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Project Overview

Flyers and posters are essential marketing tools for events, promotions, and announcements. This guide covers everything from small handbills to large-format posters.
Time to Complete: 45-90 minutes (design + setup) Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

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Common Sizes

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Flyers

SizeDimensionsUse Case
Letter8.5” × 11” (216mm × 279mm)Most common US flyer
A4210mm × 297mm (8.3” × 11.7”)International standard
Half Letter5.5” × 8.5”Handouts, mailers
A5148mm × 210mm (5.8” × 8.3”)Compact flyers
DL99mm × 210mm (3.9” × 8.3”)Rack cards, slim flyers

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Posters

SizeDimensionsUse Case
11×1711” × 17” (Tabloid)Small posters, menus
18×2418” × 24”Standard event poster
24×3624” × 36”Large posters, retail
27×4027” × 40”Movie posters
A2420mm × 594mm (16.5” × 23.4”)International poster
A1594mm × 841mm (23.4” × 33.1”)Large format
CustomAny sizeSpecial applications

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Specifications

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Standard Flyer (8.5×11”)

SpecificationValue
Final Size8.5” × 11”
With Bleed8.75” × 11.25”
Bleed0.125” (3mm) all sides
Safety Zone0.25” (6mm) from edge
Resolution300 DPI minimum
Color ModeCMYK
ICC ProfileISO Coated v2 300%

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Standard Poster (18×24”)

SpecificationValue
Final Size18” × 24”
With Bleed18.25” × 24.25”
Bleed0.125” (3mm) for small posters
0.25” (6mm) for large format
Safety Zone0.5” (12mm) from edge
Resolution300 DPI (close viewing)
150-200 DPI (far viewing OK)
Color ModeCMYK

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Design Considerations

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Flyer Design

Priority order:
  1. Headline - Largest, most prominent
  2. Key image - Eye-catching visual
  3. Subheading/details - Medium size
  4. Call to action - Clear and bold
  5. Contact info - Smallest but legible
Reading pattern:
  • Z-pattern (top-left → top-right → bottom-left → bottom-right)
  • F-pattern (for text-heavy flyers)
Test: Squint test - Can you read headline from 3 feet away?
Recommended sizes:
  • Headline: 36-72pt
  • Subheading: 24-36pt
  • Body text: 10-14pt
  • Fine print: 8-10pt (minimum)
Font choices:
  • Headlines: Bold, impactful (Impact, Bebas, Montserrat Bold)
  • Body: Readable (Helvetica, Arial, Open Sans)
  • Limit: 2-3 font families maximum
Contrast: Ensure text readable over backgrounds
Effective approaches:High contrast:
  • Dark text on light background
  • Or light text on dark background
  • Avoid mid-tone on mid-tone
Brand colors:
  • Use consistently
  • Consider spot colors for logos
Attention-grabbing:
  • Bright colors (yellow, orange, red)
  • High saturation
  • But ensure printability (CMYK limits!)
Test: Convert to grayscale - still readable?
Resolution requirements:
  • Minimum: 300 DPI at final size
  • Photos: High resolution
  • Graphics: Vector when possible
Placement:
  • Hero image: Top or center
  • Supporting images: Smaller
  • Don’t crowd - white space helps
Quality over quantity: One great image > many mediocre onesLicensing: Ensure you have rights to all images
Essential elements:
  • Clear action verb (“Register Now”, “Visit Us”, “Call Today”)
  • Contact information
  • Website/QR code
  • Deadline (if applicable)
Placement: Bottom or highlighted areaSize: Large enough to not missExample:
REGISTER NOW
www.event.com
Ends March 15

