How to prepare an advertising banner for printing? A complete guide

Advertising banners are one of the most effective and widely used outdoor advertising tools. From large-scale billboard campaigns to compact indoor advertising displays, a well-designed and high-quality printed banner can significantly enhance brand recognition and attract new customers.
But how do you prepare a file for printing to ensure the final result is flawless? This guide covers all essential aspects—from creating an advertising banner and selecting the right dimensions to understanding the technical print specifications.
How to create an advertising banner? The first step: defining your goal
Before designing an advertising banner, consider these key questions:
- What is the purpose of the banner? Is it for promoting an event, a product, a service, or for enhancing brand awareness?
- Where will it be displayed? Outdoor advertising requires a different approach than an indoor banner.
- How long will it be used? Short-term campaigns can use lighter materials, while long-term banners require weather-resistant options.
Defining these specifications will help tailor the design and printing technique accordingly.
Advertising banner sizes – how to choose?
The size of your banner depends on its purpose and placement. Here are the most common formats:
- Small banners (up to 1m²) – Ideal for indoor advertising, storefronts, exhibitions, and conferences.
- Medium banners (2-5m²) – Suitable for fences and building facades.
- Large-format banners (5m² and above) – Used for outdoor advertising on buildings, billboards, or construction scaffolding.
Important! Ensure that your graphics have a sufficiently high resolution. The larger the format, the higher the quality of the source files must be. Learn more about resolution in our article.
Designing an advertising banner: key principles
Simplicity and readability
Less is more—a banner should be understood in just a few seconds. Avoid information overload.
Essential Elements:
✔ Company logo
✔ Short advertising slogan
✔ Contact information (phone number, website)
Tip! Use the "3-second rule" – if a viewer cannot grasp the message within three seconds, simplify the design.
Color selection and contrast
High-contrast combinations improve readability (e.g., white text on a dark background or vice versa).
Using your brand's color scheme ensures consistency and recognition.
Avoid complex gradients and fine lines, as they may not print well in large formats.
Font selection
Clarity is key—decorative and overly complex fonts hinder readability.
Recommended fonts: Arial, Helvetica, Montserrat, Open Sans.
Font size: The bigger the banner, the larger the text should be. For large formats, a minimum text size of 7-10 cm is recommended.
Graphics and images
Image quality: Minimum resolution of 150 dpi at a 1:1 scale.
Logo and graphic formats: Vector files (SVG, AI, PDF) are preferred to avoid quality loss when scaling.
Simple composition: Too many details can make the banner difficult to read.
Preparing a banner for printing: technical specifications
To avoid printing errors, follow these guidelines when preparing the banner for print:
File format – PDF, TIFF, or EPS are preferred.
Color profile – CMYK (RGB may shift in printing).
Bleed and safety margins – Leave a 5 cm margin on each side to prevent important elements from being cut off.
Resolution – Minimum of 150 dpi for large formats.
Tip! If you're unsure about your file setup, consult with the printing company before placing an order.
Printing advertising banners: choosing the right material
The choice of material affects the durability and appearance of the banner. Here are the main types:
Standard banner (Frontlit) – Durable and suitable for most advertising campaigns.
Mesh banner – Allows air to pass through, making it ideal for building facades and fences.
Blockout banner – Enables double-sided printing, perfect for hanging structures.
Reflective banner – Designed for advertisements that need to be visible at night.
Choosing the right material is crucial for ensuring the banner's resistance to weather conditions!
Conclusion
A well-crafted advertising banner is a powerful marketing tool. The key preparation steps include:
Defining the banner's goal and size.
Creating a simple, clear, and visually appealing design.
Preparing the banner for printing according to technical requirements.
Selecting the most suitable material for its intended use.
For top-quality advertising banner printing, reach out to Four zeros. We guarantee durability, exceptional quality, and support at every stage of production.
Get in touch today to create an eye-catching custom advertising banner that highlights your brand's uniqueness!
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New arrival at the Four zeros print centre: the iEcho PK0705 Digital Cutting Machine – what does it mean for your projects?
A breakthrough for short runs and prototyping
In the world of print, where speed and flexibility are key, adopting cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of your projects.
Four zeros is proud to introduce its latest addition – the iEcho PK0705 digital cutting machine. This equipment opens up new possibilities for precision cutting, creasing, and marking, especially in small-run production and prototyping. It perfectly complements our digital printing capabilities, allowing us to deliver even the most demanding projects faster and with greater accuracy.
What makes the iEcho PK0705 stand out?
The iEcho PK0705 is an intelligent cutting system that combines advanced features with a compact design. With its automatic feeder, vacuum system, and built-in computer, the machine delivers:
- Precise cutting of various materials such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, polymeric foam, and synthetic substrates.
