While there is no official standard size for posters, over the decades many printing and advertising companies have been using the same consistent sizes for poster printing.
This resource discusses the dimensions and rules that are commonly used for printing posters worldwide. Using the dimensions in this guide will assure your poster printing project will turn out to be a success - no matter what printing company you choose.
Also called Ledger, Tabloid or ANSI B size. This is the smallest standard poster size, they are mostly used for flyers, street lights, bulletin boards, and generally putting up on businesses without taking up too much room and offending. These also work great with a minimalist approach to text. Big letters big message. Size in Millimetres is 279 x 432mm.
Also called Architectural C size - A little more information can be displayed on this standard poster size. I would still recommend some minimalism and little text. These posters are mainly seen as small adverts on university residence floors, doctor's offices, construction walkways and bulletin boards. Size in Millimetres is 457 × 610mm.
Also called Architectural D Size - This is the most common standard size for posters. These posters are used for most applications including outside of events, trade shows, and malls. Also widely used for small movie posters delivered to fans and posters for decoration like in University residences and outside a pub or club. With these types of posters you will be grabbing attention with a large message and you can include further details in small writing so after the message is received people can choose whether to come closer and learn more. Size in Millimetres is 609.6 mm x 914.4 mm.
Note: If you are designing a poster you cannot go wrong by using the dimensions that we described above, they are used by printing companies worldwide. Don't be afraid to work with different dimensions though: Posters are printed on rolls of paper (not on sheets) and can therefore be cut in any other dimension. If you want create a poster larger than 24 x36 Inch be sure to contact your printer first, and confirm that he is able to print your desired size.There are 2 different dimensions for movie posters that the film industry has standardized. Both are typically in portrait format:
The "One-Sheet" size is used in the official advertising for films.
Both are typically printed on paper stock and usually rolled for aesthetic reasons.
Be aware that the mentioned dimensions for film posters are approximate, and do not have to be exactly in the sizes mentioned above.
Note: Film posters sold in retailing are in poster size, which is 24 x 36 inches.
Common landscape (horizontal oriented) format movie Posters also called HALF-SHEET measure 22" x 28", and are generally printed on thicker stock paper.
For further in-depth information about movie poster sizes visit Cinemasterpieces and Wikipedia.
Choosing the right paper to print your posters is essential. The first thing to note is: Always use Acid free paper for poster printing. You do not want your printed poster to turn yellow after a while, therefore the papers you use for printing should be acid free.
The best stock to use for your poster depends on many factors, that are not defined by hard rules.
These factors include:
As a rule you want to make sure to use stock that is heavier (thicker) then default printer papers.
Not only does this add durability to your poster, it will age much better then standard paper, and your poster is much easier to flatten.
We recommend to choose paper weight of at least 60lbs (90 g/m2) or above for your poster project. This really is the minimum weight you should choose for (bulk) production.
If your budget allows it, preferably choose heavier papers like (80 lbs - 120 g/m2 or 90 lbs - 163 g/m2). This will give your poster a more luxurious feel and will add longevity to your poster.
When creating your own poster make sure to create your document in CMYK mode in 300DPI and set a healthy amount of bleed around the edges so that essential pieces of the poster are not cut off after the printing. For more information read our printing guide to avoid common printing mistakes.
Pascal Smits is an expert in graphic design, print quality accuracy, product analysis and production process. With a background in print process management and printer development, Pascal is an all round expert.
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» Reviews of the best poster printing services.
Using the holiday sale offer saved a nice amount on my holiday cards offer. Their quality was good, colours were vibrant and the stock was of good quality. Most importantly: delivery wa on time (2 days later) Like every year I was late with my order, so there wern't a lot of options to get my cards done in time. When i saw the offer from Overnight prints i took it, and looking back im glad i did.
Rating: 5 / 5
My company always relies on Vista Print for most printing jobs but the results are mixed. Last batch of business cards we ordered was off and very disappointing quality. On the upside: they do offer the best prices, and usually get the orders right. Although the last order was disappointing ill order from them again.
Rating: 3 / 5
I'm a graphic designer, i don't need whistle's and bells as i create the documents on my own computer. I need consistent great quality and good customer service. That is exactly what Print Place offers!
I use them for all my print work.
Rating: 5 / 5
Tiny Prints did not deliver my order by the delivery date, even though I paid for super rush delivery. The did not contact me to say anything was holding up my order. The auto message when you call even said they weren't experiencing delays and all orders were being sent on time. Two different Tiny Print reps aid I would get the order the following day. When I called again to question that, because it was the night before the new delivery date and they still hasn't printed yet, they admitted after some questioning that I would not receive the order the next day. I wasted hours creating the invitation on Tiny Prints and now need to start over with someone else because Tiny Prints has false advertising, poor customer service, and claim copyright issues for not sending me the file to go elsewhere.
Rating: 1 / 5
I do not usually leave reviews, but im impressed with Overnight Prints customer service. After i uploaded my design they contacted me and suggested some improvements to my design. I Accepted but was not happy when the first run arrived at my office.
After i contacted Overnight Prints they offered to do a second run at no additional charge.
Im quite happy with the way the prints turned out and the way they handled this!
Rating: 5 / 5
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