Small posters are printed marketing and display materials sized between a standard flyer and a large-format banner - large enough to command attention when displayed on a wall, window, or bulletin board, while remaining compact enough to print affordably and update frequently. They occupy the ideal space in your marketing mix: more impactful than a handout, far more cost-effective than large format printing.
Available in three popular sizes - 8.5" x 11", 11" x 17", and 12" x 18" - on a range of paper stocks from 100lb gloss text to 16pt cover stock with gloss coating. Small posters are widely used for event promotion, retail point-of-sale displays, restaurant menus, real estate open house signs, school and campus announcements, and any setting where a professionally printed display piece is needed at a practical price point.
| Available Sizes | 8.5" x 11", 11" x 17", 12" x 18" |
| Paper Stocks | 100lb Gloss Text, 100lb Gloss Cover, 12pt Cover, 16pt Cover |
| Coating | Gloss coating (standard on all stocks) |
| Printing | Full Color Both Sides (4/4) or Single Sided (4/0) |
| Other Options | Full Color Front / B&W Back available |
| Quantity | Minimum 50 pieces |
| Turnaround | 3-5 Business Days - Rush available |
| Shipping | Nationwide - all 50 states |
| 100lb Gloss Text | Lightweight, flexible - ideal for window posting and frequent changing |
| 100lb Gloss Cover | Heavier, more rigid - good for table tents and free-standing displays |
| 12pt Cover Stock | Thick and durable - holds up to handling and repeated posting |
| 16pt Cover Stock | Premium weight - most rigid, longest lasting, highest perceived quality |
| File Size 8.5x11 | 8.75" x 11.25" with bleed |
| File Size 11x17 | 11.25" x 17.25" with bleed |
| File Size 12x18 | 12.25" x 18.25" with bleed |
| Color Mode | CMYK - 300 DPI minimum |
Concerts, festivals, community events, and school performances promoted in venues and public spaces
Window displays, in-store signage, product spotlights, and sale announcements at retail locations
Daily specials boards, new menu item announcements, and seasonal promotions displayed at point of service
Club recruitment, event announcements, and information postings on bulletin boards across campus
The most economical poster size - identical to a standard sheet of paper. Works perfectly for bulletin board postings, window displays in smaller spaces, and interior signage where viewing distance is close. Prints easily from most office printers for short runs.
The sweet spot for most small poster applications - significantly more visual impact than an 8.5" x 11", while still fitting standard poster frames and most display surfaces. The go-to size for event promotion, retail POS, and campus posting campaigns.
The largest option in our small poster range. Delivers noticeably more presence on a wall or window - visible from greater distances. Ideal for high-traffic venues, storefront windows, and event promotions where you need a stronger visual impact without the cost of large-format printing.
Choose your size, paper stock, printing sides, and quantity (minimum 50). Add to your cart and select from multiple shipping options.
Submit a print-ready PDF at 300 DPI in CMYK. Add 0.125" bleed on all sides. For 11" x 17", your file with bleed should be 11.25" x 17.25".
If you need one, we can email you a PDF proof for your review, verifying layout, color, and overall design before going to press.
Your posters are printed, coated, and shipped to your door in 3-5 business days. Rush production available for upcoming events.
Small posters (up to 12" x 18") are printed on standard offset or digital presses using coated cardstock or text stock - the same equipment used for flyers and brochures. They are cost-effective, fast to produce, and practical for indoor and semi-outdoor use. Large format posters (18" x 24" and above) are printed on wide-format inkjet printers on specialty paper or vinyl, better suited for high-visibility outdoor settings and large display areas.
For window displays where posters are frequently changed, 100lb Gloss Text is the most practical - it is lightweight, flexible, and easy to adhere and remove. For displays where the poster will stay in place for weeks or months, 100lb Gloss Cover or 12pt Cover stock offers more rigidity and better durability. For premium retail environments and permanent displays, 16pt Cover stock delivers the most substantial, high-quality feel.
Small posters are designed primarily for indoor use and protected semi-outdoor locations like covered notice boards, under awnings, and enclosed display cases. Direct exposure to rain, wind, or prolonged sunlight will damage the paper-based stock. For fully outdoor use, we recommend our sign printing options which use weather-resistant vinyl or foam board substrates. Contact us to discuss outdoor display requirements.
The minimum order for small posters is 50 pieces. This minimum is necessary for the setup economics of offset and digital press printing. If you need fewer than 50 pieces for a one-time event or test run, contact us and we will advise on the best option for your specific situation.
Submit a print-ready PDF at 300 DPI in CMYK color mode. Add 0.125" bleed on all four sides. For an 11" x 17" poster, your file with bleed should be 11.25" x 17.25". For 12" x 18", use 12.25" x 18.25". Keep all critical text and logos at least 0.125" from the trim edge. Use large, legible fonts designed to be read at a distance - remember your poster will be viewed from several feet away in most display situations.
Upload your artwork and get started - or call our team to discuss size, stock, and quantity options.
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