Roll-up banners: common sizes, design tips and setup

Roll-up banners, also called retractable banners, are popular because they are quick to set up, easy to carry and reusable. A printed graphic is attached to a cassette base. You pull the graphic up and hook it to a pole, and when the event is over you roll it back down. They suit trade shows, lobbies, reception desks, career fairs, school nights and pop-up shops. They also have a very particular shape, and that shape should guide the design.

Common sizes

Roll-up banners are tall and narrow. The most common size is around 33 by 80 inches, which gives you roughly the height of a person and a width that fits a doorway comfortably. Other widths and heights are made too, ranging from narrower stands that fit tight spaces to wider ones for bigger displays. Because the banner has to match the stand hardware, it is best to tell us what you have or what you plan to buy. Ask us about other sizes, and we will tell you what is available.

When choosing, think about where the banner will stand. Will it be beside a table in a crowded hall? Then a standard size works. Will it be in a narrow hallway? A narrower stand may suit better. Will two or three stand side by side as a wall? Then matching sizes make a neater result.

Design zones: where things go

A roll-up has natural zones. The trick is to put the right information in each one.

• Top third: your logo, name and main message. This is at eye level for most visitors and is the part seen from furthest away.
• Middle: supporting detail such as a short list of services, a key image or a tagline.
• Bottom: keep important information out of this area. The lowest part of the banner is often hidden by tables, chairs, boxes and people, and the base itself can cover a few inches. Put only background colour or decoration down there.

Place your website, phone number or QR code above the lowest quarter. People look for contact details at roughly waist height or above, so a small phone number at the very bottom will often be missed.

Design tips

1. Use big type and few words. A reader might walk past in seconds.
2. Choose strong contrast between text and background.
3. Avoid putting text near the edges. Leave a margin, because the stand hardware and the top bar cover a little of the graphic.
4. Use sharp artwork. Supply a high-resolution file or vector logo so large areas of colour and text stay crisp.
5. Mind the QR code. Make it big enough to scan from a short distance, with plenty of white space around it.
6. Do not overcrowd it. One message beats five.

For more on preparing a display, our trade show printing checklist covers the other pieces, such as handouts and table covers.

Setup

Setting up is quick once you have done it once.

1. Place the base on a flat, even surface.
2. Extend or assemble the support pole as the stand instructions describe.
3. Grip the top bar and pull the graphic steadily upward, keeping it straight.
4. Hook the bar onto the pole.
5. Check that the banner hangs flat and the base is stable.

Do not let go of the graphic while it is pulled out, because it can snap back and bend the edge. When you take it down, guide the graphic back into the cassette slowly rather than letting it retract on its own.

Care and storage

• Keep the banner in its carry bag when travelling.
• Avoid pulling it up in strong wind, since it can tip.
• Wipe the surface gently with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Do not leave it in a hot vehicle or in direct sun for long periods.
• Store it upright or lying flat, not crushed under heavy items.
• Roll it up whenever it is not on display so edges stay straight.

Pairing with other printing

A roll-up often sits beside a table with brochures, cards and flyers. Our guide to brochure folds helps you pick a format for handouts, and vinyl banners are a better fit if your display will be outdoors.

Roll-up banners from PrintEh

PrintEh prints roll-up banners at our Oakville shop for customers across Mississauga, Burlington and the GTA, and ships across Canada and the USA. Tell us your event, the stand you plan to use and your artwork, and we will confirm the size and send a written quote. Ask through our quote page.