4 Best Practices for Making the Most of Wide Format Graphics

When it comes to creating positive viewing experiences, wide-format graphics can play an important role. Wide format printing is becoming a widely used process for all sizes of organizations to use for their advertising and marketing materials. Wide format printing can be used for projects including banners, window graphics, posters, trade-show displays, and various types of signs.  Print materials used may include foam board, PVC piping, acetate, plastic, magnetic paper, metal, canvas, fabric, and other material types used for dramatic effect. One benefit of printing wide format is the ability to print large pieces to allow graphics to come to life and get your company message to stand out from your competitors.

Best Practices for Wide Format Graphics

1. Images Over Text
   You’d think that larger graphics would support more text, but the opposite is true. Oversized signage and displays are most effective when they feature pictures rather than words.
2. Use White Space
   Don’t clutter up the graphic. Eye-catching images and bold color/contrast grab attention. Use white space to keep the background clean and simple.
3. Understand Who, What, and Why
   Designing signage is not dissimilar to designing a postcard or email blast. Know who your readers are and what they are looking for.  Are they looking for specific information? Or are they likely to be just browsing? All of these factors will influence the type and design of the graphics you use.
4. Make it Different
   Studies have shown that contrast is key to attention. If you are showing items in blues, greens, and pinks, for example, create signage that is bright yellow or a high-contrast purple. Don’t let your graphics blend into the background.

Wide-format graphics are powerful tools, but there is more to them than making them pretty. Once you understand what makes signage “tick,” you—and your customers—can get the most out of them.

Benefits of Wide Format

There are many benefits to using wide format printing for your projects. You will not only have the advantage of a large area to display your graphics and information, but also the benefits of UV cured ink that will make your piece durable and able to withstand elemental conditions such as rain, heat, and sunlight without incurring damage, if necessary. Another benefit of wide format printing is the ability to print on various substrates. You can print on almost anything that will fit through the carrier of the printer including: 

• Vinyl
• Cloth
• Glass
• Wood
• Foam Board
• Corrugated Plastic
• Metal
• Magnetic Paper
• Vinyl Sticker Paper

No matter what your graphics needs, if done correctly, large format printing can provide you with the benefits of durability as well as a large display area allowing your message be eye-catching and provide you with the visibility you need to stand out.

Don’t Overlook These Great Wide-Format Graphics Ideas!

Let’s look at the use of wide-format graphics in different market verticals.

Healthcare: Any kind of medical treatment can be scary, especially for kids. Transform your waiting room into a tropical jungle or undersea adventure that will bring kids joy and alleviate fear. You can also use wide-format graphics for important communications, such as blood drive announcements, disease prevention and treatment illustrations, floor plans and evacuation route maps.

Education:  Student communications: Create announcement posters, student awareness displays, or event announcements. Design custom wall murals that turn the common areas into a warm, friendly environment that makes your students feel safe and encouraged.

Retail: In addition to bright, attention-getting signage and displays, consider advertising your next in-store promotion with custom wall murals or giant window graphics. Use floor graphics like spring flowers to help customers navigate their way to the latest fashion arrivals or dollar signs to help them find the clearance section.

You can depend on Fineline’s wide format department to provide all you wide format needs.  With 4 state of the art wide format printers and a roll laminator and router, we can print on many substrates and custom cut shapes to meet all your needs.  Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you make use of these powerful tools to make your brand stand out in a crowd. Fineline assisted Kiwanis International with large conference material which included two 53-foot semis full of event items – read the case study here.