Poster Template

A poster template is a pre-made layout that aids you in designing your print advertisement. Normally, templates are categorized according to the standard poster dimensions that you need. Each has lines that mark the safe zones, borders and bleed lines of posters. As a whole, these marks identify areas that are safe for your design and which parts are in danger of being cropped. Below is a list of terms commonly found in a print template:

• Safe Zone - is the innermost white space enclosed by a border. Images and text in this area are “safe” from edge trimming. Make sure all the important elements of your design are in the safe zone so they don’t get cropped off.
• Trim – is the outermost space on the template. It shows where the actual cut of the final design will be made. Images and texts on this area will be completely trimmed off.
• Bleed – is used if you want to extend your design to the edges of the poster. You can use this area if you want to crop your design intentionally for effect.
• Border – if you want to keep your images and texts from the edges of your posters, use this guide. The borders make your layout neat and polished.

There are different poster template sizes depending on your chosen poster dimensions. Differences lie on the poster size and safe zone of each template (naturally, larger posters have bigger safe zones). However, the trim, bleed and border lines are uniform. Usually, printing companies require a 1/8” bleed line with the minimum border thickness 3/8” from the bleed line.

Remember that what is featured here is a poster template composed mainly of lines around the perimeter of the poster print. It helps you identify the safe areas for printing; but at the same time lets you use your imagination and creativity in coming up with your own designs. Another type of template is design templates — these have specific color combinations and patterns. They may or may not contain the print guidelines that blank poster templates have.

UPrinting.com offers a number of blank poster template sizes, depending on the dimensions of poster you wish to produce. Standard poster template sizes can range from 8.5” x 11” to 39” x 27”. You can download each poster template in the file format that is compatible with your design software. We also have our Easy Design Tool that you can use to create your layout from scratch. The print guidelines are also available in the design tool. For more information on poster printing, call our customer service representatives now!