Large-format printing is a catch-all term for anything too big for a standard office or commercial printer, and it covers a wider range of materials and use cases than most people expect.
What counts as large-format
Banners, posters, vehicle wraps, wall murals, exhibition graphics, floor decals and backlit signage, all printed on wide-format digital printers capable of running material well beyond standard paper sizes.
Materials commonly used
- PVC flex and mesh for banners.
- Vinyl for wraps and decals.
- Fabric for tension-frame displays.
- Photo paper or canvas for large indoor prints.
- Backlit film for illuminated displays.
Resolution and viewing distance
Large-format artwork is designed at a lower resolution than material meant to be read up close, since a banner or exhibition panel is viewed from several metres away, not inches. File preparation differs from standard print design for exactly this reason.
Common business uses
- Storefront window graphics.
- Exhibition stand panels.
- Retail floor and wall branding.
- Outdoor event banners.
- Vehicle and fleet wraps.
