Posters are one of the most popular and versatile forms of marketing and communication. When you think of posters, you often think of the standard sizes for room decorations and the sizes they usually come in. Most posters have standard sizes, from the letter size (8” x 11″), small (11” x 17″), medium (18” x 24″), and large (24” x 36″). It’s common for organizations and business owners to print their posters in these standard sizes for consistency, cost-efficiency, and visual appeal. 

Still, the perfect size for a poster can vary depending on the location and its purpose. Understanding the standard sizes for different locations can help you design and print posters that capture attention and communicate your message. 

This article will explore the typical poster sizes for various locations and offer some design tips you can use. 

Cinemas and Theaters 

Movie theaters have long relied on posters to advertise upcoming films and promote the ones currently showing. These are usually the first seen when entering a theater, and their eye-catching appeal is always visible from a distance, especially in crowded areas like lobbies or entranceways. For this, you’ll need larger posters ranging from 27” x 40″ to 40” x 60″. 

• Standard Sizes: 27 x 40″ (official movie posters), 40 x 60″ (bus stop size) 

• Reason for Size: The poster dimensions offer a balanced canvas for images and text, ensuring the movie’s key details are displayed clearly. 

• • 27” x 40″ posters are the standard for official movie posters installed on the “Now Showing” and “Next Attraction” Booths. 

• • 40” x 60″ posters are used to promote movies outside the cinema, such as bus stops, fences, or building exteriors. 

• Design Tip: Use vibrant colors, high-resolution images, and minimal text to maintain the visual impact. The poster design should also accurately reflect the theme and story of the movie to prevent misinformation and false advertising. 

Stores, Shops, and Restaurants 

Retail spaces, small businesses, and dining establishments often use posters to announce promotions, new products, or events. The posters’ sizes usually depend on the store layout and the level of promotion they want for their sales and campaigns. As such, they usually range from 18 x 24″ to 24 x 36″, with the 22 x 34″ size hitting the sweet spot. 

• Standard Sizes: 18 x 24″ (medium), 22 x 34″ (decorative), 24 x 36″ (large) 

• Reason for Size: These poster sizes are optimum for interior decor, specifically for small shops and restaurants. Promotional poster sizes also often reflect their design.  

• • You could print numerous, smaller, simpler posters that you can plaster all around the area. 

• • Another option is to have one large advertisement design that attracts people as the center of attention. 

• Design Tip: Make the message or campaign the focus of your design — use bold fonts and eye-catching colors to direct customers’ attention. 

Public Events and Trade Shows 

Trade shows and public events usually require larger posters that can draw attention from a distance. At the same time, smaller posters can give attendees a closer look at the business or event they are interested in. These posters are often used to advertise booths, symposiums, or schedules. 

• Standard Sizes: 24” x 36″ (large posters) and 18” x 24″ (medium posters) 

• Reason for Size: Variety is key to attracting many people to your trade show booth or symposium. These posters can be plastered anywhere within the area. You can also plan which poster sizes are optimal for a specific location. 

• • A large poster ensures your message can stand out among other booths and displays in a crowded space like a trade show. Display this prominently near your booth or on the stage if you are presenting. 

• • Medium-sized posters are great in large quantities and can be posted on all available and allowed areas within a trade show. 

• Design Tip: Keep the design simple and include essential details like your company name, booth number, and key products or services. You can also go interactive and include a QR code so they can access your website immediately. 

Outdoor Posters 

Posters used outdoors must be large enough to be seen by passersby, whether on foot or in vehicles. These posters must also withstand various weather conditions and remain visually striking. You can use the sizeable standard poster sizes or billboard-sized posters. Of course, the bus stop poster sizes are optimal for most outdoor locations. 

Standard Sizes: 24” x 36″ (large posters), 27” x 40″ (billboard-sized posters), 40” x 60″ (bus stop posters)  

• Reason for Size: The larger dimensions are critical for readability from a distance, especially in busy outdoor settings. Some outdoor spaces may also require permits and approval before posting your posters, so going for larger sizes in small printing quantities is your safest option. 

• • 24” x 36″ large posters are excellent for promoting outside your shop or restaurant. 

• • If you want to showcase your sale or promotion in different areas, the 27” x 40″ billboard size can get you the proper visibility and brand awareness. 

• • Once all the permits are approved, you can start posting the larger 40” x 60″ posters in public areas such as bus stops, fences, and park walls. 

• Design Tip: Use bold typography and high-contrast colors to ensure readability and keep the message concise. You may also want to design posters that can be approved more quickly and are appropriate for outdoor settings. 

