Large Format Printing 101
Before you send your large format design off to the printer, let’s dive into the basics. What is large format printing? Large format printing, also known as wide format printing or grand format printing, is a process used by printers to create physical graphics over 18”. When businesses create advertising and marketing materials that are too large for a traditional printer, they turn to large format printing companies like BR Printers to bring their designs to life.
Large Format Printing vs. Commercial Printing
While both large format and commercial printing processes are used for advertising there are a few differences. What is commercial printing? Commercial printing is printing for businesses that typically refers to marketing collateral, business cards, or other paper items that support a company’s marketing efforts. Large format is a type of commercial print, but bigger. The size of large format graphics requires special printers that accommodate unique print sizes and substrates. Paper, textiles, plastic, metal, cardboard, and stickers are just the main substrates used for large format printing projects.
Examples of Large Format Printed Products
As a printer with diversified capabilities, we have created large format products for retailers, corporate locations, trade shows, and events. There is so much room for creativity when printing in large format which means it can be hard to decide which product is best for your business needs. The products below only scratch the surface so if you’re inspired to create something big, contact us.
Banners
Hosting an event? Having a huge sale? Opening a new location? Scenarios like these are endless but for each of these occasions, businesses turn to banners to reach their marketing goals. When putting together tradeshow materials, companies look for a backdrop, hanging banner, standing banner, or a mix of the three. Banners are one of the most common large format graphics. They’re also reusable! Print high-quality banners so you can use them over and over again.
Displays
As you know, your typical office printer cannot create the retail displays that your customers see in stores. Point of sale displays create brand recognition and inspire purchases.
Signage
Posters and signage are popular products for all businesses. Corporate offices and warehouses use signs and posters to keep work employees informed, safe, and share company branding. Retail stores use signs to promote new campaigns, sales, and brand messaging. Directional signage and maps are used in business parks, shopping centers, and event centers to help customers and employees.
Floor Graphics
Like directional signage, floor graphics are a sticker used to direct customers, event attendees, and employees toward your business. Floor graphics can also be used to share messaging, display QR codes, or simply show off your business logo.
Is large format still relevant in business?
Large format printing products are for everyone. We encourage you to keep an eye out the next time you run to the grocery store, go to an event, or take a walk to look around and see how many large banners, displays, signage, and floor graphics you see. Print is not dead, in fact, it’s thriving. Companies in all industries combine their digital messaging with physical products in order to strengthen their branding and communications. Businesses all over the world advertise with large format printing for three main reasons: large format printing increases brand recognition, oversized printing captures attention, and large scale printing is versatile. They say go big or go home for a reason, read more about the benefits of large format printing in our infographic, Why Go large? (Format).
Why businesses everywhere go large (format):
- Large format printing increases brand recognition
- Oversized printing captures attention
- Large-scale printing is versatile
Make an impact with BR Printers
BR Printers started as an educational and trade printer in San Jose, CA but now we’ve diversified our capabilities and national footprint. We’re happy to be based in San Jose, CA with facilities in San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Appleton, WI, Cincinnati, OH, and Independence, KY, BR is now a provider of high quality large format printing, commercial printing, labels, marketing, value chain, and logistics management to marketers and the publishing industry’s most recognizable names.
With a wide range of large format printing solutions and products, we can quickly create large format graphic signs and displays that fit any location or occasion. At BR Printers we offer a wide range of large format printing services and solutions that support all your ideas. Let your professional graphic design services help with your projects. Our dedicated customer services reps facilitate quick turns and expedited delivery times.
Contact us today. Our talented Large Format Graphics team is ready to build a solution that delights your audience and rewards you with increased reach and brand awareness.