When it comes to large format printing, businesses often see it as a great opportunity to make a bold statement. Whether it’s for a banner, poster, vehicle wrap, or trade show display, large-format prints are an excellent way to grab attention and communicate your message. However, while the potential for success is high, businesses often make common mistakes when ordering large format prints that can lead to disappointing results, wasted resources, and missed opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll go over the most common mistakes businesses make when ordering large format prints and provide tips on how to avoid them for better results. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your prints are of the highest quality and effectively serve their purpose. With the expertise of BigFormat – The Large Format Printing Company, you can be sure that your prints will stand out and drive the results you’re looking for.
1. Ignoring the Importance of Image Resolution
One of the most common mistakes businesses make when ordering large format prints is neglecting the image resolution. Unlike smaller prints, large format prints are scaled to a much larger size, which means that the quality of the image plays a crucial role in ensuring a sharp and professional finish. A high-resolution image that looks clear and crisp at a smaller size can appear pixelated or blurry when scaled up to a larger size.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Check the Image Resolution: Ensure that the resolution of your image is appropriate for the size of the print. The general rule of thumb is to have a resolution of at least 150 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size. For example, if you’re printing a large banner, a 300 DPI image may be ideal, but a 150 DPI image can still work if it’s going to be viewed from a distance.
- Use Vector Graphics for Scalability: When possible, use vector files (such as .ai or .eps formats), which can be resized without losing quality. Unlike raster files (like .jpg or .png), vector graphics remain sharp and clear at any size.
2. Choosing the Wrong Material for the Job
Another mistake businesses make when ordering large format prints is selecting the wrong material. The material you choose for your print can affect its durability, appearance, and overall effectiveness. For instance, choosing an inexpensive material for a high-traffic area might result in prints that fade, tear, or peel prematurely. On the other hand, choosing a premium material for a temporary event might be overkill.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Know the Environment: Consider where the print will be displayed. Outdoor prints, such as banners, vehicle wraps, or building wraps, need to be durable and weather-resistant. Choose materials like vinyl, mesh, or fabric that can withstand rain, wind, and sun exposure. For indoor displays, materials like canvas or paper might suffice, but make sure they are appropriate for the space.
- Consult with the Experts: At BigFormat, we offer a variety of materials for different purposes, and we can help you select the best option for your specific needs. Whether you need outdoor durability, vibrant indoor graphics, or something in between, our team is here to provide expert advice.
3. Overlooking the Importance of Color Calibration
Colors are an essential element of any print, and while your design may look perfect on a computer screen, it can appear drastically different once printed. This is due to variations in color between digital displays (RGB) and print output (CMYK), as well as differences between monitors and printers. Without proper color calibration, you risk your print not looking as expected.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Use the Correct Color Model: When preparing your artwork for printing, make sure it’s in the CMYK color model, as this is the standard for print materials. While RGB (used for screens) may work for digital designs, CMYK is optimized for physical prints, ensuring that the colors are accurately reproduced.
- Request a Proof: Before proceeding with the full print run, ask for a color proof to check the colors in the real world. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments to your design before committing to the final product.
4. Not Considering the Placement and Viewing Distance
When designing large format prints, businesses often make the mistake of not considering the placement and viewing distance of the print. A design that looks great up close may not be as effective when viewed from a distance. The size of the print and the environment in which it will be displayed should influence both the design and the level of detail.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Consider the Viewing Distance: For large displays like banners or wall murals, keep in mind that people will often view them from a distance. Therefore, large text, bold graphics, and simple designs tend to be more effective than intricate details or small fonts.
- Test and Visualize the Placement: Before finalizing your design, visualize how it will look in its intended space. Ensure that the print size, colors, and content will be visible and legible from different viewing angles and distances.
5. Overcomplicating the Design
While it’s important to be creative with large format prints, it’s also essential to keep the design clear and uncluttered. Businesses often make the mistake of overcomplicating the design with too much text, too many graphics, or busy layouts. Overly complicated designs can confuse the viewer or make it difficult to focus on the core message.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Simplicity is Key: Keep your design clean and simple. Use large fonts, bold colors, and a limited number of elements that convey your message clearly. A single focal point is often more effective than multiple competing elements.
- Focus on the Message: Think about what message you want to communicate with your print. What is the key takeaway? Whether it’s a promotion, event details, or branding, make sure the message is easy to understand at a glance.
- Embrace White Space: Don’t be afraid of white space. It helps the design breathe and prevents it from feeling cluttered.
6. Forgetting About Bleed and Margins
Another common mistake businesses make is not accounting for bleed and margins in their design. Bleed is the area outside the final print size where the design extends to ensure that no white edges are visible once the print is trimmed. Margins are the areas within the design that help avoid cutting off important elements like text or logos.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Include Bleed and Safe Zones: Always set up your file with a bleed area of at least 0.25 inches (or as specified by your printing provider). Keep important design elements like text and logos within a safe margin to ensure they aren’t cut off during the trimming process.
- Consult with the Printer: If you’re unsure about bleed and margin requirements, ask your printing provider. At BigFormat, we ensure that your designs are properly formatted for a seamless print experience, so don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.
7. Underestimating the Importance of Proofreading
A small typo or error in your print design can cause major problems, especially when you’re printing large format materials that will be seen by many people. Businesses often fail to proofread their designs thoroughly, only to realize later that there is a mistake that could damage their brand’s reputation.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Proofread Carefully: Take the time to proofread your design carefully, checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review the design to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
- Double-Check Contact Information: Make sure that any contact information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or URLs, is accurate. Mistakes in this area can lead to lost opportunities and customer confusion.
8. Not Setting Realistic Expectations for Delivery Time
Lastly, businesses often make the mistake of not setting realistic expectations for delivery time. Rushing a print job or expecting unrealistic turnaround times can result in missed deadlines and poor-quality prints.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Plan Ahead: Always allow enough time for the design, printing, and delivery process. Large format prints can take time to produce, especially if the design is complex or requires special materials.
- Confirm Lead Times: Ask your printer for a clear timeline and confirm that it aligns with your project needs. At BigFormat, we work with you to ensure timely delivery and high-quality results every time.
Conclusion
Ordering large format prints can be a straightforward process when you avoid the common mistakes that many businesses make. By paying attention to image resolution, material selection, color calibration, design simplicity, and proofing, you can ensure that your prints turn out as expected and deliver maximum impact.
At BigFormat – The Large Format Printing Company, we specialize in delivering high-quality, custom large format prints that meet your exact specifications. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from design consultation to final print production. Don’t let common mistakes hold back your marketing efforts—contact BigFormat today and take the first step toward achieving stunning large format prints that elevate your brand.