Learn how common poster sizes and dimensions factor into designs. Then, see how easy it is to create your own.
Throughout the course of history, posters have seen many uses. They can be a work of art or a tool to capture the attention of paying customers. Some say that poster printing will always exist, even as we move into an increasingly digital era.
If you’d like to leverage the time-tested formula of a good standard poster, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll share details about common poster sizes and dimensions. Then, you’ll learn how to craft your own design in just a few easy steps.
Types of Posters: What to Know Before You Create
While most of us understand the purpose of posters, putting these assets together requires some consideration. All the different poster sizes, dimensions, and use cases come with their own parameters. Being aware of these before designing and printing posters can speed up the act of creation and help you avoid mistakes.
One of the first things to figure out is what kind of poster you need to make and the poster size. Let’s go over some of the types, as well as most popular poster sizes.
Standard Poster + Information
You can use standard poster sizes for all types of applications, like school events and personal parties. A standard poster is 24 x 36 inches (or 60.96 x 91.44 centimeters and 2304 x 3456 pixels.)
Movie Poster Size + Information
Movie posters are typically marketing materials. They promote an upcoming release with imagery from the film and a focus on the title. The poster size of movie posters is usually 27 x 40 inches (or 68.58 x 101.6 centimeters and 2592 x 3840 pixels.)
Conference Poster Size + Information
Event posters are typically more informational in nature. They may include the name and date of the conference or details directing people to where they should go next.
Small posters, medium posters, and even large posters can work at conferences. But one particularly popular option is ensuring it can fit on an easel. This requires your poster size to be 18 x 24 inches (or 45.72 x 60.96 centimeters and 1728 x 2304 pixels.)
A0-A4: Understanding Common Poster Sizes and Dimensions
As you begin your poster project, you may also notice standard poster sizes have names like A0 and A1. Here’s a closer look at how these poster dimensions translate to what you’ll actually see.
Remember: Inches and print resolution can help you conceptualize the final poster size. Screen resolution refers to how you’ll want to size the design in the editor you choose.
| Poster type | Pixels | Inches |
| A0 | 9933 x 14043 pixels (print resolution)
2348 x 3370 pixels (screen resolution) |
33-1/8 x 46-13/16 inches |
| A1 | 7016 x 9933 pixels (print resolution)
1648 x 2384 pixels (screen resolution) |
23-3/8 x 33-1/8 inches |
| A2 | 4961 x 7016 pixels (print resolution)
1191 x 1648 pixels (screen resolution) |
16-1/2 x 23-3/8 inches |
| A3 | 3508 x 4961 pixels (print resolution)
842 x 1191 pixels (screen resolution) |
11-3/4 x 16-1/2 inches |
| A4 | 2480 x 3508 pixels (print resolution)
595 x 842 pixels (screen resolution) |
8-1/4 x 11-3/4 inches |
How to Design a Poster with Shutterstock Create
Whether for poster printing or digital, making your own poster in Shutterstock Create is simple. You can use our templates to put together a unique design, even without any previous experience.
Here’s how it works. . . .
Get Your Canvas Ready
In Create, select Custom Size and enter the dimensions for your poster in pixels. Consult the chart on standard poster sizes and dimensions from earlier in this post to ensure your poster will fit into a standard format.
Determine Your Starting Point
From here, you can search templates or continue on with a blank canvas. You’ll have access to thousands of fonts, graphics, textures, effects, and color combinations to pick from.
If you decide you want to start with a template, simply click Templates and select your favorite. Pay special attention to whether you’re choosing a portrait or landscape design. Your landscape poster dimensions may be the same as portrait, but you’ll want to design based on how people will view the poster once you complete it.
Blank canvas options are best for those who know what direction they want to go in. If you don’t have one, sticking with a template layout is your best bet.
If you need ideas and inspiration, check out this blog on buzzworthy posters:
Make It Your Own
Shutterstock Create lets you replace a template’s images with your own photos and text. You can also adjust fonts, change colors, and add effects. Just click on any element to make your adjustments, and see what options are available to you in the toolbar on the left side of the editor.
Add or Swap Images
To swap out images for personal photographs or to select one of our many royalty-free images, simply click Images and decide whether to upload, peruse the photo library, or select from your catalog.
This step is particularly critical when you’re promoting an upcoming event or offer. Unique images that connect with the target audience will help you grab attention faster and make your poster design more effective.
Download Your Design
Now, it’s time to share your work with the world. Simply click the Download button in the top-right corner to save it to your device, or export it directly to social media or email.
If you’re collaborating with others on the poster idea, this can be a nice way to get feedback. If you need to make any edits, you can always make changes to your design in Shutterstock Create before poster printing.
How to Print Your Poster
Once you finalize your design and save it on your device, you’re ready to print. Simply open the design and send it to your printer as you would with any other file.
Note: With large format posters, be sure you have the right printer, ink, and paper for the job first. Your standard home printer may not meet your needs in some cases, especially for complex or large format poster printing.
Now, you have all the knowledge you need about standard poster sizes and dimensions to create your own. In just a few minutes, you can use the information and tips from this post to come up with your own incredible design for your poster printing project.
Take Your Poster to the Next Level with Shutterstock Flex
Need beautiful, unique photos to make that poster pop? We’ve got you covered. With Shutterstock Flex, you’ll have all-in-one access to our massive library, plus the FLEXibility you need to select the perfect mix of assets every time.
Check out these handy resources to learn more about poster and flyer design:
License this cover image via Vetreno and C Design Studio.
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