subject: Large Format Printing - Advice From An Advertising Expert [print this page] Large Format Printing - Advice From An Advertising Expert
In the world of marketing and advertising, bigger is usually better, and that applies to print size too. If you have an upcoming advertising or marketing campaign, the standard printer you typically use to create letters, documents and labels may not be sufficient for handling a project of this magnitude. No, if you want your signs banners and posters to really stand out; if you want a vehicle for creating individual projects in house without the cost of expensive screen-printing, you'll need a printer that can generate large format printing.
Large format printing is created by a printer of the same name (large format printer) and is defined as any printing font with a width between 17 inches and 100 inches. Instead of the individual sheets used with a traditional printer, large format printing is typically performed on a large, self-feeding roll of material. In addition, many large format printers come equipped with hot air dryers to prevent the prints from sticking to each other as they are produced.
In the advertising and marketing game, the company that produces the most eye-catching and readable ad material usually "wins," and in order to ensure that their signage gets noticed it is often necessary to use extremely large print, especially when the sign will be viewed from somewhat of a distance such as a freeway billboard. These are the signs you drive by each and every day, advertising everything from sun tan lotion to motor oil, and because it's important to the marketer that each word on the sign can be seen clearly, large format printing is usually employed in creating this billboard material.
Signs and posters are another medium where large format printing comes in very handy. Since it's virtually impossible for a traditional printer to create wording large enough to be read quickly by people in vehicles and pedestrians passing by, large format printing helps these signs stand out and get noticed. Another project where large format printing is needed by advertisers and marketers is the creation of banners. With a large format printer you can create banners on demand for any occasionopen house or "blow-out" saleand possibly save hundreds of dollars in outside printing costs.
If you have a project that requires a large number of signs, banners or posters, each with a different message or style, you could pay for traditional screen printing, but keep in mind you will usually be charged an extra fee for each screen image. If you choose to invest in a large format printer, on the other hand, you can create your own signage in-house as you need it and avoid these additional costs.