- Creasing and marking, enabling the creation of complex packaging and promotional materials.
- Automatic positioning with a CCD camera, eliminating manual setup errors.
- Cutting speeds of up to 1000 mm/s with a cutting accuracy of ±0.1 mm.
Why does it matter for your projects?
- Fast production of short runs
Traditional packaging or POS material production often requires the creation of cutting dies – an expensive and time-consuming step when working with small volumes. The iEcho PK0705 solves this problem by enabling die-free production that is both fast and cost-effective. - Unlimited prototyping
For designers and advertising agencies, the ability to quickly create a prototype is priceless. With the iEcho PK0705, you can efficiently test different versions and speed up decision-making. - Personalisation and unique projects
In a world that values individuality, creating unique shapes and designs is a competitive advantage. The iEcho PK0705 allows you to bring even the most complex ideas to life.
Examples of applications
- Packaging: custom-shaped boxes with windows, inserts, or additional elements.
- Promotional materials: stands, displays, hang-tags, and labels in unusual shapes.
- Prototypes: fast creation of packaging models for presentations.
- Personalized products: unique solutions for marketing campaigns, events, or corporate gifts.
Why choose Four zeros?
Four zeros is a print centre focused on innovation and quality. Thanks to the iEcho PK0705, we offer:
- Fast order turnaround, especially for short runs.
- Greater flexibility in design and production.
- High quality thanks to precise cutting and creasing.
- The ability to create unique solutions that were previously impossible.
Conclusion
The launch of the iEcho PK0705 at Four zeros print centre is a step into the future and a response to growing market demands. We offer even better quality, speed, and flexibility. If you’re looking for a partner who can bring your most complex ideas to life, contact us today.
Four zeros – your ideas, our precision.

Custom-shaped PVC signs: lightweight, durable, and designed to impress
In a world where first impressions matter, it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. That’s why custom-shaped PVC signs are gaining popularity not only in offices, exhibitions, and retail spaces but also in public areas, schools, hotels, and government buildings. They’re lightweight, long-lasting, resistant to environmental influences, and most importantly – they can be shaped exactly the way you want.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What makes PVC signs stand out
- How you can customize them
- Where they’re most commonly used
- Why Four zeros is the right place to order them
What are PVC signs and why are they so popular?
Printed PVC signs are a smart way to stand out in public spaces and build a consistent brand image. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a lightweight, strong synthetic material widely used in advertising and visual communications. The foamed version is extremely light yet resistant to impact and outdoor conditions. It’s easy to cut, shape, bend, and print on.
Advantages of PVC as a signage material:
- Lightweight – perfect for mounting on walls, doors, or stands
- Weather-resistant – rain, sun, and wind are no problem
- Durable – doesn’t chip or fade over time
- Smooth surface – ideal for UV printing
- Easy to process – can be cut into custom shapes
That last point is a big reason why custom-shaped PVC signs are becoming a go-to option for brands that want to stand out.
What do we mean by “custom shape”?
Unlike traditional rectangles, PVC signs can take on virtually any shape. With precise CNC milling or laser cutting, we can produce:
- Signs in the shape of your logo
- Rounded-corner signage
- Cutouts mimicking objects (bottles, leaves, arrows, etc.)
- Dimensional letters and shaped text
- Decorative multi-layer PVC elements
They’re a great alternative to standard informational signs, suitable for everything from sleek interior design to dynamic retail environments.
Where are custom-shaped PVC signs used?
The possibilities are nearly endless — the only limit is your imagination. Here are some of the most common use cases:
- Offices and institutions – nameplates, room numbers, department signs
Shops and retail spaces – sale signage, new collections, price tags, or brand name signs - Exhibitions and galleries – minimalist exhibition design or decorative art elements.
- Hotels and guesthouses – room numbers, reception signs, modern “Do Not Disturb” signs
- Schools and kindergartens – colourful, playful signs that both engage and educate children.
- Urban environments – aesthetic and durable signage for bike routes, parks, and viewpoints featuring the city’s logo.
How do we make custom PVC signs at Four zeros?
At Four zeros, we focus on quality and detail. Every project is treated individually, whether you need five signs or five hundred.
Step 1: Design file
You can send us your design or let our team create it for you. We’ll help choose the right format, colors, material thickness, and mounting method.
Step 2: Shape selection
Thanks to CNC and laser cutting technologies, we can cut any shape, even highly complex or unconventional shapes.
Step 3: UV printing
We use direct UV printing on PVC. ensuring the graphics are resistant to abrasion, moisture, and sunlight.
Step 4: Finishing and mounting
We offer mounting holes, standoff fixings, double-sided tape, or magnetic systems, depending on the location and type of installation.
Why order PVC signs from Four zeros?