Printing posters in appropriate sizes is crucial for maintaining uniformity and maximizing the visibility of your marketing efforts. The right poster size helps your message stand out and be easily understood, whether indoors or outdoors.  

That said, just because specific sizes have become “standard” doesn’t mean these are the only sizes you can use. Get creative and execute your posters with the right images and sizes that fit your vision, then post them in places that will attract the most attention. 

When you’re ready to create your posters, Signs.com offers everything you need to bring your vision to life, from standard sizes to custom designs. 

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Before we get too carried away, let’s define some of the head terms surrounding images, photos and resolution we will be frequently referring to:

• Image Resolution – Also referred to as “resolution” or “print resolution”, image resolution is the value that determines the quality of an image when it is printed onto any given material (photo paper, vinyl, etc.). Generally speaking, resolution is measured by the number of pixels (or dots of ink) that run along a single inch of a printed image. The more pixels contained within an inch of printed material, the higher the resolution i.e., or the higher the quality of the photo.
• Image Dimensions – Also referred to as “pixel dimensions”, image dimensions designate the number of pixels that comprise the width and height of any given image. For example, if I were to take a digital image that is 1,200 pixels wide and 1,000 pixels high, then the dimensions for that image would be 1,200 x 1,000 pixels. The dimensions of an image are used as an indicator of an image’s size. The higher the dimensions, the larger the image. The dimensions of an image are critical in determining how that image will look when displayed on a computer screen, monitor, or printed material.
• Pixel – Pixel stands for “picture element” and is the smallest element or building block, used in the creation of an image. Every digital image is comprised of a grid of tens, hundreds, or thousands of square pixels, each containing a single hue/color. When a group of pixels are placed together and viewed at the right distance, they give the appearance of a smooth, continuous image. However, if you were to look close enough at any image you would be able to identify each individual pixel making up that image. One thing to note is that each pixel actually gets its color from three subpixels (which are red, green, and blue in color) that blend together in a unique way to produce the needed color for that pixel.
• PPI – PPI stands for “pixels per inch” and is used to measure the digital resolution of an image. Each digital image is comprised of pixels, and PPI tells you how many pixels of that digital image will be contained along a single inch of material when that image is printed.
• DPI – DPI stands for “dots per inch” and is used to measure the printed resolution of an image. When an image is printed, the printer places a large number of small dots of ink onto the material you are printing on, which produces the final printed image. DPI determines how many dots of ink are placed along each inch of the width and height of the printed image.
• Megapixel (MP) – One megapixel equates to one million pixels (1,048,576 pixels to be exact) and is a unit of measurement for the pixel count of a digital image. Digital cameras are assigned a megapixel count, which tells you how many pixels are contained within the image that is captured by the camera. For example, if I take a photograph using a 10mp (short for megapixel) camera, then that image will be composed of up to 10 million pixels. To determine the megapixel amount of any given image, take the image’s width in pixels and multiply it by the image’s height in pixels. For example, if I have an image that is 4,032 x 2,268 pixels then it would be 9.1 megapixels (4,032 x 2,268 = 9,144,576 pixels).

What is the difference between PPI and DPI? Which should I use?

Both PPI (pixels per inch) and DPI (dots per inch) refer to the resolution of an image. Due to this fact, these terms are frequently used interchangeably, even though they technically are not the same thing. 

PPI refers to the digital resolution of an image, counting the number of pixels that will be contained along one inch of printed material. PPI is used when you are figuring out the resolution of your image based off of the number of pixels the image contains compared against the actual size of your printed image. This means when you are looking at the pixel dimensions of your image on your computer or phone you will need to take the number of pixels in your image (width and height) and divide it by the number of inches you are wanting for your photo print (width and height). This will tell you what the resolution of your image will be based on the number of pixels per inch.

DPI refers to the printed resolution of an image, counting the number of dots of ink that will be contained along one inch of printed material. This measurement is the more literal of the two, as printers do not print actual pixels, but rather dots of ink that give the appearance of pixels when grouped together. Therefore, DPI is a specification that is tied to the printer you are using. There are some printers that are only capable of printing up to 150 dpi whereas others can print to over 1,800dpi. The more dots of ink that are contained along an inch of printed material, the higher the quality the photo print will be.

So, which should you use when determining your resolution? Honestly, this comes down to your personal preference. The reason we say this is that whether someone provides a print shop with an image that they have designated as either 300 ppi or 300 dpi, the image will be put through the same printing process and converted to the correct resolution based off of the printer being used. The relatively small (and frankly, quite confusing) distinction between the two is why you will see some photo editing software use PPI whereas others will use DPI.

