Question
Does resolution matter for large banners and posters?
Answer
Yes, but large-format work needs far less resolution than small print because viewers stand back. The rule is simple: the greater the viewing distance, the lower the DPI you need.
- Banners viewed from 6+ feet: look sharp at around 150 DPI.
- Posters and up-close displays like lobby graphics or retractable stands: want 200 to 300 DPI.
- Billboards seen from across the street: can look clean at roughly 50 DPI.
Set the resolution at the final printed size. A file that is 150 DPI at full banner dimensions has plenty of detail for its viewing distance.
| Piece | Typical viewing distance | DPI |
|---|---|---|
| Poster | ~3 ft | 200-300 |
| Banner | 6+ ft | ~150 |
| Billboard | Across the street | ~50 |
- Higher DPI at large sizes creates very big files, so balance quality against file size.
- Vector art like logos and type stays crisp at any size and is ideal for banners.
- Check the maximum upload size before submitting a very large file.
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