> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Flyers & Posters

> Design and print promotional materials that get noticed

## Project Overview

Flyers and posters are essential marketing tools for events, promotions, and announcements. This guide covers everything from small handbills to large-format posters.

<Note>
  **Time to Complete**: 45-90 minutes (design + setup)
  **Difficulty**: Beginner to Intermediate
</Note>

## Common Sizes

### Flyers

| Size            | Dimensions                   | Use Case                |
| --------------- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| **Letter**      | 8.5" × 11" (216mm × 279mm)   | Most common US flyer    |
| **A4**          | 210mm × 297mm (8.3" × 11.7") | International standard  |
| **Half Letter** | 5.5" × 8.5"                  | Handouts, mailers       |
| **A5**          | 148mm × 210mm (5.8" × 8.3")  | Compact flyers          |
| **DL**          | 99mm × 210mm (3.9" × 8.3")   | Rack cards, slim flyers |

### Posters

| Size       | Dimensions                    | Use Case              |
| ---------- | ----------------------------- | --------------------- |
| **11×17**  | 11" × 17" (Tabloid)           | Small posters, menus  |
| **18×24**  | 18" × 24"                     | Standard event poster |
| **24×36**  | 24" × 36"                     | Large posters, retail |
| **27×40**  | 27" × 40"                     | Movie posters         |
| **A2**     | 420mm × 594mm (16.5" × 23.4") | International poster  |
| **A1**     | 594mm × 841mm (23.4" × 33.1") | Large format          |
| **Custom** | Any size                      | Special applications  |

## Specifications

### Standard Flyer (8.5×11")

| Specification   | Value                  |
| --------------- | ---------------------- |
| **Final Size**  | 8.5" × 11"             |
| **With Bleed**  | 8.75" × 11.25"         |
| **Bleed**       | 0.125" (3mm) all sides |
| **Safety Zone** | 0.25" (6mm) from edge  |
| **Resolution**  | 300 DPI minimum        |
| **Color Mode**  | CMYK                   |
| **ICC Profile** | ISO Coated v2 300%     |

### Standard Poster (18×24")

| Specification   | Value                          |
| --------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Final Size**  | 18" × 24"                      |
| **With Bleed**  | 18.25" × 24.25"                |
| **Bleed**       | 0.125" (3mm) for small posters |
|                 | 0.25" (6mm) for large format   |
| **Safety Zone** | 0.5" (12mm) from edge          |
| **Resolution**  | 300 DPI (close viewing)        |
|                 | 150-200 DPI (far viewing OK)   |
| **Color Mode**  | CMYK                           |

## Design Considerations

### Flyer Design

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Visual Hierarchy" icon="layer-group">
    **Priority order**:

    1. **Headline** - Largest, most prominent
    2. **Key image** - Eye-catching visual
    3. **Subheading/details** - Medium size
    4. **Call to action** - Clear and bold
    5. **Contact info** - Smallest but legible

    **Reading pattern**:

    * Z-pattern (top-left → top-right → bottom-left → bottom-right)
    * F-pattern (for text-heavy flyers)

    **Test**: Squint test - Can you read headline from 3 feet away?
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Typography" icon="font">
    **Recommended sizes**:

    * Headline: 36-72pt
    * Subheading: 24-36pt
    * Body text: 10-14pt
    * Fine print: 8-10pt (minimum)

    **Font choices**:

    * **Headlines**: Bold, impactful (Impact, Bebas, Montserrat Bold)
    * **Body**: Readable (Helvetica, Arial, Open Sans)
    * **Limit**: 2-3 font families maximum

    **Contrast**: Ensure text readable over backgrounds
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Color Strategy" icon="palette">
    **Effective approaches**:

    **High contrast**:

    * Dark text on light background
    * Or light text on dark background
    * Avoid mid-tone on mid-tone

    **Brand colors**:

    * Use consistently
    * Consider spot colors for logos

    **Attention-grabbing**:

    * Bright colors (yellow, orange, red)
    * High saturation
    * But ensure printability (CMYK limits!)

