- Stationery & Print
Custom Posters, From People Who Print Them Large
A poster is the workhorse of visual announcement — bigger than a flyer, cheaper than a banner, and equally at home on a coffee-shop wall, a dorm room, or a trade-show booth. It’s the format you reach for when a message needs to be seen across a room but doesn’t need to survive a rainstorm. Getting one right is mostly about paper, finish, and giving the printer artwork that holds up at size.
Paper and finish
Poster paper is chosen by weight and finish. Heavier stock feels substantial and resists curling; lighter stock is cheaper for volume. Finish is the bigger visual choice: matte cuts glare and is easier to read under lights, while gloss makes colors and photos pop but reflects. Semi-gloss splits the difference. For premium display, thicker stocks and even mounting on foam board upgrade the whole piece.
Size and resolution
Common sizes range from 11x17 up to 24x36 and beyond. The key technical point: what matters is the design’s resolution at final print size, not the raw pixel count — a small image blown up will look soft. That said, posters are viewed from a distance, so they’re more forgiving than a business card. Posters pair with flags and stickers for events; see the poster glossary for terms.
Frequently asked
How much do custom posters cost?
Custom posters typically run $5–$25 each depending on size, paper, and finish, dropping with quantity. Standard sizes on gloss or matte paper are inexpensive; large formats, premium heavy stock, and mounting cost more. Because posters print digitally with no setup, even small runs and one-offs are affordable.
Matte or gloss for custom posters?
Matte finish reduces glare and is easier to read under lights, ideal for text-heavy or wall-display posters. Gloss makes colors and photos pop but reflects light, suiting vibrant, image-driven designs. Semi-gloss balances both. Choose matte for readability and reduced glare, gloss for maximum color impact on photographic posters.
What resolution do I need for a custom poster?
What matters is resolution at final print size, not raw pixel count. Aim for around 150 DPI at full size for crisp results, though posters are forgiving because they're viewed from a distance. A small image enlarged will look soft up close but can still read cleanly from several feet away.