How to print flipcharts for a conference or training workshop
Printed flipchart sheets are useful for conferences, workshops and training sessions where information needs to be displayed clearly around a room.
They can be prepared in advance with questions, diagrams, instructions, headings or presentation slides, while leaving space for attendees to add notes and ideas during the session.
Why use professionally printed flipchart sheets?
Preparing the sheets before the event saves time and gives every group the same clear information.
Display workshop questions and instructions
Present flow charts and business processes
Show presentation slides around the room
Prepare separate materials for breakout groups
Leave space for attendees to add comments
Record ideas during brainstorming sessions
Display schedules, targets and discussion points
Create temporary signs and room information
Choosing the right flipchart size
A1 is the most popular size for conferences and training workshops because it is large enough to read without taking up excessive wall space.
841 × 1189mm
Suitable for large rooms, detailed diagrams and information that needs to be seen from farther away.
594 × 841mm
The most popular choice for conference rooms, workshops, presentations and group exercises.
420 × 594mm
Useful for smaller rooms, breakout groups and sheets that will be viewed at closer range.
297 × 420mm
A compact option for table-based activities, small teams and supporting workshop information.
Before choosing a size, consider the room dimensions, viewing distance, available wall space and the amount of information on each sheet.
Choosing the right paper and print coverage
Standard flipchart sheets are printed on lightweight 80gsm uncoated paper designed for short-term workshop and conference use.
Suitable for 80gsm flipchart paper
Text and headings on a white background
Flow charts and simple diagrams
Light blocks of colour and simple branding
Designs that need to be written on
Use premium poster paper for
Large photographs
Solid coloured backgrounds
Dark or ink-heavy designs
Displays intended to look like finished posters
Heavy ink coverage can cause lightweight paper to ripple or crinkle. For photographs, dark backgrounds or large areas of solid colour, choose our indoor poster printing service instead.
Can printed flipcharts be written on?
Yes. The uncoated paper surface can be written on during workshops, group exercises and brainstorming sessions.
Use proper flipchart markers where possible. They are designed to reduce ink soaking through the paper.
Test the pen on a spare sheet before the session, particularly when using broad permanent markers.
Avoid pressing heavily if the sheet is fixed directly to a painted wall or another delicate surface.
Marker ink may soak through lightweight paper. Protect the surface behind the sheet and check the venue’s rules before participants begin writing.
Designing effective workshop flipcharts
The design should be simple enough to understand from across the room.
Use large, clear headings
Keep paragraphs short
Use strong contrast between text and background
Use simple diagrams and bold lines
Leave generous space for handwritten notes
Keep important wording away from the edge
Number sheets where they follow a set order
Label materials by room or group where needed
Print a reduced copy on ordinary paper before placing the order. This is a useful way to check spelling, question order and whether enough space has been left for handwritten responses.
Preparing PowerPoint slides for flipchart printing
The standard PowerPoint widescreen format is designed for monitors rather than upright paper. When enlarged onto an A0, A1, A2 or A3 sheet, it can leave large empty areas above and below the design.
For a better fit in PowerPoint:
Design > Slide Size > Standard (4:3)
Changing the slide size can move or resize elements within the design, so check every slide carefully afterwards.
When the slides are complete, save or export them as a PDF. A PDF is less likely to change when opened on another computer.
Understanding pages and copies
When ordering, the number of pages means the number of different flipchart sheets. The number of copies means how many complete sets you need.
Number of pages
Enter the number of different designs or sheets contained in your PDF.
Number of copies
Enter the number of times you need the complete set to be printed.
Example
If your PDF contains 12 different workshop sheets and the same set is required in three rooms, order 12 pages and 3 copies. This produces 36 printed sheets in total.
How should flipchart sheets be displayed?
The sheets are normally supplied loose so they can be placed around the meeting or training room.
Check with the venue before using tape, adhesive pads or Blu Tack. Some hotels, conference centres and offices do not allow anything to be attached directly to painted walls.
It is also worth asking whether magnetic boards, display panels, flipchart easels or other suitable surfaces will be available in each room.
Organising flipcharts for several rooms or sessions
Large events may need different sets of sheets for separate rooms, days, trainers or discussion groups.
Put the sheets into the order in which they will be used.
Use clear filenames containing the room, day or session name.
Include a printed cover sheet or packing note for every set.
Tell us if separate sets need to be packed or labelled individually.
Clear labelling is particularly useful when the order will be delivered directly to a hotel or conference venue before the organiser arrives.
How ordering works
Choose the sheet size, number of different pages and number of copies required.
Place the order and upload your PDF after checkout.
Add any instructions about packing, labelling, rooms, sessions or the order of the sheets.
We check the order and contact you if anything about the files, quantities or layout needs confirming.
Urgent flipchart printing
Flipchart sheets can often be printed quickly when a suitable PDF is supplied and the design has a white background with light print coverage.
For an urgent event, email the file, sheet size, number of pages, number of sets and required deadline before ordering so we can confirm what is possible.
Collection and venue delivery
Orders can be collected from our West Drayton print shop or delivered to offices, hotels and conference venues.
For direct venue delivery, provide the event name, hotel or building, room name where known, event date and an on-site telephone number.
More printing for conferences and training courses
We can produce flipcharts alongside training manuals, delegate handouts, name badges, certificates, programmes, posters and event signage.
For an event requiring several printed items, send the complete list of files, quantities, venue address and deadline for a combined quotation.
Print your workshop flipchart sheets
Order writable flipchart sheets online in your required size, or send us your event details for advice and a tailored quotation.