Posters are one of the most versatile ways to share art, promote events, or create a striking display at home or in a business. But before you start your next poster printing project, it’s important to understand the different sizes of posters and how to select the right one for your needs. Whether you’re planning a custom poster for personal use, large format posters for outdoor advertising, or a standard movie poster size for a retail store, knowing poster sizes will help you achieve the best results.
Sizes Of Posters
The sizes of posters vary widely depending on use. Standard poster sizes make it simple to design and print posters quickly, while custom poster sizes give you more space to bring a unique idea to life. From smaller posters used for bulletin boards to larger posters suited for high traffic areas, each poster’s dimensions play a role in how well your message reaches its target audience.
Common options include:
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Small posters: Similar to standard printer paper (8.5 x 11 inches), best for bulletin posters or indoor use on bulletin boards.
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Medium poster size: Often around 18 x 24 inches, ideal for community events or trade shows.
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Large posters: 24 x 36 inches, one of the most common poster sizes, perfect for promoting events or displaying larger images in retail stores or high traffic areas.
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Extra-large format poster printing: Anything above 36 inches, giving ample space for commercial advertising, outdoor use, or large-scale promotional materials.
Custom Poster Printing
If you want more control over your poster design, custom poster printing is the way to go. With professional printing services, you can create posters in custom sizes, choose from different paper types, and ensure your design includes high quality images that look sharp at any scale. An online design tool can help you test layouts, explore design templates, and preview how your posters will be displayed before sending them to print.
Custom Poster
A custom poster allows you to create something tailored to your exact wall space. You can pick your own poster paper, adjust paper weight for durability, and even select a matte finish for reduced glare. Whether you’re designing promotional materials for an advertising campaign or artwork to hang at home, a custom poster offers flexibility in both style and function.
Large Format Poster Printing
Large format poster printing is essential when you need larger images that can be seen from a distance. Trade shows, outdoor advertising, and retail stores often rely on large format posters to reach their audience. With ample space, you can include more design elements, additional details, and eye catching graphics that stand out in high traffic areas.
Custom Poster Sizes
Not every project fits into standard poster sizes. Custom poster sizes let you adapt to unique needs, whether it’s filling an awkward wall space or creating a larger size for special events. For example, bulletin boards in schools or offices might require smaller posters, while promoting events at festivals may need much larger posters to attract attention outdoors.
24 x 36
The 24 x 36 inches size is the standard movie poster size and one of the most popular choices for both personal art and commercial advertising. This size offers more space for poster design while remaining easy to frame. Many people choose 24 x 36 posters for movie poster reproductions, promotional displays, and high quality art prints.
Acid Free Paper
For posters you want to last over an extended period, choosing acid free paper is important. Unlike standard copy paper or standard printer paper, acid free paper prevents yellowing and deterioration. This is especially useful for art prints, archival posters, or when you want to protect a movie poster or custom poster design for years to come.
Custom Sizes
When standard sizes don’t meet your needs, custom sizes provide the freedom to create the right poster for your project. This flexibility helps when working on promotional materials for special events, or when designing posters that must fit into a specific wall space. With professional printing services, you can select the right paper, adjust poster’s dimensions, and ensure the quality stays consistent regardless of size.
Blog Post
This blog post is meant to guide you through the different poster sizes and options available for your next poster printing project. From standard poster sizes to custom poster sizes, from indoor use on bulletin boards to outdoor advertising in high traffic areas, choosing the right poster size is key to reaching your target audience effectively.
Common Poster Sizes
The most common poster sizes include:
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11 x 17 inches (small, often called “tabloid size”)
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18 x 24 inches (medium poster size)
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24 x 36 inches (large, standard movie poster size)
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27 x 40 inches (standard poster for commercial use)
Knowing these sizes helps when designing with templates, ordering print posters, or creating art for trade shows and retail stores.
Design Templates
Using design templates can speed up the poster design process. Templates are helpful for ensuring the right poster size, balancing design elements, and creating eye catching layouts for promoting events, community events, or advertising campaigns. Online design tools often include templates for common poster sizes, letting you preview how posters will be displayed before professional printing.
Large Format
Large format printing isn’t just about size. It’s about quality. Professional printing with the right paper weight, high quality images, and correct poster’s dimensions ensures your poster looks sharp and professional. Large format posters are often used for special events, trade shows, retail stores, or any setting that demands more space and visibility.
Design Principles
When working on a poster design, following design principles is crucial. Keep in mind:
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Choose the right poster size for your wall space and target audience.
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Use high quality images so details remain clear at larger sizes.
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Balance design elements so your poster is easy to read.
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Pick the right paper and paper weight for indoor use or outdoor use.
Applying these design principles ensures your poster printing project produces professional results.
Day Pickup
Sometimes you need posters printed quickly. Many services now offer same day pickup, letting you create your design online, print posters in just minutes, and pick them up that day. This option is helpful for promoting events, creating bulletin posters, or preparing for community events at the last minute.
