Posters Printing – Essential Guide to Sizes, Methods, and Services

Posters printing remains one of the most effective ways to share messages, promote events, or create striking displays. Despite the growth of digital channels, printed posters continue to attract attention in busy streets, shops, and venues across the UK. Businesses rely on them for advertising products, venues use them to promote events, and universities print academic posters for conferences. 

The process involves selecting the right size, print method, paper type, and finish to ensure the poster looks professional and lasts in its intended environment. This guide explains everything you need to know about posters printing, including methods, sizes, costs, and services available online and locally.

What is Posters Printing and Why is it Important?

Posters printing is the process of producing visual designs on large sheets of paper for display. It matters because posters are one of the most affordable and high-visibility print products. Marketing teams use them to attract foot traffic, retailers display them to announce promotions, and artists sell printed designs as decor. 

In the UK, posters are widely used for political campaigns, cultural events, and academic conferences. A printed poster delivers an immediate, physical presence that digital screens cannot replace.

Poster Printing Methods – Which One Should You Choose?

The choice of print method depends on budget, volume, and purpose. Each method has distinct strengths.

Digital Printing for Small Batches

Digital printing is fast, affordable, and ideal for low-quantity orders. It produces high-resolution results directly from a digital file. Businesses often use it for A3 or A2 posters in small campaigns. Turnaround is usually same-day or next-day.

Offset Printing for Bulk Orders

Offset printing suits large print runs because of its lower per-unit cost. It delivers consistent colour accuracy and sharp details. Companies ordering hundreds of A1 or A0 posters benefit from this method. UK commercial printers often use offset presses for wholesale poster printing.

Screen Printing for Bold Colours

Screen printing applies ink through a stencil, making colours vivid and durable. It works best for simple designs with fewer colours. Outdoor posters and long-term displays often use this technique. The process is slower but produces posters that last longer in tough environments.

Large Format Printing for Oversized Posters

Large format printing handles sizes such as A0 or custom 60cm x 90cm posters. It uses wide-format printers that produce sharp graphics for exhibitions, retail displays, and events. This method supports photo-quality prints on durable materials.

Eco-friendly printing is now available across methods, using recycled paper or vegetable-based inks. Many UK print shops highlight sustainable options to meet growing demand.

Poster Sizes Explained – From A3 to Custom Dimensions

The most common poster sizes are based on ISO standards, but many people also choose custom dimensions depending on their needs.

• A3 posters (297 x 420 mm): Perfect for indoor promotions and shop window displays.

• A2 posters (420 x 594 mm): A popular choice for events and retail advertising.

• A1 posters (594 x 841 mm): Great for conferences and street posters where higher visibility is required.

• A0 posters (841 x 1189 mm): Designed for large outdoor displays that need to be seen from a distance.

• 60 x 90 cm posters (600 x 900 mm): Commonly used in cinemas and exhibitions.

• 50 x 70 cm posters (500 x 700 mm): Favoured for art prints and decorative displays.

• 40 x 50 cm posters (400 x 500 mm): Ideal for showcasing custom artwork.

• 30 x 40 cm posters (300 x 400 mm): Best suited for personal prints and photography.

The choice of poster size comes down to visibility and location. Smaller options like A3 are effective indoors on walls, while larger formats such as A0 work best outdoors where viewers are further away.

Paper Options for Posters – Which Type is Best?

The paper you choose affects quality and durability.

Glossy vs Matte – Key Differences

Glossy paper enhances colour vibrancy and sharpness, making photos stand out. Matte paper reduces glare and works well in bright spaces such as shop windows.

Eco-Friendly Poster Paper

Recycled and FSC-certified papers are available for businesses aiming to reduce environmental impact. Many UK companies now specify eco-friendly materials to align with sustainability policies.

Expert tip: Poster paper weight is measured in gsm (grams per square metre). 170gsm to 250gsm is standard for posters. Thicker stock feels premium and resists tearing.

Poster Finishing Options for Durability and Impact

Why Choose Lamination or UV Coating?

