Banners, pull-up banners, posters, flyers and business cards are still some of the most effective ways to promote a business, an event or a new product. The difference between a print that looks professional and one that looks blurry or cropped usually comes down to how the artwork is prepared. This guide covers the essentials.
Choosing the right printed product
- Vinyl banners — durable and weather-resistant for fences, events and building frontages.
- Pull-up banners — portable and quick to set up for trade shows, receptions and pop-up stands.
- Posters — great for windows, noticeboards and in-store promotions.
- Flyers and brochures — explain your services in more detail to hand out or mail.
- Business cards — still essential for networking and leaving a lasting impression.
How to prepare your artwork
Use the right resolution
For most printed items, images should be around 300 dpi at the final print size. Large format items viewed from further away, such as banners, can use a lower resolution, but logos should always be supplied as vector files (AI, EPS, SVG or a vector PDF) so they stay sharp at any size.
Set up in CMYK and include bleed
Printers use CMYK colour, so designing in CMYK avoids unexpected colour shifts. Add bleed — extra background that extends past the trim edge — so there are no white edges after cutting, and keep important text a safe distance inside the edge.
Check fonts and file format
Outline or embed your fonts and export a high-quality print PDF. A quick proof check for spelling, phone numbers and web addresses saves an expensive reprint.
No designer? We can help
If you do not have print-ready artwork, our team can help set up your files or create a design that matches your brand, so your printed materials look consistent with your signage.
Need something printed? Contact Sign Expertise for practical advice and a clear quote, or browse our project gallery for inspiration.