Generally speaking, all you need to know moving forward is that PPI and DPI are indeed different, but they bleed over one another in so many applications that it has become very common to use them synonymously (we recommend leaving it to the print shop to worry about making the distinction).

To avoid confusion with jumping back and forth between the two, from here on forward we will use PPI when referring to resolution. 

How do I determine the resolution of my image?

You have an image that you want to turn into an outstanding photograph, banner, or sign. Great! But how do you determine how good that image is going to look when printed? There are two things you will need to note when trying to determine the printed resolution of your image:

1. The pixel dimensions of your image

2. The physical size of the photo or sign you want to print

As mentioned above, the first step is to determine the pixel dimensions of your image. How exactly do you do this? There are several ways you can find out the pixel dimensions of an image:

On your Android device – Finding the pixel dimensions for an image on your android will vary based on the model of phone you are using, but with most androids, all you need to do is select an image in your gallery and view the details of that image (usually contained within some kind of menu icon). Here is how you would find it on a Samsung Galaxy S24:

1. Go to your image gallery.

2. Select the photo you want.

3. Click the … found on the top right.

4. Scroll to bottom of page to find image size (labeled as the resolution).

On your iPhone – If you are using the Photos app, here’s a quick guide on how to view an image’s resolution.

1. Open the Photos app and select the image you want to print.

2. Swipe the photo upward to see the specifications of the file.

3. You can also click the letter i found at the bottom of the screen to see the image’s ppi.

On your PC – To find the dimensions of an image you have stored on a PC (running Windows 10 or later), follow these steps:

1. Open the File Explorer and find your image.

2. Right-click on the image and click on Properties.

3. Click on the Details tab in the window that pops up.

4. You can now see the dimensions of your image.

On your Mac – To find the dimensions of an image you have stored on a Mac (running macOS Sonoma), follow these steps:

1. Open the Finder application and locate your image.

2. Double tap the trackpad and click on Get Info.

3. In the window that pops up, click on More Info.

4. You can now locate your image’s dimensions.

Through Adobe Photoshop – Follow these steps to find the dimensions of your image using Adobe Photoshop 2024:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Go to Image > Image Size.

3. You can now see the dimensions of your image. In this window you can also play around with the Width and Height to figure out what resolution your image will be at whichever size you input.

Through Adobe Illustrator – Follow these steps to find the dimensions of your image using Adobe Illustrator 2024:

1. Open your image in Illustrator.

2. Select the image.

3. Navigate to the Properties tab on the right-hand side of the window.

4. You can now see the dimensions of your image. You can change the pixel dimensions of your image here, but if you increase the size past the original file size you will end up with a blurry image.

Now that you have found out the pixel dimensions of the image you want to use it is time to move on to Step 2. This step is easy because it is entirely up to you. All you need to do is determine how big you want your printed photo to actually be. Are you just looking for a cute little 4” x 6” photograph to put in a scrapbook, or do you need a banner that is 12’ wide and 6’ tall? Whichever size you need, your image has to be large enough for you to create a crisp print.

Once you identify the pixel dimensions of your image and the physical size of your print, you are ready to get a clear sense of how good your image is going to look when printed. To do so, simply use the following formula:

Image width or height (pixels) / Print width or height (inches) = Print Resolution (ppi)

As an example, let’s say I have an image I took on my smartphone that is 2,400 pixels wide and 3,000 pixels tall (2,400 px x 3,000 px) and I want to use it to print an 8” x 10” photograph. Let’s take this and apply it to our formula:

Image Width (2,400 pixels) / Print Width (8 inches) = 300 pixels per inch (ppi)

Image Height (3,000 pixels) / Print Height (10 inches) = 300 pixels per inch (ppi)

This equation tells us that if I were to print a 8” x 10” image, the resolution would be 300ppi (translation: there would be 300 pixels along each inch of printed material). Check out the following table to see a few more examples of image sizes and their resolution at certain print sizes:

Now back the question we are trying to answer — what is the best resolution? Is it 300, 150, 75 ppi or something else? The truth is, it’s a case to case basis. Let’s continue forward to find out.

What is the Best Resolution for Banner Printing?

One of the most “recommended”, “best”, or “standard” resolution you will read or hear about is 300 ppi. The main reason for this is that the standard human eye is rarely unable to discern greater detail in images printed any higher than 300 ppi, thus making it the general cut-off line for resolution.

While this is usually a great resolution to print at, it is incorrect to immediately jump to the conclusion that this should be used for all print jobs. In some circumstances, this may be a much higher resolution than it needs to be and in others, it may be lower. Ultimately, the best resolution for printing comes down to two main factors – expected viewing distance and what it is you are printing.

