Large Format Printing: Uses, Sizes & Ideas
Sometimes bigger really is better — especially when it comes to getting your message noticed. That’s where A1 posters and large format printing step in. Whether you’re promoting an event, showing off your products, or simply making sure people can’t miss your brand from across the room, large format print is the way to go.
Let’s take a closer look at A1 posters, the world of large format printing, and how products like Pull Up Banners and Coreflute or Foamboard Signage can help you make a big impact.
What is large format printing?
Large format printing is exactly what it sounds like — printing on a scale that goes beyond standard office printers. It’s used to produce everything from posters and banners to wall graphics and vehicle wraps.
In the printing world, “large format” generally means anything larger than A3 size (297mm x 420mm). These prints are usually produced on specialised machines that can handle wider rolls of paper, vinyl, or fabric — perfect for projects that need to be seen from metres away.
Fun fact: large format printers aren’t just “big versions” of desktop printers. They often use different ink types (like UV or solvent-based inks) so your prints can withstand sunlight, rain, and a bit of everyday wear and tear.
What products are considered large format print?
The large format family includes:
- Posters (A2, A1, A0 and beyond)
- Pull Up Banners
- Outdoor vinyl banners
- Window graphics and decals
- Wall murals and wallpaper
- Corflute and foamboard signage
- Floor graphics
- Exhibition panels
- Vehicle graphics
What size is an A1 Poster
An A1 poster measures 594mm wide x 841mm high.
In everyday terms: it’s about the size of a standard office door panel — big enough to catch someone’s eye, but still easy to handle and transport.
Because of its size, an A1 poster strikes a nice balance between being large enough for people to see details from a distance, without overwhelming smaller spaces.
What are the main uses of an A1 poster?
A1 posters are popular for:
- Event promotion – concerts, markets, festivals, fundraiser
- Retail displays – seasonal sales, new product launches
- Information boards – maps, timetables, health & safety notices
- Educational displays – school or university open days, exhibitions
- Brand awareness – eye-catching advertising in high-traffic areas
They’re particularly effective in places where foot traffic is high, like shop windows, bus stops, or building foyers. The size means people can read from a short distance while still seeing all the detail you’ve packed in.
What is the most common size of a Pull Up Banner?
The most common Pull Up Banner size is 850mm wide x 2000mm high — about the height of an average doorway and just under a metre wide. This makes them tall enough to be noticed over a crowd, but slim enough to fit in most indoor spaces without feeling bulky.
Pull Up Banners are also designed to be portable. They roll down into a compact carry case, making them easy to store and transport.
What can Pull Up Banners be used for?
Pull Up Banners are a versatile marketing tool, perfect for:
- Trade shows and expos – stand out from the competition
- Retail promotions – advertise special offers or new arrivals
- Corporate events – reinforce branding at conferences or meetings
- Pop-up shops – create a professional look in temporary spaces
- Product launches – draw attention to key features or benefits
One of their best features? You can use them again and again. Just roll them up after the event, and they’re ready to go for the next one.
Corflute and Foamboard Signage
Corflute and foamboard are two of the unsung heroes of large format printing. They’re lightweight, affordable, and versatile — which makes them perfect for shortterm or portable signage.
Corflute is a corrugated plastic material that’s tough enough for outdoor use. You’ll often see it used for:
- Real estate signs
- Event directional signage
- Market stall displays
- Temporary construction site signs
It’s weather-resistant, so it can handle a bit of wind and rain without curling or fading too quickly.
Foamboard, on the other hand, is a rigid, smooth board that’s best suited for indoor use. It’s ideal for highquality prints where you want sharp detail and vibrant colours. Popular uses include:
- Point-of-sale displays
- Exhibition graphics
- Menu boards
- Photo displays
And then there’s the fun stuff — large format foamboard is brilliant for creating novelty cheques (perfect for charity events or prize presentations), life-size cut-outs of people or products (a guaranteed attention-grabber), and even Instagram frames for photo opportunities at parties, launches, and expos. These not only make events more interactive, but they’re also social media gold.
Large format printing isn’t just about size — it’s about visibility, impact, and making sure your message gets noticed. Whether you’re hanging posters in a shopfront, covering a wall with branded graphics, or setting up a Pull Up Banner at an event, large format print helps you tell your story on a scale that really works.
And yes — sometimes bigger really is better.
Contact your local MBE store for advice about how you can create a big impact for your business.