    **Test**: Convert to grayscale - still readable?
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Images" icon="image">
    **Resolution requirements**:

    * Minimum: 300 DPI at final size
    * Photos: High resolution
    * Graphics: Vector when possible

    **Placement**:

    * Hero image: Top or center
    * Supporting images: Smaller
    * Don't crowd - white space helps

    **Quality over quantity**: One great image > many mediocre ones

    **Licensing**: Ensure you have rights to all images
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Call to Action (CTA)" icon="bullseye">
    **Essential elements**:

    * Clear action verb ("Register Now", "Visit Us", "Call Today")
    * Contact information
    * Website/QR code
    * Deadline (if applicable)

    **Placement**: Bottom or highlighted area

    **Size**: Large enough to not miss

    **Example**:

    ```
    REGISTER NOW
    www.event.com
    Ends March 15
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Poster Design

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Viewing Distance" icon="eye">
    **Rule of thumb**: Poster size ÷ 100 = viewing distance

    **Examples**:

    * 18×24" poster → View from 18-24 feet
    * 24×36" poster → View from 24-36 feet

    **Impact on design**:

    * Larger viewing distance = Larger text OK
    * Can use lower DPI for large, far-viewing posters

    **Text sizes**:

    * Close viewing (\< 10 ft): 300 DPI, smaller text OK
    * Far viewing (> 20 ft): 150-200 DPI, larger text required
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Bold Simplicity" icon="shapes">
    **Less is more**:

    * Strong single image or graphic
    * Minimal text (headline + essential info)
    * High contrast
    * Clear focal point

    **Avoid**:

    * Too much text (won't be read)
    * Tiny details (won't be seen)
    * Cluttered layouts

    **Test**: Can passerby understand message in 3 seconds?
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Large Format Considerations" icon="expand">
    **For posters > 24×36"**:

    **Resolution**:

    * 150-200 DPI acceptable (viewed from distance)
    * 300 DPI only if close viewing

    **File size**:

    * Can be very large (50-200+ MB)
    * Use efficient formats
    * Compression carefully

    **Colors**:

    * Vivid colors work well
    * Gradients need careful handling
    * Watch for banding

    **Finishing**:

    * Mounting options (foam board, etc.)
    * Lamination for durability
    * Grommets for hanging
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Paper & Finish Options

### Flyer Paper

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="80-100 lb Text">
    **Weight**: 80-100 lb (120-150 gsm)

    **Type**: Coated or uncoated

    **Characteristics**:

    * Standard flyer weight
    * Easy to handle
    * Economical

    **Best for**: Event flyers, handouts, mass distribution
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="100 lb Cover">
    **Weight**: 100 lb cover (270 gsm)

    **Type**: Coated glossy or matte

    **Characteristics**:

    * Thicker, more premium
    * Sturdier
    * Higher cost

    **Best for**: Menus, rack cards, keep-able flyers
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Cardstock">
    **Weight**: 110+ lb cover (300+ gsm)

    **Characteristics**:

    * Very thick
    * Premium feel
    * Durable

    **Best for**: High-end flyers, event programs
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Poster Paper

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Standard Poster Paper">
    **Weight**: 80-100 lb text

    **Finish**: Gloss or matte

    **Characteristics**:

    * Economical
    * Suitable for indoor use
    * Limited durability

    **Best for**: Indoor events, short-term use
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Photo Paper">
    **Weight**: 100-130 lb

    **Finish**: High gloss

    **Characteristics**:

    * Photo-quality printing
    * Vibrant colors
    * Premium appearance

    **Best for**: Photography, art reproductions, retail
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Synthetic/Waterproof">
    **Material**: Polypropylene, vinyl

    **Characteristics**:

    * Weather-resistant
    * Tear-resistant
    * Outdoor-safe

    **Best for**: Outdoor posters, long-term use
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mounted/Rigid">
    **Mounting**: Foam board, gatorboard

    **Thickness**: 3/16" - 1/2"

    **Characteristics**:

    * Self-standing
    * Very durable
    * Professional presentation

    **Best for**: Retail displays, trade shows, presentations
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Step-by-Step: Creating a Flyer

### 1. Document Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Frame in Figma">
    **Size**: 8.75" × 11.25" (with bleed)

    Press `F` for Frame tool

    Enter dimensions:

    * Width: 8.75"
    * Height: 11.25"

    Name: "Flyer - \[Event Name]"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Guides">
    **Bleed line** (trim edge):

    * 0.125" from all edges

    **Safety zone**:

    * 0.25" from all edges (or 0.375" total from canvas edge)

    Enable rulers (`Shift + R`), drag guides

    Or use Printery guide generator
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Background">
    **Full bleed**:

    * Background extends to frame edges
    * Covers entire 8.75" × 11.25" area

    **Color/image**: Your choice

    **Safety**: Keep critical content inside safety zone
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 2. Design Content

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add Headline">
    **Text**: Main message

    **Size**: 48-72pt

    **Font**: Bold, impactful

    **Position**: Top third or center

    **Ensure**: Inside safety zone (0.25" from trim)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Key Image">
    **Requirements**:

    * High resolution (300 DPI at size)
    * Relevant to message
    * Eye-catching

    **Position**: Prominent area

    **Tip**: Use large, simple images
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Details">
    **Include**:

    * Date, time, location (if event)
    * Key benefits
    * Pricing (if applicable)

    **Font**: 12-18pt

    **Readability**: High contrast with background
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Call to Action">
    **Text**: "Register Now", "Visit Us", etc.