The expected viewing distance is the most important factor in determining what resolution you should print in. When getting ready to print a banner or signage, ask yourself generally how close will people be when viewing it. The answer to this question makes all the difference. A general rule of thumb to follow is the closer the expected viewing distance, the higher the resolution the image needs to have.

For example, say you want to print some business cards. When people look at your business cards, they will be holding it in their hand and will view it at about a foot or two away from their eyes. This tells you that you will need to go with a bit of a higher resolution. On the flip side, if you are printing a billboard designed to be viewed by passing cars on the highway, your expected viewing distance is going to be much further (100 feet – 300 feet), allowing you to get away with a much lower resolution. Here is a chart to give you some recommended resolutions to print at based on viewing distance:

Here’s another way of looking at it:

Why would you want to use a lower resolution just because your image is going to be viewed further away? Generally speaking, the further away something is viewed, the harder it is to distinguish between different resolutions. Take, for example, the following two images. The image on the left was printed at 300 ppi and the image on the right printed at 72 ppi and they are both being viewed approximately 20 feet away.

Pretty hard to tell the difference, right? But wait! Let’s get a closer look (now only 3 feet away) to see if we can start to notice any changes.

Now it is much easier to spot the difference. If you were planning on displaying this photo in a setting where people would be viewing it from 20 feet away, then you would be fine going with the lower resolution (72 ppi). However, if you were in a setting where people will be viewing it up close then you would want to go with the higher (300 ppi). If you are unsure how close people will be getting to your print, then print your photo at the highest resolution your image will permit.

What does this mean image resolution for banner printing? The pixel size of a printable banner depends on the desired physical size of the banner and the printing resolution (PPI). For example, a banner meant to be printed at 8 feet wide (96 inches) by 3 feet tall (36 inches) at a resolution of 100 ppi would require an image with pixel dimensions of 9600 px x 3600 px. It’s important to consult with your printer for their specific requirements, as resolutions can vary based on the viewing distance and banner material.

The resolution for banner image sizes typically ranges from 100 ppi to 150 ppi for large banners viewed from a distance. For closer viewing distances, such as at trade shows or presentations, a higher resolution of up to 300 ppi may be recommended. The key is to balance file size with the expected viewing distance and print quality requirements.

Pull-up banners, often used in conferences, tradeshows, and indoor events, require a resolution that ensures clarity at close viewing distances. A minimum of 150 ppi is recommended but aiming for 200 ppi to 300 ppi can give you an even sharper banner resolution image. As pull-up banners are typically viewed from closer distances than larger outdoor banners, the higher resolution will ensure your message is conveyed with crisp, clear visuals.

There are several reasons why you wouldn’t want to try and always print at a resolution such as 300 ppi regardless of the viewing distance, including the following:

• Nearly Impossible to Achieve – Let’s say you want to print a banner that is 96” (8’) x 64” (5’ x 4”) tall. If you were to print that banner at 300 ppi, then you would need to use an image that is 28,800 pixels wide and 19,200 pixels tall (a whopping 553 megapixels in size)! Most consumer digital cameras on the market today rarely go over 30 megapixels, so good luck finding one that is over 500.
• Unnecessary – As illustrated in the example above, at certain viewing distances it is near impossible to tell the difference between a 300 ppi printed image and a 72 ppi one.
• Large File Sizes – The higher the resolution, the larger the image needs to be. The larger the image needs to be, the larger the image file will be. If you try to provide a print shop with an extremely large file to achieve a resolution that is not necessary, then there is a very good chance they will be asking you for an alternative image that is smaller. Large image files take more time to work with, load, print and transfer, making the print job cost more for them and you.

How do I get a photo that is high resolution?

Let’s say Mother’s Day is coming up, and you decide you want to print a gorgeous, 18” × 12” photo of you and your family for your mother. You want the best resolution you can get, so you know you need to get your hands on an image that is large enough to come out looking crisp and clear. How do you get an image that is large enough for your needs? Let’s look at some do’s and don’ts for getting a high-resolution photo:

Avoid the Following Printing Pitfalls

Downloading photos from social media

Facebook has all of my great photos, so I can just pull one from there and I should be good to go, right? Wrong! If you want to achieve a high-resolution photo, avoid using downloaded images from social media. Every time you upload an image to your favorite social media platform, they are compressing that image into a much smaller file size for storage management purposes. You may not notice the difference in quality when looking at the image on your phone or computer, but if you were to download that image and use it to print a photograph, the loss in quality would immediately be noticed.

As a test, we uploaded the following image to Facebook:

The original pixel dimensions of this photo were 4032 px x 1960 px. After uploading the image, we downloaded it from Facebook. The result? The dimensions for the downloaded image had been changed to 1110 px x 540 px. That’s a 72% loss in image size and quality!