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Poster Design

Rule of thumb: Poster size ÷ 100 = viewing distanceExamples:
  • 18×24” poster → View from 18-24 feet
  • 24×36” poster → View from 24-36 feet
Impact on design:
  • Larger viewing distance = Larger text OK
  • Can use lower DPI for large, far-viewing posters
Text sizes:
  • Close viewing (< 10 ft): 300 DPI, smaller text OK
  • Far viewing (> 20 ft): 150-200 DPI, larger text required
Less is more:
  • Strong single image or graphic
  • Minimal text (headline + essential info)
  • High contrast
  • Clear focal point
Avoid:
  • Too much text (won’t be read)
  • Tiny details (won’t be seen)
  • Cluttered layouts
Test: Can passerby understand message in 3 seconds?
For posters > 24×36”:Resolution:
  • 150-200 DPI acceptable (viewed from distance)
  • 300 DPI only if close viewing
File size:
  • Can be very large (50-200+ MB)
  • Use efficient formats
  • Compression carefully
Colors:
  • Vivid colors work well
  • Gradients need careful handling
  • Watch for banding
Finishing:
  • Mounting options (foam board, etc.)
  • Lamination for durability
  • Grommets for hanging

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Paper & Finish Options

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Flyer Paper

  • 80-100 lb Text
  • 100 lb Cover
  • Cardstock
Weight: 80-100 lb (120-150 gsm)Type: Coated or uncoatedCharacteristics:
  • Standard flyer weight
  • Easy to handle
  • Economical
Best for: Event flyers, handouts, mass distribution

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Poster Paper

  • Standard Poster Paper
  • Photo Paper
  • Synthetic/Waterproof
  • Mounted/Rigid
Weight: 80-100 lb textFinish: Gloss or matteCharacteristics:
  • Economical
  • Suitable for indoor use
  • Limited durability
Best for: Indoor events, short-term use

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Step-by-Step: Creating a Flyer

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1. Document Setup

1

Create Frame in Figma

Size: 8.75” × 11.25” (with bleed)Press F for Frame toolEnter dimensions:
  • Width: 8.75”
  • Height: 11.25”
Name: “Flyer - [Event Name]”
2

Add Guides

Bleed line (trim edge):
  • 0.125” from all edges
Safety zone:
  • 0.25” from all edges (or 0.375” total from canvas edge)
Enable rulers (Shift + R), drag guidesOr use Print for Figma guide generator
3

Set Background

Full bleed:
  • Background extends to frame edges
  • Covers entire 8.75” × 11.25” area
Color/image: Your choiceSafety: Keep critical content inside safety zone

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2. Design Content

1

Add Headline

Text: Main messageSize: 48-72ptFont: Bold, impactfulPosition: Top third or centerEnsure: Inside safety zone (0.25” from trim)
2

Add Key Image

Requirements:
  • High resolution (300 DPI at size)
  • Relevant to message
  • Eye-catching
Position: Prominent areaTip: Use large, simple images
3

Add Details

Include:
  • Date, time, location (if event)
  • Key benefits
  • Pricing (if applicable)
Font: 12-18ptReadability: High contrast with background
4

Add Call to Action

Text: “Register Now”, “Visit Us”, etc.Size: 24-36ptStyle: Button, box, or highlightInclude: Website, phone, QR codePosition: Bottom or highlighted area
5

Proofread

Check:
  • Spelling
  • Dates
  • Phone numbers
  • URLs
  • All info accurate
Get second pair of eyes: Fresh review catches errors

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3. Prepare for Print

1

Check Design

  • All text readable (minimum 8-10pt)
  • Important content in safety zone
  • Background extends to bleed
  • Images high resolution (300 DPI)
  • Colors CMYK-friendly
  • No spelling errors
2

Open Print for Figma

Select frame → Launch plugin
3

Configure Settings

Document Tab:
  • Bleed: 0.125” ✓
  • Crop marks: Enabled ✓
  • Safety zone: 0.25” ✓
Color Tab:
  • Convert to CMYK: ✓
  • ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300% ✓
  • Black handling: Automatic ✓
Export Tab:
  • DPI: 300 ✓
  • Compression: 85% ✓
  • Format: PDF/X-1a ✓
4

DPI Check

DPI Checker tab:
  • Verify all images ≥ 300 DPI
  • Replace any low-resolution images
Critical: Low-res images will look pixelated when printed
5

Export PDF

Click “Export PDF”Save as: Flyer_[EventName]_FINAL.pdfWait for processing
6

Verify PDF

Open and check:
  • Crop marks visible and correct
  • Text sharp and clear
  • Images crisp
  • Colors look reasonable (remember screen ≠ print)
  • PDF size: 8.75” × 11.25”