Lamination seals the poster in a protective layer, making it durable for outdoor use. UV coating gives a glossy, fade-resistant finish. Both options increase lifespan in high-traffic areas.

Mounting & Framing for Displays

Mounting on foam board or framing is popular for academic posters, retail displays, or home decor. It provides structure and a professional presentation.

Best Posters for Different Use Cases

Event Promotion Posters

Event posters demand eye-catching design and clear details. Large format A1 or A0 posters work best for concerts, theatre, or festivals.

Business & Retail Advertising Posters

Retailers use A2 or A3 posters to highlight promotions. Bulk printing reduces cost per unit, making it affordable for small businesses.

Academic & Scientific Posters

Universities and researchers use A0 or A1 posters for conferences. These often require matte finishes to avoid glare under bright lights.

Custom Photo Posters

Photo posters, often printed at 50x70cm or 60x90cm, allow personalisation. They are popular for home decor and photography portfolios.

How to Design Posters for Printing – Tools & File Preparation

Design must match printing requirements.

• Software: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator offer full control. Canva provides easy templates.

• File formats: PDF is preferred for printing. JPEG and TIFF are accepted but risk compression loss.

• Technical setup: Use CMYK colour mode, 300 dpi resolution, and a 3mm bleed on each edge to avoid cropping issues.

Choosing a Poster Printing Service – Online vs Local

Poster printing services fall into three categories.

• Local print shops: Convenient for same-day pickup. Ideal for small runs.

• Online printers: Offer competitive pricing and nationwide delivery. UK-based services often provide free delivery for bulk orders.

• Commercial printers: Handle large-scale projects with advanced finishing options.

Same-Day and Rush Order Services

Many providers in London, Manchester, and Birmingham offer same-day posters printing. This is essential for businesses needing quick turnaround for events or promotions.

Trust signals to look for include customer reviews, ISO quality certifications, and satisfaction guarantees.

Poster Printing Costs – What Affects Pricing?

Cost depends on size, paper type, finishing, and volume.

Bulk Poster Printing for Businesses

Printing 500+ posters lowers per-unit cost significantly. A batch of A3 posters may cost £0.40 each in bulk, compared with £3.00 each for a small order.

Affordable vs Premium Printing Options

Affordable options use standard paper and digital printing. Premium options use heavier stock, offset printing, or finishes like lamination.
Example UK pricing (average):

• A3 poster: £2–£5 each (small run)

• A2 poster: £6–£12 each

• A1 poster: £12–£25 each

• A0 poster: £25–£45 each

Design Trends in Posters – What Works in 2025?

Posters must stand out while delivering clear messages. Current design trends include:

• Minimalist layouts with bold typography.

• Photography-focused designs with strong contrasts.

• QR codes linking to websites or ticket sales.

• Sustainability-focused themes using eco-friendly paper.

UK brands often combine posters with digital campaigns, placing QR codes to track response rates.

Final Thoughts

Posters printing offers businesses, artists, and individuals a reliable way to deliver messages that stand out. The right choice depends on size, print method, paper type, and finishing. Digital printing works best for quick, small runs, while offset and large format printing suit bulk and oversized needs. 

UK customers can choose between local print shops for same-day pickup or online providers for bulk savings. Selecting the right combination ensures posters remain durable, attractive, and cost-effective. Order today from a trusted UK printing service to make your message impossible to miss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the standard poster size?

A: A2 and A3 are the most common for everyday advertising. A0 is standard for conferences and large outdoor displays.

Q: Which paper is best for posters?

A: 170gsm silk is the most popular choice, balancing quality and cost. Glossy paper is best for photos, while matte paper avoids glare.

Q: Can I print posters the same day?

A: Yes. Many UK print shops offer same-day poster printing, especially for A3 and A2 sizes.

Q: How do I prepare a PDF for poster printing?

A: Set the file in CMYK colour mode, 300 dpi resolution, and include 3mm bleed on each side. Flatten fonts and images to avoid errors.