In 2024, many social media platforms have improved their image processing algorithms to reduce quality loss upon upload, though compression is still a factor. High-resolution image hosting has become more common, allowing for better quality downloads. However, for printing purposes, sourcing images directly from the original high-resolution files remains the best practice, as this ensures the highest possible quality is maintained from source to print.

Downloading photos from websites (and yes, that includes Google Images)

One of the main goals for websites is to achieve maximum speed and performance. As a result, images used on websites are generally the smallest and lowest quality they can be in order to decrease load times. As with images from social media, these images might look great on the website, but if you were to download them and used them to print, the quality would not be high enough to achieve a high-quality print.

Using screenshots from Your Computer or Phone

If you can’t download images from social media, websites, or Google Images, then how about just taking a screenshot of the image and using that? Another big no. The screenshots taken on your phone or computer are created at very small pixel dimensions and will also result in a low-quality print if used.

Aim for the Following Printing Habits

Photos taken directly using your phone or digital camera

Without a doubt, the best source of images that will result in a high-resolution print is the direct source that created the image. One important thing to note, however, is cameras are not the same when it comes to resolution. This is where megapixels come into play. One megapixel stands for one million pixels (the exact amount is 1,048,576 pixels), meaning that for every megapixel in a digital image there are one million pixels making up that image.

When you see a digital camera with an assigned megapixel count, this tells you how many pixels are capable of being used to create an image captured through that camera. For example, if you take a photo using a 24-megapixel camera, then the image that is produced is capable of being made up of 24 million pixels. After I have captured the image with the camera, I can look at the pixel dimensions for that image to see if this holds true. In this case, we’ll say the dimensions of my image were 6000 px x 4000 px. If I multiply the pixel width of the image by the pixel height of the image I will get my total pixel count for the image, which is 24,000,000 (24 megapixels).  

The higher the megapixel count on a camera, the higher pixel count in the images created by that camera. Therefore, if you want high-resolution photos you will need to use an image that was captured from a camera with an adequate megapixel count. Here is a chart showing some of the most common types of digital cameras and their megapixel counts:

What type of file does my image need to be?

Now that you know the size your image needs to be, it’s time to determine what type of image file you want to use. First things first, it is important to make the distinction between raster graphics and vector graphics. 

A raster graphic is a digital image that is comprised of individual colored pixels grouped together to create the appearance of a smooth, continuous image. When a raster graphic is created, it contains a certain pixel count which cannot be increased. You are able to increase the size of the image, but all that is happening is you are increasing the size of each individual pixel. The more you expand a raster graphic past its original size, the blurrier the image will become. Raster image file extensions include TIFF (.tif), JPEG (.jpg), GIF(.gif), PNG (.png), and BMP (.bmp).

A vector graphic is a digital image that uses mathematical equations to produce an image made from lines and shapes that can be scaled to any size without loss of quality or fidelity. Vectors are created in illustration software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator. Vectors are generally used to create illustrated artwork, such as icons, logos or murals. They are not used for standard photographs. If available, they are the ideal image type for large format printing, due to their ability to scale to large sizes without becoming “pixelated”. Vector image file extensions include .SVG, .EPS, .PDF, .AI, and .DXF.

If you are printing a photo you have taken on your digital camera or smartphone, then you will be printing a raster image. The majority of digital cameras and smartphones today create images in the JPEG format. This file type works great at producing a quality images at a compressed, manageable file size. If you need to print some type of graphic or illustration that has a transparent background, then you will want to go with the PNG file type, as it allows a transparent background. If you are printing a very large raster image, you will want to consider using the TIFF format, as they are used as large image files without any compression or loss in quality.

In the context of banner printing, choosing the right file format is crucial for achieving the best visual impact and durability. Vector formats like SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, and DXF are typically the best choices for banner printing. These formats ensure that your designs can be scaled to large sizes without losing quality, making them ideal for the crisp, clear visuals needed for banners.

Time to wrap things up

Feel like you know a little bit more about image resolution now? We sure hope so! To sum things up, here are a few points to remember:

• Image resolution determines the quality at which an image will print and is measured using PPI (pixels per inch) or DPI (dots per inch)
• PPI and DPI have their differences, but they cross over in so many applications that they are frequently used interchangeably. Whether you choose to use PPI or DPI, your print shop will help you make sure you get the resolution you are after.
• There isn’t really a universal or “best” resolution for printing. You should determine the resolution to print at based on what it is you are printing and what you are expecting the viewing distance to be for your printed piece. The closer the viewing distance, the higher the resolution.
• It is very difficult to discern the difference in resolution for anything higher than 300 ppi, which is why that resolution is often referred to as the “professional standard”.
• For printing purposes, do not use images that have been downloaded from social media or a website. Use images that have come directly from the source – the camera that was used to take them.
• Every camera has a megapixel count assigned to it. Make sure you take your image using a camera that has a high enough megapixel count to meet your print size needs.
• Be sure to choose the right file type that will satisfy the needs of your image/print.

