image scaled to 100 percent
Use CMYK color mode to match print colors accurately
Use bleed and safe margins so your most important information does not get lost
Convert fonts to outlines to prevent font substitution
When your artwork is clear when shown on a screen but is still blurry or cut when printed, that’s probably because the images were low-res or there wasn’t enough bleed. Starting with a professional printer from the start may save you the expense of needing reprints.
Is Large Format Printing Expensive?
Cost depends on a few factors:
- Size of the print
- Material used
- Type of ink and finishing
- Quantity and turnaround time
Large format printing may appear to cost more than ordinary print at first sight, but what you get in exposure is usually much more valuable.
Think of it as an investment. A well-made banner or shop sign can keep standing for a long period and help increase sales many times.
Why Work with a Professional Large Format Printer?
Large format printing isn’t just about scaling things up. It requires:
- Specialized equipment
- Material expertise
- Color calibration
- Finishing skills
- Project guidance
At DokoPrint, we don’t just hit “print.” We take care of clients’ visuals from the planning stage all the way to completion. Our group is here to suggest the right content and also ensure that your art is ready for the public.
Since we complete all the work ourselves, you enjoy getting your products faster, with better checks and less need for extra emails.
Final Thoughts: Bigger Can Be Better
Any business or organization wanting to be noticed can use large format printing. Large prints help you make your message stand out more than most other types of ads.
And the best part? It’s not just for big corporations anymore. Today’s printing gear allows businesses, big or small, to get custom large format prints for two reasons—print just one or complete an entire display.
Ready to Go Big? Partner with DokoPrint Today
If you want to boost your brand’s visual look, DokoPrint can guide you. Our large format printing services are dependable and of top quality, available to companies, artists, and those arranging events in Singapore.
We will be with you from the beginning idea until the project is installed. And yes, we love urgent projects too.
You can go to DokoPrint.com to request a quote or talk with a helpful member of our team.
Your big ideas deserve big prints.