What is Large Format Printing
Large format printing is a printing process that uses large sheets of paper to create images that are too big for standard or commercial printers. Thus, large format printing requires specialized printers to accommodate larger paper sizes and expanded printing areas.
Difference Between Large Format Printing and Wide Format Printing
Large Format Printing
- Focuses on print size: Large format printing refers specifically to prints exceeding 36 inches in width or height.
- Applications: Ideal for businesses that need high-volume printing of marketing materials like posters, banners, and trade show displays.
Wide Format Printing
- Focuses on scale: Wide format printing refers to any large-scale printing project, regardless of a specific size requirement.
- Applications: Used for a wider variety of projects than large format printing, including billboards, murals, building wraps, and vehicle wraps. It can also be used on a broader range of materials like paper, wood, and even glass.
Therefore, all large format prints are considered wide format prints, but not all wide format prints are large format prints.
Benefits of Large Format Printing
- High Visibility: Large format prints can be seen from a distance, making them ideal for grabbing attention and getting your message across.
- Versatility: Large format printing can be used for a wide variety of applications, including banners, posters, trade show displays, blueprints, and yard signs.
- Brand recognition: Large format prints can help to increase brand awareness by displaying your logo and colors prominently.
- More Creative Applications: Large format printing allows you to print on a wider range of materials than standard printing, such as textiles, wood, and glass.
- Cost-Effective: Large format printing is often a cost-effective way to create eye-catching marketing materials.
How Large Format Printing Works
Large format printing uses a special technique to create high-resolution images on large surfaces. There are several steps involved in the process, as shown below.
Step 1: Choose the Materials
There are a variety of materials that can be used, including plastics, metals, PVC, vinyls, canvas, paper, and fabrics.
Step 2: Decide on the Size and Design
The dimensions are then programmed into a computer.
Step 3: Start Printing
The large format printer digitally lays down ink onto the material based on the prepared design.
Example of Large Format Prints
Below are several examples of large format prints, but the possibilities are truly extensive. Here’s a broader look at what you can create with large format printing.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Posters | Eye-catching visuals are used for advertising or promoting products, events, or services. |
| Banners | Large, flexible displays are often used for promotional purposes at trade shows, stores, or outdoors. |
| Brochures | Informative pamphlets with multiple folds are ideal for showcasing products, services, or company information. |
| Menus | Large-scale displays of food and beverage options, commonly used in restaurants. |
| Pop-up displays | Portable and collapsible displays are used for trade shows, presentations, or events. |
| Table throws | Customized fabric coverings for tables used at trade shows or events. |
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Maps and Blueprints | Detailed representations of geographical locations or architectural plans are often printed on large sheets for clarity. |
| Trade Show Displays | Eye-catching and informative exhibits are used to showcase products or services at conventions and trade shows. |
| Window Decals | Large vinyl stickers are applied to windows for advertising or informational purposes. |
| Vehicle Wraps | Full or partial vinyl coverings are applied to vehicles for advertising or branding purposes. |
| Floor Graphics | Large vinyl decals are applied to floors for advertising or directional purposes. |
| Wall Murals | Large-scale graphics are applied directly to walls for decoration or branding purposes. |
| Signage | Large-format signs for businesses, buildings, or wayfinding purposes. |
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Canvas Prints | Large-scale photo reproductions on canvas for artistic displays. |
| Wallpapers | Customized wallpaper for rooms or offices. |
| Fine Art Prints | High-quality reproductions of artwork for galleries or personal collections. |
| Backdrops | Large-scale printed backdrops for photography or videography studios. |
| Event Graphics | Stage banners, photo booths, and other printed elements for events. |
Preparing Your Files for Large Format Printing
When preparing files for large format printing, it’s important to ensure that the file format supports high resolution and is compatible with professional printing software. Accepted file formats include JPEG, TIFF, PDF, EPS, and AI.
High Resolution for Large Prints
For prints exceeding 150 inches, there’s an adjustment to the typical file setup. It’s recommended to set up the file at 10% scale of the final size and increase the standard dpi of 75 by 100% to a resolution of 750 dpi. This ensures high-quality prints even at large scales.
For example, if the final print needs to be 300 inches by 100 inches, the file dimensions would be set up at 30 inches by 10 inches (10% scale) but with a resolution of 750 dpi (increased from the standard 300 dpi).
Using Images in Large Format Printing
Let’s explore how to prepare images for large format printing. High-quality images can be printed in large formats. However, to maintain print quality, the images must be prepared digitally before printing.
- Shoot the images or photos in RAW format for the best large format prints.
- Ensure the camera with which the photos are shot is clean to avoid unwanted details, such as dust spots, appearing on the large print.
- Set the viewing distance and optimize the images.
- Calibrate and profile computer monitors correctly.
- Use Photoshop and its soft-proofing feature to see how the image will look when printed.
- Save the images in EPS or TIFF format, which are the best file formats for large-scale printing
Make a Big Impact with Large Format Printing
Large format printing offers a powerful tool for businesses to grab attention quickly and effectively, leaving a lasting impression. Thus, it is a valuable asset for any business marketing strategy.
Ready to leverage the power of large format printing? The Copier Guy offers a wide range of large format printing services to fit your needs. Contact us today to discuss your project to get a quote!
