Plain-English definitions of the banner and printing terms you’ll see when ordering a vinyl banner, from grommets and hemming to CMYK and safe margins. Each term links to the page where you can learn more.
Jump to: A · B · C · D · F · G · H · L · M · O · P · Q · R · S · V · W
A
Artwork
The design file you upload for a Custom Banner. It must match the banner’s proportions and follow our artwork specifications. See artwork specifications.
Aspect ratio
The shape of a banner, written as width to height. A 3x6 and a 4x8 are both 2:1, so a design made for one can be scaled to the other. See banner size chart.
B
Backdrop
A large banner hung behind a stage, table, or photo area, often 8 ft high or taller. See backdrop banners.
Banner size
Listed height × width in feet. A 3x6 is 3 ft high and 6 ft wide; a 6x3 is the vertical version. See banner sizes.
Bleed
Extra artwork past the edge of a design, needed for some printing. Our banners don’t require bleed. See artwork specifications.
C
CMYK
The color mode used for printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Design files should be set up in CMYK, not RGB. See artwork specifications.
Custom Banner
A banner printed from a design you upload, rather than one designed in our online designer. See Custom Banners.
D
Design proof
A picture of your banner, emailed for your approval before printing. Optional for most banners; requesting one may delay your order. See FAQ.
Double-sided banner
A banner printed on both sides so it reads from either direction. Available on smaller sizes. See double-sided banners.
DPI (dots per inch)
How much detail an image file holds at its printed size. See our artwork specifications for the resolution files need. See artwork specifications.
F
Full-color printing
Printing that reproduces photos, gradients, and any color in the design, rather than a few solid colors. See banner printing.
G
Grommet
A brass ring set into the edge of a banner so it can be tied, hooked, or clipped up without tearing. See banners with grommets.
H
Header
A short, wide banner hung across the top front of a tent or booth, such as a 2x10 on a 10x10 canopy. See banner sizes for common spaces.
Hem (hemming)
An edge folded over and taped or sewn so it’s stronger and lies flat. Recommended for outdoor banners. See banners with hemming.
Horizontal banner
A banner wider than it is tall, such as a 3x6 or 4x8. See banner size chart.
L
Letter height
How tall the letters on a banner are. A rule of thumb is 1 inch of letter height for every 10 ft of viewing distance. See letter height calculator.
M
Matte finish
A non-shiny surface that cuts glare under lights and camera flashes. All our banners are printed on 13 oz matte vinyl. See vinyl banners.
O
Online Banner
A banner you design in our online designer, adding text, clipart, and photos. See Online Banners.
P
Pole pocket
A sleeve along the edge of a banner for sliding in a pole, rod, or rope. See banners with pole pockets.
Print only
A banner printed and trimmed with no hemming or grommets, often used when mounting it flat to a board or frame. See finishing options.
Q
QR code quiet zone
The blank border around a QR code that phones need to recognize it. See QR code size calculator.
R
RGB
The color mode screens use: red, green, and blue. Convert files to CMYK before uploading for printing. See artwork specifications.
S
Safe margin
The area near the edges of a banner to keep clear of text and logos, where hems and grommets go. See artwork specifications.
Square banner
A banner as tall as it is wide, such as an 8x8, popular for photo backdrops. See square banner sizes.
Square footage
A banner’s area: height × width. A 4x8 banner is 32 sq ft. See banner size chart.
Step and repeat
A backdrop printed with a logo repeated in a pattern, used for photos at events. See backdrop banners.
Stock banner
A ready-made banner design, such as “Grand Opening” or “Happy Birthday,” printed as shown or with your own added text. See all banners.
V
Vertical banner
A banner taller than it is wide, such as a 6x3, for entrances, columns, and light poles. See vertical banners.
Viewing distance
How far away people will read a banner. It decides how big the letters, and the banner, need to be. See letter height calculator.
Vinyl (13 oz)
The waterproof material our banners are printed on. “13 oz” is its weight per square yard; it works indoors and outdoors. See vinyl banners.
W
Wind slit
A small half-moon cut that lets wind pass through a banner, reducing strain on fences and in open spaces. Single-sided banners only. See banners with wind slits.
Have a question that isn’t covered here? See our FAQ or contact us.