    **Size**: 24-36pt

    **Style**: Button, box, or highlight

    **Include**: Website, phone, QR code

    **Position**: Bottom or highlighted area
  </Step>

  <Step title="Proofread">
    **Check**:

    * Spelling
    * Dates
    * Phone numbers
    * URLs
    * All info accurate

    **Get second pair of eyes**: Fresh review catches errors
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 3. Prepare for Print

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check Design">
    * [ ] All text readable (minimum 8-10pt)
    * [ ] Important content in safety zone
    * [ ] Background extends to bleed
    * [ ] Images high resolution (300 DPI)
    * [ ] Colors CMYK-friendly
    * [ ] No spelling errors
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Printery">
    Select frame → Launch plugin
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Settings">
    **Document Tab**:

    * Bleed: 0.125" ✓
    * Crop marks: Enabled ✓
    * Safety zone: 0.25" ✓

    **Color Tab**:

    * Convert to CMYK: ✓
    * ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300% ✓
    * Black handling: Automatic ✓

    **Export Tab**:

    * DPI: 300 ✓
    * Compression: 85% ✓
    * Format: PDF/X-1a ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="DPI Check">
    **DPI Checker tab**:

    * Verify all images ≥ 300 DPI
    * Replace any low-resolution images

    **Critical**: Low-res images will look pixelated when printed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export PDF">
    Click "Export PDF"

    Save as: `Flyer_[EventName]_FINAL.pdf`

    Wait for processing
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify PDF">
    **Open and check**:

    * Crop marks visible and correct
    * Text sharp and clear
    * Images crisp
    * Colors look reasonable (remember screen ≠ print)
    * PDF size: 8.75" × 11.25"
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Large Format Posters

### Special Considerations

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="DPI for Large Format" icon="image">
    **Viewing distance matters**:

    **Close viewing** (\< 5 feet):

    * 300 DPI required
    * Example: Retail wall posters

    **Medium distance** (5-15 feet):

    * 200-250 DPI acceptable
    * Example: Office posters

    **Far viewing** (> 15 feet):

    * 150-200 DPI sufficient
    * Example: Street posters, billboards

    **Formula**:

    ```
    Required DPI = 300 ÷ (viewing distance in feet ÷ poster height in feet)

    Example:
    24" poster viewed from 20 feet
    300 ÷ (20 ÷ 2) = 30 DPI absolute minimum
    Use 150-200 DPI for quality
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="File Size Management" icon="file">
    **Problem**: Large posters = huge files

    **24×36" at 300 DPI**:

    * Pixel dimensions: 7200 × 10800
    * Uncompressed: 200+ MB

    **Solutions**:

    1. Use lower DPI (150-200) if appropriate
    2. Compress images before import (Photoshop/TinyPNG)
    3. Use vector graphics where possible
    4. Enable downsampling in export

    **File size targets**:

    * 18×24": \< 25 MB
    * 24×36": \< 50 MB
    * Larger: \< 100 MB
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Bleed for Large Format" icon="expand">
    **Larger bleed recommended**:

    **Small posters** (\< 18×24"):

    * 0.125" (3mm) bleed

    **Medium posters** (18×36"):

    * 0.25" (6mm) bleed

    **Large posters** (> 36"):

    * 0.5" (12mm) bleed

    **Why**: Larger cutting tolerances at larger sizes
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Color Intensity" icon="palette">
    **Large posters need bold colors**:

    **Why**:

    * Viewed from distance
    * Need to stand out
    * Lighting conditions vary

    **Recommendations**:

    * High saturation colors
    * Strong contrast
    * Avoid subtle gradients (can band)
    * Test color vibrancy in CMYK
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Printing & Ordering

### Quantity Pricing

**Flyers** (8.5×11"):

| Quantity | Unit Cost   | Total     | When to Order      |
| -------- | ----------- | --------- | ------------------ |
| 100      | \$0.15-0.30 | \$15-30   | Small event        |
| 250      | \$0.10-0.20 | \$25-50   | Medium event       |
| 500      | \$0.08-0.15 | \$40-75   | **Most common**    |
| 1000     | \$0.05-0.10 | \$50-100  | Large distribution |
| 5000+    | \$0.03-0.05 | \$150-250 | Mass marketing     |

