Flyer design basics

Picking the right poster size depends on where it will be displayed and how close people will be to it.

The general rule

Viewing distance determines the right text size and the right overall poster size:

• Close viewing (1-2 metres) — A4 or A3
• Medium viewing (2-5 metres) — A2
• Far viewing (5+ metres) — A1 or larger

Standard poster sizes

| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Use case | | ---- | --------------- | ------------------------------- | | A4 | 210 x 297 | Handout, notice board | | A3 | 297 x 420 | Small wall poster, event notice | | A2 | 420 x 594 | Medium poster, retail display | | A1 | 594 x 841 | Large wall poster, event banner | | A0 | 841 x 1189 | Very large, exhibition display |

Choosing the right size

Ask these questions:

• Where will the poster be displayed? (Wall, board, window, easel)
• How close will viewers be? (Indoor hallway vs outdoor street)
• What is the most important content? (Headline, image, full design)

For a hallway or notice board, A4 or A3 is appropriate. For a wall in a public space, A2 or A1.

Design considerations

Larger posters require:

• Larger text — minimum 36 pt at A1
• Higher contrast — distant viewing reduces detail
• More white space — crowded designs are hard to read from a distance
• Less small text — anything below 24 pt is hard to read from 5+ metres

Image resolution

For posters:

• A4: 300 DPI is essential
• A3: 300 DPI
• A2: 200 DPI is acceptable
• A1: 150 DPI is acceptable (viewed from a distance)
• A0: 100 DPI may be acceptable for very large outdoor displays

The lower DPI for larger sizes is because the viewing distance is greater. Each inch of print is seen from further away, so the absolute detail needed is lower.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a size that is too small for the venue
• Using a small poster design on a large format (text becomes unreadable)
• Using a large poster design on a small format (text is cramped)
• Not checking the wall or display dimensions before printing

FAQ

What is the most common poster size?

A2 and A3 are the most common for indoor posters. A1 is common for outdoor events.

Can I print a poster at home?

Home printers usually max out at A4. For larger sizes, use a print shop.

What about custom sizes?

Print shops can print custom sizes, but standard sizes are cheaper and more readily available.