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Large Format Posters

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Special Considerations

Viewing distance matters:Close viewing (< 5 feet):
  • 300 DPI required
  • Example: Retail wall posters
Medium distance (5-15 feet):
  • 200-250 DPI acceptable
  • Example: Office posters
Far viewing (> 15 feet):
  • 150-200 DPI sufficient
  • Example: Street posters, billboards
Formula:
Required DPI = 300 ÷ (viewing distance in feet ÷ poster height in feet)

Example:
24" poster viewed from 20 feet
300 ÷ (20 ÷ 2) = 30 DPI absolute minimum
Use 150-200 DPI for quality
Problem: Large posters = huge files24×36” at 300 DPI:
  • Pixel dimensions: 7200 × 10800
  • Uncompressed: 200+ MB
Solutions:
  1. Use lower DPI (150-200) if appropriate
  2. Compress images before import (Photoshop/TinyPNG)
  3. Use vector graphics where possible
  4. Enable downsampling in export
File size targets:
  • 18×24”: < 25 MB
  • 24×36”: < 50 MB
  • Larger: < 100 MB
Larger bleed recommended:Small posters (< 18×24”):
  • 0.125” (3mm) bleed
Medium posters (18×36”):
  • 0.25” (6mm) bleed
Large posters (> 36”):
  • 0.5” (12mm) bleed
Why: Larger cutting tolerances at larger sizes
Large posters need bold colors:Why:
  • Viewed from distance
  • Need to stand out
  • Lighting conditions vary
Recommendations:
  • High saturation colors
  • Strong contrast
  • Avoid subtle gradients (can band)
  • Test color vibrancy in CMYK

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Printing & Ordering

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Quantity Pricing

Flyers (8.5×11”):
QuantityUnit CostTotalWhen to Order
100$0.15-0.30$15-30Small event
250$0.10-0.20$25-50Medium event
500$0.08-0.15$40-75Most common
1000$0.05-0.10$50-100Large distribution
5000+$0.03-0.05$150-250Mass marketing
Posters (18×24”):
QuantityUnit CostTotal
1-10$5-15$5-150
25$3-8$75-200
50$2-5$100-250
100+$1-3$100-300

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Distribution Methods

  • Hand Distribution
  • Rack/Counter Display
  • Wall Posting
  • Direct Mail
Best for: FlyersLocations:
  • Street corners (permit may be required)
  • Events
  • Door-to-door
Tip: Include tear-off tabs with contact info

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Design Templates

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Flyer Layout Templates

  • Event Flyer
  • Promotional Flyer
  • Information Flyer
Structure:
┌────────────────────┐
│   HEADLINE         │ (Top 1/4)
│                    │
├────────────────────┤
│                    │
│   HERO IMAGE       │ (Middle 1/2)
│                    │
├────────────────────┤
│ Date • Time • Loc  │ (Bottom 1/4)
│ www.event.com      │
└────────────────────┘
Best for: Concerts, conferences, parties

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Common Mistakes

Top 10 Flyer/Poster Mistakes:
  1. Too much text (won’t be read)
  2. Text too small (can’t be read)
  3. Low-resolution images (pixelated)
  4. Poor contrast (hard to read)
  5. Missing contact info
  6. Wrong date/time
  7. No bleed (white edges)
  8. Important info too close to edge (cut off)
  9. Busy, cluttered design
  10. No clear call to action

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Flyer/Poster Checklist

Before printing:
  • Size correct: Including bleed
  • All text readable: Minimum 10pt for flyers, larger for posters
  • Images high-res: 300 DPI (or appropriate for viewing distance)
  • Critical content in safe zone: 0.25” from edge
  • Background extends to bleed: No white edges
  • Spelling/grammar checked: No typos
  • Date/time/location correct: Triple-check
  • Contact info included: Phone, website, or QR code
  • Call to action clear: What do you want people to do?
  • Colors CMYK: Converted for print
  • PDF verified: Crop marks visible, content correct

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Learn More

Design Basics

Principles of print design

DPI Guide

Image resolution explained

Color Accuracy

Get colors right

Large Format

Specialized large printing
Pro Tip: Order a single proof first! Check quality before printing 500 copies. It’s worth the extra $5-10.