Large format printing: everything you need to know before placing your order
Large format printing is at the heart of any successful event presence — whether it's for a fabric video wall, a retractable banner, a backdrop, a printed tablecloth, or an event tent.
But it's also an area where many companies make avoidable mistakes: poorly prepared files, insufficient resolution, underestimated deadlines, and unsuitable material choices. The result: costly rework, missed deadlines, or worse—a booth with a blurry print on the day of the trade show.
Here's what you absolutely need to know before placing your next order.
Resolution: the most frequent mistake
For professional-quality large-format printing, the rule is simple: a minimum of 100 dpi (dots per inch) at the final print size. This means that a 72 dpi image designed for screen display—regardless of its pixel dimensions—will never be of sufficient quality for large-format printing.
In practice: if your banner measures 2 feet × 6 feet, your file must be prepared at that exact size with a minimum resolution of 100 dpi. For vector logos (.ai, .eps, or vector .pdf formats), resolution is not an issue—vectors can be enlarged infinitely without loss of quality.
Accepted and recommended file formats
Vector formats (ideal): .ai (Adobe Illustrator), .eps, vector .pdf. These formats preserve the sharpness of the logo and text at any size.
Accepted bitmap formats: .tiff, .psd (Photoshop) at high resolution. These formats are acceptable for photos and photographic elements provided the resolution is sufficient.
Formats to avoid: compressed .jpeg, low-resolution .png, screenshots, images from websites. These formats almost always result in poor-quality prints.
Safety margins and zones
Any file intended for large-format printing must include a bleed area of 0.25 to 0.5 inches around the final size, and a safety margin of at least 1 to 2 inches inside the edge for all important elements (text, logo, faces). These margins compensate for slight inaccuracies during trimming and installation.
Materials: Choosing the right support
Polyester fabric: the current standard for backdrops and stage walls. Impeccable finish, washable, lightweight, and virtually wrinkle-free during transport. Ideal for indoor use and high-end events.
Tarpaulin vinyl: robust, waterproof, UV resistant. Recommended for outdoor use, hanging banners, and harsh environments.
Paper or canvas: for decorative prints or temporary indoor displays. Less durable, not recommended for repeated trade shows.
Deadlines: always plan ahead of schedule
Standard turnaround time: 9 to 12 business days from receipt of the approved file. Express turnaround time: 5 to 7 business days (additional charge applies).
The golden rule: always add 2 to 3 days to your estimated timeframe to absorb file corrections, approval back-and-forths, and unforeseen logistical issues.
At Onivo Expo, our production team checks every file before printing and contacts you if any problems are detected. We're here to guide you every step of the way, from file preparation to final installation.
