Posters are one of the most flexible forms of print. A single sheet can announce a sale in a shop window, guide visitors at an exhibition, decorate a café wall or promote an event across a campus. Large format poster printing in Dubai covers everything from A2 shop posters to oversized graphics for malls and events. Here is how to get them right.
Standard poster sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | Notice boards, counters, small windows |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm | Shop windows, office walls, menu boards |
| A1 | 594 x 841 mm | Retail promotions, event signage, exhibitions |
| A0 | 841 x 1189 mm | High-impact displays, malls, lobbies |
| Custom | Any size | Frames, light boxes, specific wall spaces |
Each A-size is exactly double the one below it, so artwork can be scaled up or down within the series without changing proportions.
Choosing paper and finish
- Gloss poster paper gives bold, saturated colours — great for promotional and food imagery indoors.
- Matte or satin paper reduces glare, making posters easier to read under strong shop lights or behind glass. See our gloss vs matte guide.
- Heavier paper hangs flatter and resists creasing.
- Synthetic or vinyl media resists moisture and tearing for semi-outdoor areas.
Mounting and display options
- Unmounted: Rolled posters for frames, notice boards and walls.
- Foam board mounting: A rigid, lightweight backing for easels, counters and events.
- PVC board mounting: Stiffer and more durable for longer-term displays.
- Frames and snap frames: Quick poster changes in retail and offices.
- Window display: Face-mounted or double-sided posters for glass.
Resolution: how much do you really need?
Large posters are viewed from further away, so they need fewer dots per inch at full size than a business card. As a guide:
- A3–A2 viewed up close: around 200–300 DPI at final size.
- A1–A0 viewed from a metre or more: around 150 DPI at final size.
- Very large graphics viewed from several metres: 100 DPI or less can look sharp.
The key is to check resolution at the final printed size, not the size on your screen. A photo that looks fine on a phone may be far too small for A1.
Design rules for posters
- One focal point. A strong image or headline that reads from a distance.
- Big, short headline. If people cannot read it from three metres, it is too small.
- Visual hierarchy. Headline → image → key details → call to action.
- Limit the text. Posters are glanced at, not studied.
- High contrast. Dark on light or light on dark.
- Include bleed. Usually 3–5 mm around every edge.
Where posters work best
- Retail windows and in-store promotions.
- Restaurant and café menu boards and specials.
- Clinic and salon waiting areas.
- Schools, universities and community notice boards.
- Exhibition booths and event wayfinding.
- Office walls — values, safety and brand campaigns.
Poster vs roll-up vs banner
Posters are ideal for fixed locations and frames. If you need something portable and freestanding, a roll-up banner is more practical. For outdoor fences and building fronts, a PVC banner with eyelets is more durable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular poster size for shops?
A2 and A1 are the most common for windows and in-store promotions.
Can posters be mounted on a board?
Yes — foam board or PVC board mounting makes posters rigid and freestanding with an easel or stand.
Can I use a phone photo on a large poster?
Only if its resolution is high enough at the final size. Send the original file rather than a compressed copy.
Order your posters
Explore our posters collection and printing and signage range, and send us your artwork to check resolution before printing.