Have an image that you would like to turn into a stunning photo print, sign, banner or decal? Upload the image to our easy to use online design tool and get started today! If you have any additional questions regarding resolution feel free to contact us as we will be happy to help.

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A business card tells someone who you are, what you’re about, shows your logo or motto, and gives information about how to contact you. A well-done custom business card presents your business and yourself in a positive and professional way, unlike many other things can. There are countless ways to design and lay out your business card, but one crucial element for any card is the size.

What is the Standard Business Card Size?

The standard business card size is 3.5” x 2” (3.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall). The most common measurement is done in inches, but 3.5 x 2 inches can also be translated into 8.89 cm x 5.08 cm, 88.9 mm x 50.8 mm, or 336 pixels x 192 pixels.

European vs US Standard Business Card Sizing

Although there is a standard size in the US, standard business card sizes vary by region. In the UK and Western European areas, business cards are a bit more square at 3.346” x 2.165” (85 mm x 55 mm). In Australia, a standard business card is 3.543” x 2.165” (90 mm x 55 mm).

Layout for Business Cards

With the standard size of 3.5” x 2” in mind, there are three areas of the business card to consider; the design area, the margin area, and the bleed area. The design area is where you’ll have your text, photos, and other design elements. The margin area, sometimes called the safe or inner margin area, is where main design elements should end, and the bleed area (the point outside of the actual business card that allows colors near the edge to bleed over, providing full color along the edges of the card) is what will be cut off when your card is finished. The standard file size for a business card with bleed area is 3.75” x 2.25” (0.25” larger in width and height than the finished business card), so you’ll want to set your design to that size to begin with.

Think about your design elements and how you’d like them to appear. If you want your design to go to the very edge of the card, it can extend into the bleed area, but keep in mind that anything within the bleed area (which is beyond the trim line) will be cut off. To be safe, we recommend keeping all pertinent information within the design area. One thing to note is that the design tool found on our Signs.com website does not show the bleed area by default. To see the bleed area, go to the “Advanced Tools” section in the design tool and click on “show bleed area”. 

Another thing to note when setting up your business card is the font size you should use. Choose a font that is unique but still easy to read. Usually, 7 to 11 point fonts (.09 to .15 inches tall, respectively) work the best for readability. Be sure you choose a font that is easy to read in a small size, and don’t overdo it with graphics and words. Sometimes less is more.

Horizontal or Vertical? Which Orientation Is Best for Your Business Card

Horizontal orientation refers to your card reading wider than it is tall, sometimes referred to as landscape orientation. The benefit of using a horizontal layout is that this is a standard layout, so it’s easy to read and recognize quickly. However, one thing to note is that it doesn’t particularly stand out. Vertical orientation is when your card reads taller than wider, known more commonly as portrait layout. The advantage of this layout is that it’s a bit different than the norm and can make your business card stand out in a world full of business cards.

Additional Shapes and Sizes

The standard 3.5” x 2” rectangular business card is not your only option when it comes to shape and size. You can get a custom cut shape, also called die cut, while still staying within the standard size. You can also round the corners of your card or play with other shapes such as circles (frequently sized at 3” x 3”) or squares (frequently sized at 2” x 2”). Keep in mind that with any sort of shape customization, you’ll most likely see a price jump. Just like using different orientations, using an uncommon shape or size has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that the shape is unique and eye catching, and you can cater to your business logo or product. The disadvantage is that a unique shape might not get recognized as a business card and could be easily discarded or overlooked. For example, a square or circle business card could be mistaken for a tag or label and tossed out. These types of cards also might not fit in business card binders, clips, or other card carrying cases.

Common Materials and Thicknesses for Business Cards

Business cards are a chance for you to be creative. The most common type of paper used to create business cards is 16pt cardstock, with 14pt and 32pt being used frequently as well. There are even more types of paper used to create business cards, and here is a list of the most common types of business cards with their corresponding thicknesses:

• 100lb Cover – 0.35mm thick (.014 inches)
• 14pt – 0.39mm thick (.012 inches)
• 16pt – 0.41mm thick (.016 inches)
• 18pt – 0.46mm thick (.018 inches)
• 32pt – 0.81mm thick (.032 inches)

Although these are the most commonly used types of paper, cards can go even thicker (up to 48pt, which is nearly the thickness of a penny). Most people stick with 16pt stock, as it is a sturdy option at a great price point. If you want something even more outside the box, you could look into business cards made from wood, plastic, cork, metal, or other similar materials. These options are definitely sure to stand out, but you’ll want to make sure the price point is worth it. 