- Quality – we work with high-end equipment and trusted materials
- Speed – fast turnaround, even for custom projects
- Flexibility – every project is truly one-of-a-kind and we take that into account
- Creativity – we’ll help you find the best design approach
- Support – we’ll assist you with installation, use, and storage
Conclusion: a small sign, a big impact
Custom-shaped PVC signs combine lightness, strength, and visual appeal. They can be both subtle and vibrant, it all depends on your needs and creativity.One thing is certain: a well-designed PVC sign isn’t just informative, it enhances your brand and adds character to your space.
Get in touch with us today, we’ll bring your idea to life, in any shape you choose.
Four Zeros — light in weight, strong in impact.

Multilayer business cards – when paper alone creates a “wow" effect
In the age of digital tools, automation, and LinkedIn, paper business cards might seem outdated. But that’s just an illusion. The true power of print lies in its physical presence: the touch, the texture, the weight. Nothing leaves a lasting impression quite like an elegant, thick business card that stands out. Especially when it comes to printing 2- or 3-layer cards, which do more than share your contact details – they enhance your brand’s image and prestige
In this article, we’ll explore what multilayer business cards are, their key advantages, when they’re worth ordering, and why you can trust Four zeros print centre to bring them to life.
What are 2- and 3-layer business cards?
Multilayer business cards (also known as bonded or sandwich business cards) are printed products made up of two or three sheets of paper glued together. They’re typically much thicker than standard cards, with a weight ranging from 600 to even 1000 gsm.
What sets them apart isn’t just their weight, but their customisation potential:
- a coloured middle layer (also known as the “core” or “sandwich” layer),
- a mix of different paper types,
- premium finishes such as soft-touch lamination, spot UV coating, or foil stamping.
A multilayer business card is more than just a contact holder. It says: “I’m a professional. I care about the details. My brand is next-level.”
When to choose multilayer business cards
Not sure if 3-layer business cards are right for you? If making a strong first impression matters, then the answer is a definite yes.
Here are situations where a multilayer card is the perfect choice:
- High-level business meetings – Show that you’re playing in the premium league.
- Creative and luxury industries – architects, designers, jewelers, and high-end consultants.
- Trade shows and industry events – Stand out among hundreds of standard cards.
- Company launches or rebranding – Make your card a symbol of change.
- First contact with a VIP client – Show you care from the very first moment.
Remember: a business card isn’t an expense. It’s an investment in first impressions.
Advantages of multilayer business cards
Compared to standard cards, 2- and 3-layer options offer several unique advantages:
- Prestige – A clear (and tactile) difference in quality.
- Durability – Thicker material better withstands wear and tear.
- Design impact – A colourful core makes a lasting impression.
- Exclusivity – Few people invest in such premium products, putting you one step ahead.
- Print and finish flexibility – Matte or glossy films, foil stamping, spot UV, and 3D effects.
A small piece of paper that says a lot about who you are.
How a 3-layer business card is made: step by step
1. Paper selection
Each layer can have its own colour and texture. The most commonly used paper weights range from 250 to 350 gsm.
Popular options include:
- Coated white paper
- Eco kraft paper (brown)
- Dyed-through paper (black, red, navy blue)
2. Graphic layout
Prepared in CMYK colour mode, with proper safety margins. Decide whether you want single- or double-sided printing.
3. Printing and bonding
After printing, the layers are glued together under high pressure. Drying time for the adhesive is several hours. The process is more complex than for regular business cards.
4. Trimming and finishing
Once bonded, the cards are trimmed to size. This is when you can add extras like spot UV, foil stamping, or soft-touch lamination.
Note: Not every layout suits this type of card. We recommend consulting the Four zeros team to avoid production issues.
Design that works – inspiration
Want to know what really wows? Here are a few trends and ideas to consider:
- Minimalism + coloured core – White background, black font (e.g. Helvetica), neon pink middle layer.
- Black + gold – Matte black card with shiny gold logo and a black inner core – a premium classic.
- Kraft + green – An eco-conscious image for meaningful brands.
- Soft touch + 3D spot UV – Modernity and luxury in one.
Why order your multilayer cards from Four zeros?
We’re a print centre focused on quality. Four zeros is not just about machines – it’s a team passionate about creating the perfect product.
What we offer:
- Expert advice on paper and finishes
- Custom quotes and a personal approach
- Precision trimming and bonding
- Option to create a sample
- Fast turnaround
- Printing in Warsaw and delivery across Poland
Conclusion
Multilayer business cards aren’t just about contact details. They’re about emotion, quality, and style.
In a world where everyone has an email and a LinkedIn profile, a printed card can still create that rare “wow” moment.
Want to impress, stand out, and leave a powerful, lasting impression? Then this card is for you.
Get in touch with us today – and let your card speak before you even say “hello.”
Four zeros – where business cards become a tool for success.