Large format printing uses paper larger than average, with no official size distinction. Various papers can be used, and the printer accommodates extra width. Common uses include banners, posters, and architectural drawings. Inkjet and laser printing are used, with little difference from regular printing.
A large format print is a print made on a larger than average piece of paper, although there is no official size that distinguishes a large format from a regular size. Many different papers can be used for large format printing, and paper is generally on a roll for ease of printing. Depending on the paper used for printing, large format prints can be used for many different purposes. In addition to requiring a special printer to accommodate the extra width, similar technology is used on regular and wide prints.
Many print shops claim to offer large format printing, and while this term is often used in the printing industry, there is no official minimum size for a large format print. Most people normally consider the minimum width of a wide format printer to be the distinguishing dimension between wide and normal prints, which would mean that wide printing starts at 12 to 24 inches (30.48 to 61 centimeters). When it comes to length, this measurement is even more difficult to distinguish, because some large format prints are only 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) long, while others are up to 50 feet (15.24 meters) long.
Similar to regular printing, a large format print can be done on many different types of paper. Some of the common types are typewriter paper, which is like regular paper; canvas; thick vinyl; glossy paper; and flag fabric. Paper weight also varies, from thin, translucent paper to thick sheets. Most large format printers use a roll of paper, which allows for incredibly long printing if needed. Using a roller makes it easier to make many prints.
The paper it is printed on generally determines the use of large format printing. At the same time, there are some common uses for a large format print related to the size of the print. This type of print is used for architectural drawings, banners and posters, and in-store marketing.
While there is a large difference in size between a regular print and a large format print, the technology used for each is roughly the same. Most large format printing is done with inkjet printing, but laser printing is also common. These prints can also be in color and be punched or bound, and some machines offer double-sided printing as well, but this is rare. This means that other than size, there is very little difference between regular and wide prints.
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