Preflight guide

Make a banner readable before it is printed.

A banner is often seen while someone is moving. Simplify the hierarchy, test the type at the viewing distance and protect the edges that may be finished or mounted.

A distance-first checklist

Build the message in the order it will be read.

  1. Headline: state the event, offer or direction in the fewest useful words.
  2. Brand: make the business identifiable without letting the logo compete with the message.
  3. Action: use one phone, URL or short QR destination, with a plain-text fallback.
  4. Contrast: test color against the actual background and expected light.
  5. Safe area: keep type, logos and QR codes away from hems, grommets and trims using the approved production template.

Review at three scales

View the artwork at 100 percent on screen, print a small section at actual size and look at a scaled mock-up from the planned distance. If someone cannot say the main message after a quick glance, remove detail or move it to a supporting flyer or landing page.

Banner settingPrioritySupporting piece
Event entranceWhere and why to enterSchedule flyer or program page
Storefront openingWhat changed and whenCounter card with offer terms
Roadside approachShort identity or directionDestination page with details
Reusable campaignStable promise over several datesChangeable online date or offer
Next step

Tell us where the banner will hang.

Share the dimensions, viewing distance, background, exposure, event date, quantity and artwork status. Rolando can help you decide what belongs on the banner and what belongs elsewhere.

Readable beats crowded.

Less is better.