Business Card Finishes

Another thing to note when considering the thickness of your business cards is whether they are using any special finishes or coatings, as it will be sure to add to the thickness of the card. There are many options for finishes and coatings, but the most common are gloss, matte, spot UV, embossed, and foiling. More specialized finishes include pearl, luster, silk, suede and velvet. Make sure that your finish works well with the design and wording on your card. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to add superfine spot UV to a 100lb linen paper type because of conflicting texture issues. There are also other finishing options for the physical aspect, like die cut, folded, and double-sided cards. Even in our digital age, business cards are useful and relevant. You can say a lot about yourself or your business with a small paper card, so be creative and come up with something extraordinary. Brainstorm ideas that will set your business apart from the rest of the crowd. Signs.com offers many options for custom, innovative business cards. Click here to get started on your own custom business card.

Standard Business Card Sizes – Signage 101

While you’re exploring banners, check out our blog posts on how to hang your banner or the different banner finishing options available.

Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners are the most durable and commonly used banners for outdoor display. You can choose between the standard 13 oz. or the thicker 18 oz. vinyl to print on, depending on your intended use. Typically, the heavier the material, the greater the durability.

The 13 oz. vinyl is your best bet for everyday display. This banner is impressively durable and versatile, and it is the same material used for billboards. On the other hand, 18 oz. vinyl is meant for heavy-duty display like at construction sites. Regardless of weight, vinyl banners offer exceptional image quality and display versatility.

Vinyl comes with a semi-gloss appearance, which can be noticeable when light shines on it. Avoid placing banners in direct light to reduce visible glare; the less glare there is, the better readability your vinyl banner will have.

Since vinyl banners are heavier than fabric or mesh, place grommets around the edges of your banner in addition to the four corners to ensure it is pulled taut when displayed. Another way to display a vinyl banner is by using pole pockets, which help you suspend the banner from a pole or from rope.

Fabric Banners

Fabric banners are designed for both function and aesthetics by presenting beautifully printed images on a high-quality canvas. Their lightweight polyester material allows them to be easily transported and displayed, making decorating for events a breeze.

Fabric banners are slightly transparent, which means displaying them in front of windows or light sources will allow light to illuminate through the material. They’re also meant for indoor use, though displaying outside is possible as long as you avoid doing so in heavy rain or wind. Fabric banners are typically displayed by hanging them from a ceiling or awning; you can use grommets or pole pockets to hang your banner.

Mesh Banners

Functionality is the name of the game for mesh banners, and they perform especially well when used outdoors as they boast wind resistance and a semi-transparent effect.

Mesh allows wind and light to pass through without compromising the quality of the printed design. It’s important to note that the colors and graphics on these banners are often described as “lighter” or “muted” compared to their vinyl and fabric counterparts. Mesh banners are also best viewed from a distance, an important consideration when creating your artwork.

The 8 oz. PVC mesh offers exceptional tensile strength while preserving its lightweight form. The mesh pattern on these banners has a ratio of 70:30, meaning that 70% of the banner is actual material, whereas 30% is made of tiny holes. Mesh banners also come with hemmed edges to ensure the material does not tear when pulled taut during display.

Mesh banners work great on chain-link fences; they help emphasize the semi-transparent nature of the mesh pattern and allows you to display a design without completely blocking out the surface and the background. To install your mesh banner on a chain-link fence, use grommets, short ropes, or zip ties, as they make it easy to attach your banner to the fence at multiple points.

What is the Best Material for Outdoor Banners?

Vinyl banners are perfect for outdoor banners and signage. They are versatile, weather-proof, and UV-resistant, which means they last longer outdoors without fading or getting ripped or torn. You can hang them anywhere, making them the best option for outdoor signage. But if you’re installing banners in windy locations or for the purpose of maintaining privacy, use mesh banners.

What is the Best Material for Indoor Banners?

Fabric banners are designed for indoor display. We can’t praise enough the impressive color and details of printed designs on fabric banners. Pictures don’t do them justice but here’s a few examples of fabric banners in their natural habitat to show you how brilliant they are.

Which Banner Material Should I Choose?

We put together a simple chart below to get a quick comparison of each of our banners and a summary of the information we have discussed.

