Selçuk Aker · Graphics & Printing

Selecting Information Based on Viewing Distance in Posters and Flyers

The banner is often seen from a distance; The flyer is read by hand.

By Selçuk Aker · Published · 4 min read · Updated

Selecting Information Based on Viewing Distance in Posters and Flyers — Selçuk Aker

The banner is often seen from a distance; The flyer is read by hand. Simply reducing the size of the same image may not be sufficient for both uses. Where the design will be seen, whether the person will be able to stop, and how much time they will have to read the message should change content decisions.

Write the main message in one sentence

The basic information of the event, product or campaign should be easy to select. When the title, date, location and call to action compete for the same size, the eye can't find where to look. List the most important information first, then the details necessary for the decision. Using capital letters and bold text in every field does not create emphasis; equalizes priorities.

Examine at actual size and distance

A zoomed-in work on the screen can show small text so it's legible. Consider the poster from the intended distance and the flyer at a hand-holding size. Do not check the contrast on the color screen alone. Print substrate and ambient light can also affect visibility.

Make the next step actionable

A short address, clear contact information or a suitable QR code can be used. However, do not assume that a small QR code will necessarily be used on a banner that is seen from a distance and passed on the move. The margin and print quality of the code on the flyer should be tested; The target link must be opened before publication.

During the proposal stage, define the poster and flyer as two separate adaptations. Changing size and message may require a new layout. Adding spelling, date, location, contact information, and manufacturer's printing requirements to the approval list is as important as aesthetic consideration.

Compare banner and poster examples with three criteria

A concert poster, store campaign, and directional banner do not do the same job. In the first one, the identity of the event can take priority, in the second one, the offer, and in the third one, the direction it should be in may take priority. When choosing a reference, check whether this task is similar to your work before looking at its visual style.

Minimize the sample and see if the main message is still selected. Then test the actual reading of the required details. Finally, evaluate it together with other images in the environment. A poster that looks strong on its own may not have the same effect on a busy wall.

When planning poster design with graphic designer Selçuk Aker, share the hanging location, viewing distance and number of adaptations. Banner mockup guide explains how mock presentation differs from production control.

Do not start flyer and insert design with the same brief

Flyer can be used as a flyer carrying a short announcement. Insert, on the other hand, often presents product, price and campaign details in a comparable format. Target action when looking for a freelance flyer design; When searching for a freelance insert design, specifically specify the product list, price confirmation and campaign dates.

While the date and application address stand out in an event flyer, product type, unit and price matching becomes important in a market insert. Separating the content according to these differences before the design begins reduces the need for the entire layout to change later. You can evaluate the scope of these two deliverables on the Flyer design page.

Frequently asked questions

Should the same information density be used in posters and flyers?

The banner is usually seen from further away and for shorter periods of time; The flyer can be examined closely. Maintain the common idea and adapt the amount of text and order of information according to the usage.

Is it enough to check the readability of the poster only on the computer screen?

No. Actual measurement and expected viewing distance are important. Check that the title, date and contact path can be found in the terms of use; Do not judge by the close view on the screen.

Show the poster designer where to use it

When looking for a poster designer or poster designer, explain how the image will be displayed on the wall, display case or digital screen. Date and location in an event announcement; The conditions of the offer may come to the fore in the product campaign. Determine reading priority instead of presenting all information in the same size.

Poster design and flyer design can convey the same message on different surfaces. We can proceed by checking the measurement adaptations separately with Selçuk Aker. Distribution area and distance to be kept for the flyer designer; In the poster, the main information that will be perceived remotely is decisive.

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