**Posters** (18×24"):

| Quantity | Unit Cost | Total     |
| -------- | --------- | --------- |
| 1-10     | \$5-15    | \$5-150   |
| 25       | \$3-8     | \$75-200  |
| 50       | \$2-5     | \$100-250 |
| 100+     | \$1-3     | \$100-300 |

### Distribution Methods

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Hand Distribution">
    **Best for**: Flyers

    **Locations**:

    * Street corners (permit may be required)
    * Events
    * Door-to-door

    **Tip**: Include tear-off tabs with contact info
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Rack/Counter Display">
    **Best for**: Flyers, small posters

    **Locations**:

    * Cafes, shops, libraries
    * Community centers
    * Businesses

    **Ask permission first**: Most places happy to help if relevant
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Wall Posting">
    **Best for**: Posters

    **Locations**:

    * Bulletin boards
    * Designated poster areas
    * Business windows (with permission)

    **Materials**:

    * Push pins, tape, or wheat paste
    * Grommets for outdoor hanging

    **Check**: Posting regulations in your area
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Direct Mail">
    **Best for**: Flyers, postcards

    **Requirements**:

    * Mailing list
    * Proper postage
    * Address formatting

    **Cost**: Printing + \$0.50-1.00 per piece (postage + handling)

    **Benefit**: Reaches specific audience
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Design Templates

### Flyer Layout Templates

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Event Flyer">
    **Structure**:

    ```
    ┌────────────────────┐
    │   HEADLINE         │ (Top 1/4)
    │                    │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │                    │
    │   HERO IMAGE       │ (Middle 1/2)
    │                    │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ Date • Time • Loc  │ (Bottom 1/4)
    │ www.event.com      │
    └────────────────────┘
    ```

    **Best for**: Concerts, conferences, parties
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Promotional Flyer">
    **Structure**:

    ```
    ┌────────────────────┐
    │ BIG HEADLINE       │
    │ Special Offer!     │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ [Product Image]    │
    │                    │
    │ • Benefit 1        │
    │ • Benefit 2        │
    │ • Benefit 3        │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ CALL TO ACTION     │
    │ Limited Time!      │
    └────────────────────┘
    ```

    **Best for**: Sales, promotions, offers
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Information Flyer">
    **Structure**:

    ```
    ┌────────────────────┐
    │   TOPIC TITLE      │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ Section 1          │
    │ [details]          │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ Section 2          │
    │ [details]          │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ Section 3          │
    │ [details]          │
    ├────────────────────┤
    │ Contact Info       │
    └────────────────────┘
    ```

    **Best for**: Informational, educational content
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Common Mistakes

<Warning>
  **Top 10 Flyer/Poster Mistakes**:

  1. Too much text (won't be read)
  2. Text too small (can't be read)
  3. Low-resolution images (pixelated)
  4. Poor contrast (hard to read)
  5. Missing contact info
  6. Wrong date/time
  7. No bleed (white edges)
  8. Important info too close to edge (cut off)
  9. Busy, cluttered design
  10. No clear call to action
</Warning>

## Flyer/Poster Checklist

Before printing:

* [ ] **Size correct**: Including bleed
* [ ] **All text readable**: Minimum 10pt for flyers, larger for posters
* [ ] **Images high-res**: 300 DPI (or appropriate for viewing distance)
* [ ] **Critical content in safe zone**: 0.25" from edge
* [ ] **Background extends to bleed**: No white edges
* [ ] **Spelling/grammar checked**: No typos
* [ ] **Date/time/location correct**: Triple-check
* [ ] **Contact info included**: Phone, website, or QR code
* [ ] **Call to action clear**: What do you want people to do?
* [ ] **Colors CMYK**: Converted for print
* [ ] **PDF verified**: Crop marks visible, content correct

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Design Basics" icon="palette" href="/tutorials/design-to-print">
    Principles of print design
  </Card>

  <Card title="DPI Guide" icon="image" href="/basics/dpi-resolution">
    Image resolution explained
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Accuracy" icon="droplet" href="/tutorials/color-accuracy">
    Get colors right
  </Card>

  <Card title="Large Format" icon="expand" href="/use-cases/packaging">
    Specialized large printing
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Pro Tip**: Order a single proof first! Check quality before printing 500 copies. It's worth the extra \$5-10.
</Info>