Printing a banner: output specs.

[Ahriman]

Hey guys,

Our client asked us to design a banner (118.11 inches width X 39.37 inches height) to be printed in the U.S., as it happens, the client does not have any idea about the specs the printer might need.

For what I can see, this is a typical banner to be hanged at a job fair. I'm guessing it will be printed on vynil or some similar material.

What would the specs be for this kind of file (resolution, size, etc.)

I was thinking on creating it at 25% (or smaller) @ 300 dpi, CMYK.

Any suggestions are more than welcome!

:D

[PrintDriver]

25% at 300 is probably ok.
Don't forget your bleed.
Is it single sided? How is this being hung? Stitched and grommets? or pole pockets? The answer determines the bleeds.

[budafist]

Of course the client doesn't know what the printer needs. They didn't know they were supposed to find out. Get them to find out the specs from the printer.

[Ahriman]

Of course the client doesn't know what the printer needs. They didn't know they were supposed to find out. Get them to find out the specs from the printer.

Somehow I think he should know, the person I'm dealing with is in the Marketing department and he manages all their ad agencies, design studios and service providers.

In any case, the layout is ready and we'll see what are the instructions before sending it out.

Thanks everyone!

:cool:


UPDATE: My client asked the printer and as it turns out, I did the right thing by creating the art at 25%/300 dpi/CMYK/No bleed.

Its already uploaded to the FTP server and everyone seems to be happy so far.

:D

[pmkcreations]

Usually effective resolution on large format printers is 150dpi for 100%.
Use that formula in the future and there shouldn't be any issues.

[PrintDriver]

PMK, effective resolution can vary from 35dpi to 150dpi.
In a perfect world it is best to ask the printer what they want so you don't waste your time (and theirs) on files that are too large.

Since this is a small banner I would recommend at least 50 but it could possibly look better at 150 depending on the print vendor's machine. Viewing distance is also a factor to consider.

[pmkcreations]

I'm going on what I've been told for specs from the three different printers I've used.
I've even done full size work at 300dpi. Nothing a 1GB+ Photoshop files.
Do that on an G3 iMac.

[PrintDriver]

As we've always stated, ask the printer. All specs are different.
I'll bet the printer didn't print that banner at 300dpi. :D

[Ahriman]

I dont think so, no. Specially at 2 feet by 8 feet!!!

:D