How to design a poster to print

Posted on June 20, 2023June 11, 2026

A good printed poster should be easy to read, correctly sized and supplied in a format that prints well. Here are the main things to check before ordering. Choose the right size Set your artwork up at the size you want it printed, such as A3, A2, A1 or A0. Avoid designing at A4 and enlarging it later, as images and logos may lose quality.

Keep it easy to read: Most posters are viewed quickly and from a distance. Use a clear headline, short text and plenty of space around the main message.Make sure key details such as dates, prices, contact details and QR codes are large enough to read easily.
Use good-quality images: Low-resolution images can look blurry or pixelated when printed large. Use original high-resolution photos and logos wherever possible, and avoid screenshots or images copied from websites.
Add bleed if printing to the edge: If your design has colour, images or graphics going right to the edge, please supply your file with 3mm bleed and crop marks. Keep text, logos and QR codes at least 5mm away from the finished edge so nothing important is too close to the trim.
Avoid thin borders: Thin borders near the edge can look uneven after trimming. If you want a border, keep it well inside the poster or make it thick enough to allow for slight movement.
Save as a print-ready PDF: The best file type for poster printing is a press-quality PDF. This helps keep the size, fonts, images and layout as intended. Before ordering, check the spelling, dates, prices, contact details and QR codes carefully.

Choose the right material

Matt coated card is the most popular choice for indoor posters and notices.
Photo satin is better for photos, rich colours and darker artwork.
Plastic paper is water-resistant and tear-resistant for longer-lasting posters.
Encapsulation adds a wipe-clean plastic finish for extra durability.

Poster printing at Original Copy Centre

We print posters in-house in popular sizes including A3, A2, A1 and A0, with collection and UK delivery available. Order online, upload your file after checkout, and we’ll check your artwork before printing.

Please visit our poster printing services page to find out more information and to place an order.