How to Design a Banner: Tips, Templates & Best Practices

Banner Design Questions, Answered

Do you offer banner design services if I do not have my own artwork?

Yes. Our design team can build a banner design online using your logo, colors, and text, or you can start from one of our free banner templates and swap in your own photos and copy. If you already have a file, our production team reviews every upload against our artwork specifications before it goes to press to catch resolution or layout issues.

What size banner do I need for my event or storefront?

Size depends on viewing distance and placement. A 3ft x 6ft banner works well in a storefront window or along a fence line, while a larger 10ft x 20ft banner design suits a stage backdrop or building facade viewed from a distance. Browse common vinyl banner sizes for standard dimensions, or start from a template that already matches your finished size—from 10x2 vinyl banner templates up through 10x20 vinyl banner templates.

Which material should I choose for an outdoor banner?

For seasonal use, a 13 oz vinyl banner holds up 3 to 5 years outdoors with proper installation. If the banner will hang for over a year in a high-traffic spot, or needs to read clearly from both sides, the 18 oz blockout vinyl banner is our toughest material and prevents ghosting between front and back prints. Fence lines and job sites typically use mesh vinyl banner material because wind passes through it instead of catching it like solid vinyl. Compare all five substrates in our banner material guide.

What file format do you need for printing?

We accept high-resolution PDF, AI, EPS, JPG, and PNG files. Build your design at full size or a proportional scale with a minimum of 100 to 150 DPI at final dimensions, and convert text to outlines if you are not using one of our templates. Keep logos and headlines inside the safe zone for printing. Full step-by-step file prep is covered in our guide on how to order banners online and upload your file.

How much does a custom banner cost?

Pricing scales with size, material, and quantity. A small indoor sign often falls in the $25 to $60 range, while a large outdoor banner 10ft or wider in 18 oz blockout vinyl typically runs between $150 and $350 depending on finishing options like grommets or pole pockets. Bulk orders across multiple locations or team sets qualify for tiered discounts.

How long does production and shipping take?

Standard production is 3 business days after you approve your proof, plus FedEx or UPS transit time. Need it faster? Express production shaves days off the timeline for an added fee, and a Saver option is available if your timeline is flexible and you want to save on cost.

How do I hang or mount my banner once it arrives?

Most banners ship with grommets, pole pockets, or hemmed edges based on how you plan to display them. Indoor banners can hang from a banner stand or wall using clips, while outdoor banners perform best with bungee cords through grommets so wind can pass through slightly instead of straining the material. Our guide on displaying indoor banners and our pole banner design tips both walk through correct spacing and hardware.