Resolution
Large Format Print Resolution
SpeedPro Windy City is a full-service large-format production studio in Chicago that handles resolution and file prep requirements for vehicle wraps, building wraps, wall murals, trade show displays, and dimensional signage across DuPage County, Cook County, and the greater Chicagoland area. Our Downers Grove prepress team works with clients to hit output resolution targets on every substrate.
Request a QuoteWhat Resolution Does Large Format Printing Need?
Large format printing uses different resolution targets than desktop or commercial offset printing. Because large-format output is viewed from greater distances, file resolution can be lower in DPI terms while still looking sharp. A storefront banner viewed from 10 feet only needs 100 to 150 DPI at final size. A close-view trade show backdrop at McCormick Place viewed from 2 to 3 feet needs 200 to 300 DPI. A vehicle wrap printed at 1:1 scale to final size also needs 150 to 200 DPI. File prep is as important as resolution. Recent Chicago-area prep work includes oversized building wraps for the Acme Hotel Company in River North.
File Prep Checklist for Chicago Large Format Jobs
The single most common cause of print quality problems is not resolution, it is upscaling small web-ready files to large-format output size. An 800 by 600 pixel logo pulled off a website will print pixelated on a 4 by 8 foot sign no matter what the DPI setting says. Start with vector (EPS, PDF, AI) art whenever possible.
Vector versus raster. Logos, text, and line art should always be vector. Photos must be raster. If you have only a raster logo, we can often rebuild it to vector for an additional fee so it scales clean to any size.
What resolution do I need for a large format banner?
For a storefront or event banner viewed from 6 feet or more, 100 to 150 DPI at final output size is sufficient. For close-view displays like trade show backdrops and pop-up banners, target 200 to 300 DPI. We scale proof resolution for each job.
What file formats do you accept?
Preferred: PDF with vector art and embedded images at 300 DPI at 1:1 scale. Also accepted: AI, EPS, PSD, TIFF, high-res JPEG, PNG. We do not recommend pulling art from web sources without checking resolution first.
Where we prep these files. Typical Chicago-area prep work includes vehicle wrap art for fleet programs in Downers Grove and Oak Brook, trade show booth graphics for McCormick Place and Navy Pier events, building wraps for facade installs in the Chicago Loop and River North, and multi-location brand rollout artwork for retail programs in downtown Naperville and the Magnificent Mile.
Related Production Services
- Graphic Design Services: file prep, vector rebuild, layout
- Color Matching: Pantone spot color calibration
- Lamination: finishing and UV protection
- Large Format Printing Chicagoland: full production overview
SpeedPro Windy City
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH LARGE FORMAT PRINTING
Any plan to build brand recognition and awareness of a business or event should include large format printing. The size, artistry and spectacular colors of indoor and outdoor signage, vehicle wraps, environmental graphics and banners will get you noticed and distinguish you from competitors.
BEST IN CLASS WITH PRODUCTION AND SERVICE
SpeedPro Windy City provides:
- UNMATCHED QUALITY
- Truly a cut way above the rest.
- QUICK TURNAROUND
- Even with a tight deadline, we can deliver.
- STELLAR COMMUNICATION
- Stay up-to-date with the progress of your project.
CONTACT SPEEDPRO WINDY CITY TODAY
We are located in DuPage County and serve our local clients in LaGrange, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, Chicago, and the South Suburbs.
Come visit our studio, We are conveniently located in Downers Grove at 2600 Warrenville Road, off Finley.
Get a quote or make an appointment to speak to an associate about your specific needs.