What Size Is Considered Large Format Printing?
In the world of high-impact visual communications, "going big" is more than just a creative choice—it is a technical strategy. If you have ever wondered why a file that looks crisp on your screen appears blurry on a shop window, or if you are simply trying to determine which "A" size fits your retail space, this guide is for you.
At BPD Group, we are more than just a print supplier; we are your strategic partner from "concept to completion". While we are known for massive retail roll-outs, our expertise covers the entire spectrum, ensuring your brand remains consistent from a handheld flyer to a building-sized graphic.
What is Large Format Print?
Large format printing (also known as wide-format) refers to projects that require specialised equipment to handle dimensions beyond the capacity of standard commercial presses.
Generally, Large Format begins at widths over 24 inches (610mm). At BPD, we operate at the cutting edge of large-scale production, but we also maintain a dedicated Small Format division featuring high-speed Ricoh digital printers. This dual capability ensures your brand’s colour and quality remain identical across every touchpoint
Understanding the "A" Series: A Quick Guide to Scale
Standardising your print starts with understanding the "A" series, where doubling one size leads to the next:
A4 (210 x 297mm): Standard office size, ideal for letters and flyers.
A3 (297 x 420mm): Twice an A4; perfect for menus and small internal posters.
A2 (420 x 594mm): Often the entry point for retail posters.
A1 (594 x 841mm): The standard for flipcharts and window displays.
A0 (841 x 1189mm): The benchmark for high-impact posters.
Beyond A0: Large format allows for bespoke dimensions that can span several meters.
Materials: The Building Blocks of Impact
Size creates attention, but the material (substrate) provides the function.
ACM: A rigid aluminum composite that serves as the "gold standard" for outdoor signage due to its durability.
Expanded PVC (Foamex): A lightweight, compressed PVC board. It is easily CAD-cut into custom shapes, making it perfect for 3D retail displays and standees.
Vinyl: A flexible, adhesive material used for window decals, floor graphics, and vehicle wraps.
What Should You Look for in Large Format Print?
Scaling up requires a different set of technical rules. To ensure your project succeeds, keep these basics in mind:
Esko Kongsberg
Viewing Distance vs. Resolution: A brochure held at arm's length requires high resolution (300 DPI), whereas a billboard viewed from 50 feet away can use a lower resolution because the human eye "blurs" the dots together for a smooth image.
Colour Consistency: We use the GMG Colourserver and Colourproof systems to ensure that the "Retail Red" on your Foamex stand perfectly matches your vinyl window cling, regardless of which machine they were printed on.
The "Bleed" and Margins: When printing on large boards, extra image area (bleed) is required. This ensures that when our Esko Kongsberg CAD cutters or Young Shin die-cutters finish the piece, the image goes right to the edge with no white gaps.
Our Capabilities: Bringing Your Scale to Life
BPD Group invests in market-leading technology to push the boundaries of speed and quality:
EFI Nozomi C1400 SD: A powerhouse for high-volume corrugated packaging and displays, handling sheets up to 1400mm x 3050mm.
HP Scitex 11000 & 17000: Industrial workhorses capable of printing sheets up to 3200mm x 1600mm at speeds of up to 100 beds per hour.
Mimaki JFX Series: A precision flatbed printer for unique rigid materials up to 2500mm wide.
What We’ve Learned…
Whether you are scaling an A0 poster or designing a bespoke 3D floor display, success lies in planning. By utilizing the right technology—such as our VISION project interface or STORE VISUALISER 3D mock-up tool—you can ensure your visuals don't just fill a space, they own it.
We hope you learned some valuable information today!
Ready to start your next project? From small format leaflets to massive retail roll-outs, our team is ready to help you navigate the technical world of print.