What Resolution Do I Need to Print a Banner? – Proper File Setup
Banners are a great way to spread your message. But before you get the final product, there is a lot of work that goes in the background. For instance, you have to get the file format right. Moreover, you have to answer this question: what resolution do I need to print a banner? It is critical to get everything right from the beginning.
What Resolution Do I Need to Print a Banner?
This post will guide you through the process of making and printing banners. It will tell you the sizes and resolution for your images if you’re planning on selling items or are looking for some trade show tips to showcase your brand. You will also know the various requirements you should meet before you get your final banner.
Image Formats
The process begins by creating digital files. You can have them either in PDF, Adobe Illustrator, PSD, and EPS. Any of these formats is acceptable. Therefore, you can use the software you are comfortable with.
Color Options
When you work on a banner idea, it is important that you settle on the color scheme you want to use. You should stick to one format of color. CMYK colors are the most preferred, but that does not mean you are only limited to it. You can also use RGB and PMS colors.
If you’re planning on adding photos of products onto your banner, it’s also important to consider some photography lighting tips to make sure that the products pop. It’s usually best to shoot photos of your product on a white background for this purpose.
Sizing and Resolution
This is where a lot of people make mistakes. You should set up your banner in the size and resolution proportional to your final product. You have to get it right with every dimension so that you can get the results you desire.
Generally, you can render your work into two different files. One is vector files. These ones are measurable via lines and not pixels. You can easily scale your image without interfering with its resolution. It is possible to enlarge your image to your desired size and your image will not be distorted in any way. Vector files are the most appropriate when you are working on large graphics. It will be easy to manage your files and control the results.
The other option is raster files. These ones are a bit limiting. The final resolution should not be more than 300 dpi while the viewing space should not go beyond 24 inches. If you want a viewing space more than 24 inches, then the resolution should come down to 150 dpi. In cases where the banner will be viewed from a distance, you may have to consider going with 100 dpi resolution.
If you are keen, you may have noticed a trend with raster files. When you double the size, the resolution goes down by half. On the flip side, if the resolution doubles then the size reduces by half.
One other thing you should have at the back of your mind is to never compress your files. Formats like JPEG are highly discouraged unless that is the only format you can get your original images in.
Bottom Line
So, what resolution do I need to print a banner? You can now work on your banner from the start to the end and achieve your intentions. Remember to be keen on sizing and resolution because they will affect your results. To get optimal results, it’s best to consult with a large format printing expert for their services when you’re looking to print out banners.…