How to print flipcharts for a conference or training workshop

Printed flipchart sheets are useful for workshops, training sessions and conferences where information needs to be displayed around a room.  They are normally supplied as loose sheets and fixed to walls, boards or windows using tape or Blu Tack. They can be prepared in advance with questions, diagrams, instructions or headings, leaving space for people to add notes during the session.

Choosing the right size and paper

A1 is the most popular size for workshop and conference flipcharts. It is usually large enough to read across a room without taking up too much wall space.

• A1 – 594 × 841mm: suitable for most meeting and training rooms
• A0 – 841 × 1189mm: better for larger rooms or detailed diagrams
• A2 – 420 × 594mm: suitable for smaller groups and breakout areas

Standard 80gsm uncoated paper is suitable for most flipchart sheets, including text, diagrams, workshop questions and light blocks of colour. It can also be written on during the session.  Avoid large dark backgrounds or heavy photographic coverage, as too much ink can make lightweight paper appear wavy.  For photographs or full-colour designs, poster printing may give a better result.

How should the artwork be prepared? 

Supply a press-quality PDF with one page for each flipchart sheet, in the correct order and orientation.  Use large headings, short instructions, simple diagrams and plenty of white space. Keep important content away from the edges, use high-resolution images and limit each sheet to one main subject.

If designing in PowerPoint, change the slide size to A1 before you begin. Standard widescreen slides have different proportions and may leave large white margins when printed.  Bleed and crop marks are not normally required for designs with a plain white background.  Leave enough blank space where people will be adding handwritten notes.  Detailed information is usually better placed in a separate handout or workbook.

Can printed flipcharts be written on?

Yes. Uncoated paper can be written on with suitable pens.  Permanent flipchart markers are usually better than standard felt-tip pens because they are designed to reduce ink soaking through the paper.  Test the pen first where possible, particularly if the sheets will be fixed directly to a painted wall.

How should the sheets be displayed?

Fix the sheets around the room using Blu Tack, removable adhesive pads, masking tape, clips or magnets. Check with the venue first, as some hotels and conference centres restrict adhesives on walls.

Printing and delivery

Printed flipchart sheets can be collected from our West Drayton print shop or delivered to offices, hotels and conference venues.  For an urgent event, send the file, sheet size, number of pages, number of sets and delivery deadline before ordering so the turnaround can be checked.

Ready to order your flipchart sheets?

Order here, upload your PDF and choose the required size, number of pages and number of sets.