Poster Printing: Technical Formatting & Scaling Guide
Introduction
Large-format document production, such as posters for scientific conferences or high-fidelity room decor, requires a different technical approach compared to standard document printing. The primary variable in poster quality is "Relative Resolution" (DPI vs. Physical Size) and the anti-reflective properties of the substrate.
This guide details the technical requirements for custom poster production, focusing on paper chemistry, digital scaling, and logistics protection.
1. Substrate Selection: Gloss vs. Matte Benchmarks
The coating on your poster determines how it reacts to environmental lighting. In conference halls or apartments with heavy overhead light, matte finishes are technically superior.
Material Matrix:
- 130 GSM Gloss: High Light-Reflectance. Best for room decor, anime art, and movie posters where "Punchy" colors are prioritized.
- 170 GSM Satin/Matte: The professional baseline. Minimal glare, smooth texture. Preferred for architectural presentations and wall-calendars.
- 300 GSM Art Board: Rigid cardstock. Essential for standalone posters that aren't intended for framing (e.g., easels at events).
2. Digital Scaling: The 300 DPI Rule
Scaling an A4 image to A3 doubles the physical surface area, which can double the visibility of compression artifacts.
- Source Resolution: For a professional A3 poster, your digital file should be at least **3508 x 4961 pixels** to maintain a 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) output.
- Vector Advantage: Graphs and typography should ideally be submitted in PDF format with vector-defined paths to ensure infinite scalability without pixelation.
3. Logistics: The Tube Packaging Standard
A poster that is folded is permanent damaged. OnlinePrintout utilizes "Zero-Fold" logistics for all posters A3 and above.
| Format | Packaging Method | Logistics Code |
|---|---|---|
| A3 (11.7 x 16.5 in) | 2-Inch Core Hard Tubes | ARCHIVAL-ROLL |
| Custom Long Banners | Heavy-Duty Mailing Tubes | MAX-CORE-PRO |
| A4 Small Art Prints | Flat Rigid Envelopes | RIGID-FLAT |
Conclusion
Consistency in poster production is achieved through a technical focus on substrate finish and digital resolution management. By utilizing 170 GSM Satin paper and hard-tube logistics, creators ensure their large-format work transitions from digital screen to physical wall with metro-standard fidelity.