A Custom Choice

Regardless of your banner choice, all banner types are customizable; your design will be printed to impress! Need help making that eye-catching design? Our free design services can help you realize your vision! If you still need some assistance in choosing the right banner for your needs, give us a call at 888-222-4929.

Related Articles

Why Vinyl Banners Are Reliable Everyday Displays.

Designing a Step and Repeat Banner: Signage 101.

How To Remove Wrinkles From Vinyl Banners – Signage 101.

Signage 101 – Banner Material Comparison

How Is Denier Measured? And What Is It Measuring?

Simply put, the denier count for a piece of fabric equates to how much an individual thread from that fabric would weigh in grams if that thread were to be 9,000 meters long.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important to note that manufacturers present denier count in one of two ways:

The most common format you’ll see denier represented is as a whole number preceding the lowercase letter “d”. For example, if you are looking at a material that is 300 denier, it would be listed as 300d.

Another way a manufacturer might present denier is two separate whole numbers, which represent the thickness of threads going in the machine direction (known as “warp”), by the thickness of the threads going in its cross direction (or the “fill”), respectively. For example, a 600d material would be listed as 600×600 denier. So to be clear, a material that is listed as 50×50 denier is the same as 50d, since all of the threads (both the warp and the fill) are the same thickness.

To better understand how the measurement for denier works you can refer to this equation:

1 denier (d) = 1 gram in weight for every 9,000 meters of thread length

To help put it in perspective, take a look at each thread in the image below. Notice how each thread has the same length yet differs in thickness. The thicker threads will weigh more than the thinner threads, as they consist of more material. Thus, threads that weigh more have a higher denier count than those that weigh less. Threads such as the ones shown below are then woven together with other threads of the same thickness to create materials such as fabric banners, shirts, tents, flags, & more.

So what does that all mean for the material you are looking at? Let’s use a standard t-shirt as an example. The t-shirt is made up of many threads woven together. If the t-shirt was 30d (30 denier) than that means each thread used to create that t-shirt would weigh 30 grams if that thread were to be 9,000 meters in length.

High vs. Low Denier Count. Which Is Better?

So you’re looking to get some signage and want to know which denier count to go with. Is it better to have something with a low denier count or a high one? Well, it depends.

Generally speaking, the higher the denier count, the more durable the material will be. This is due to the thicker threads used to make up the material. So, if you’re looking for something that is durable and can withstand outdoor wear and tear, you want to go with the highest denier material possible.

This is why you will see outdoor materials such as flags, pop up tents, and banners with denier counts ranging anywhere from 150-1,000d. Once denier counts start getting into the hundreds, you start seeing materials that are extremely durable, tear-resistant and abrasion-proof. It is also important to note that tensile strength (resistance to the material breaking under tension) increases with the denier count. Banners, for example, are designed to withstand tension up to 154×17 lbs/inch, which is more than enough tensile strength when hanging the banner with four corner grommets.

If you are more concerned with low weight and smoothness, you will want to go with a material that has a lower denier count. The lower the denier count, the less the material is going to weigh as a whole and the finer that material will be. Benefits of having thinner material usually include a reduction in cost as well as ease of storage and transportation (due to the low weight of the material). This will, however, lead to the material becoming more prone to tearing.

It is also important to note the amount of light certain materials will allow to pass through based on their denier count. The higher the count, the less light that will be able to pass through. If you were to hold a piece of silk up against the sun, you would easily be able to see through it. However, if you were to do the same with a vinyl banner, it would block out all light, making it so you could not see through at all. This is important to consider with something like a pop up tent, where you will be mainly using it outdoors and will not want to have a lot of sunlight passing through the material.

What Are Some Common/Standard Denier Counts?

The denier count for fabrics, banners, and other materials can vary anywhere from less than 1 to 1,000+. Generally speaking, the thicker the fabric, the higher the denier count. Here’s a comparison chart to give you an idea of some common denier counts for materials you may be familiar with:

With so many different types of materials and applications relying on denier count as a measure of thickness and durability, it’s important to consider a material similar to the one you’re using when determining what count is best for you.  Generally speaking, microfiber materials like silk makeup anything that is 1d or less. Light fabrics such as down jackets and thin tents will be around 10-20d. General outerwear, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, & khakis will range from 40-80d. Heavy-duty fabrics, such as flags, pop up tent canopies, backpacks, vinyl banners & more can range anywhere from 100-1,000d.

All of our signs are crafted for impressive durability; if you’re looking for a banner and are having trouble choosing one that would fit your needs, check out our vinyl banners, mesh banners, or fabric banners to learn more.  

Have any other questions about signs? Give us a call at 888-222-4929 or shoot us an email at support@signs.com

Signage 101 – What Is Denier?