Large Format Printing for Big Thinkers: How to Make Large Format Work For You

You know the saying "it's not over 'till the fat lady sings"? Large format is advertising's metaphorical fat lady. After you've tried smaller marketing materials like flyers, [<a href="https://www.printulu.co.za/product/business-cards?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">business cards</a>](https://www.printulu.co.za/product/business-cards?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal), and folded leaflets, going large is your next logical step.

Most people picture highway billboards when they think of large format signage. But here's what many don't know: "large format" actually refers to anything 42cm wide or larger, though we offer some smaller sizes for certain products.

<AcademyQuote> Large format printing isn't just about size – it's about making your message impossible to ignore when it matters most. </AcademyQuote>

These materials typically include:#

• 1PVC for banners
• 2Indoor/outdoor vinyl for [<a href="https://www.printulu.co.za/product/stickers?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">stickers</a>](https://www.printulu.co.za/product/stickers?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal)
• 3Paper for [<a href="https://www.printulu.co.za/product/posters?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">posters</a>](https://www.printulu.co.za/product/posters?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal)
• 4Rigid boards such as Correx, ABS and Chromadek for signage

The most popular large-format products are:#

• 1Stickers/Decals
• 2Chromadek Boards
• 3Wall Banners
• 4Pull-up Banners
• 5Posters
• 6PVC Banners
• 7Correx Boards
• 8ABS Boards
• 9X-Banners

Let's look at Bob's story. Bob runs a fast-food restaurant with bi-weekly burger and sandwich specials.

Signage

Twice a month, Bob prints 5000 flyers and hires people to hand them out at traffic lights. Smart move, but there's a catch. There's a 38% chance Bob's <a href="https://www.printulu.co.za/product/flyers?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">flyer</a> gets tossed immediately. You can't blame people – Martin and Tom have their flyer teams at the other two intersections too. Unless someone collects flyers for fun, most people won't keep them all. While there are proven ways to boost flyer effectiveness, that's another conversation.

To understand large format's real value, you need the numbers. Here's what outdoor advertising actually delivers:

The Highest Impact Advertising is Outside#

Ever driven past those highway billboards? They grab your attention without forcing it. No one makes you look, yet you do. That's the beauty of outdoor advertising – viewers can't control whether they see it, giving your campaign sustained impact over extended periods.

It's Cost Effective#

The Outdoor Media Association's research shows outdoor advertising delivers high ROI across all categories. Even better? The more you invest in outdoor advertising, the bigger your returns get.

Huge Reach#

Want to reach a broader audience? Outdoor advertising is your answer. It's public and reaches consumers who might slip through other channels – busy professionals, younger demographics, and lower-income consumers who may have limited access to traditional media.

It Impacts the Path of Purchase#

Here's a game-changer: According to APN Outdoor, 70% of purchases happen outside main shopping centres. Location matters massively in outdoor advertising because it influences every stage of the buying journey. The UK's Outdoor Media Centre found that outdoor advertising is the medium most seen by shoppers in that crucial "last window of influence" before they buy.

It Boosts Engagement Potential#

Unlike most advertising, people actually like outdoor ads. APN Outdoor's research revealed that 71% of Australians prefer buses with advertising over plain ones, and 36% see outdoor advertising as a welcome distraction.

It Works with Everything Else#

Outdoor advertising amplifies other marketing channels. Its impact and reach multiply when combined with other media, constantly reminding consumers of your message. For a deeper dive, check out our Omnichannel Marketing article.

Back to Bob: If he adds A2 Correx Boards to street poles advertising his specials, he'll strengthen his marketing efforts and boost sales significantly.

<AcademyDadJoke> Why don't large format prints ever get stage fright? Because they're used to making a big impression! </AcademyDadJoke>

How to Make Sure Your Next Large Format Prints Are Perfect#

With large format printing, a tiny screen mistake becomes a massive real-world problem. Here's what to check before printing your [PVC <a href="https://www.printulu.co.za/product/banners?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">Banner</a>](https://www.printulu.co.za/product/pvc-banners?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=internal), Wall Banner, Pull-Up Banners, X-Banners and Stickers:

• 1High-Resolution Images

Always use high-resolution images – 300 dots per inch (DPI) or higher. This ensures your images stay sharp and clear when scaled up to large format.

• 1Colour Perfection

Optimise your colour choices for distance viewing. You want easy reading, quick digestion, and instant understanding. Use background colours that create strong contrast and make your text and graphics pop.

<AcademyProTip> Design your artwork at the exact final print size from the start. Scaling up later often leads to quality issues that could've been avoided. </AcademyProTip>

• 1Sizing, sizing, sizing

Always design your artwork to match your desired final print dimensions exactly.

Don't:#

• 1Clutter your artwork. Busy designs are harder to digest and easier to ignore completely.
• 2Resize images using basic editing software. This usually creates unwanted pixelation in the final print.
• 3Skip making your artwork print-ready. Here are additional tips for creating perfect print-ready artwork.

Why Large Format Works#

Large-format outdoor advertising offers your brand a fresh, creative approach to reaching consumers. If any of these benefits sound right for your business, contact Printulu today. We'll help you find the most effective outdoor advertising solution for your needs and budget.

Resources

1. 7 Benefits of Outdoor Advertising

Related Articles:

1. Omnichannel marketing
2. Get print-ready for your next expo, trade show or community event