Design Tips
X and L Banners give exhibitors, traders and businesses a clear way to attract attention and share important information. Their portable, compact and reusable format makes them easy to take between venues, keeping your brand close at hand. Available in a range of heights and widths, their tall, narrow shape suits a focused message.
Think of your banner as a poster and part of your wider marketing. Use consistent branding, simple wording and strong imagery so it reads well both up close and from across a room. A useful way to organise the design is in three sections: lead with your main message, add supporting details, then finish with contact information. Our studio has shared more design advice and answers to common questions below.
Think of your banner as a poster and part of your wider marketing. Use consistent branding, simple wording and strong imagery so it reads well both up close and from across a room. A useful way to organise the design is in three sections: lead with your main message, add supporting details, then finish with contact information. Our studio has shared more design advice and answers to common questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your X Banner artwork? Find guidance on setting up files in InDesign, positioning logos and key messages, choosing fonts and images, and making good use of white space. We also cover contact details, social media icons and what to keep clear at the bottom of your design.
It’s not rocket science – very important first step. Use one of our xstand templates to make sure your measurements and proportions are correct and match the product you are ordering. We’re taking the hassle out of page set up and you can find templates for our full range online.
Top logo – placement of your logo is simple. Pop it at the top of your x banners! Eye catching and visible from a distance, its positioning let’s everyone know that the information to follow has been prepared by you for them. Positioning your logo at the top of your design creates instant brand recognition and should tie in nicely to your other marketing collateral.
Key message at eye level – it’s important that your key message is at eye level and joins your logo in the top third of your design.
Whether this is your slogan or a product image, it will be the key piece of information seen after your logo.
Whether this is your slogan or a product image, it will be the key piece of information seen after your logo.
Text left to right – we all read left to right. Your potential customers are no different. So don’t make reading your banner hard for them. Disjointed and random layouts of text can cause confusion, and in turn your overall message or impact can be lost. Align your text, keep sentences short and layout text to be read left to right. Text should be placed in the middle third of your design.
Font styling – try not to use more than two different fonts in your design. Keep it simple for maximum readability.
Imagery – if you are going to use imagery in your L or X stand banner design, then make sure it is high resolution enough to be printed. See our artwork setup guide for more inforation. Make sure imagery does not obstruct any text. It can be tempting to place large point size text over the top of an image; however, this often makes text hard to read. Text and/or imagery should be placed in the middle third of your design.
White space is friendly – leave lots of white space around your text allowing it to breath and remain clear. It also allows our eyes resting time when reading, it aids comprehension.
Double check that website – be sure to point readers to another source for more information. This will be your bottom third of your floor banner stands. This can simply be your contact details including an email and telephone number, or simply your website. Double and triple check grammar and spelling. If your telephone number is printed incorrectly then your telephone is not going to be ringing after your exhibition or event.
Be social – social media icons and hashtags can also be added but don’t overcrowd the space. We recommend you use between one and three pieces of contact information in total. This should sit in the bottom third of your design.
Roll to the floor – remember that you need to allow space at the bottom of your banner for the printed graphic to be attached to the cassette hardware of your banner. This is outlined in on our templates and in our guidelines. Keep text and key information away from the bottom of your design. Remember, your customers are likely to be standing, therefore they are not likely to read information that is displayed too close to the floor.
Top Tips Summary
Use these quick checks to create a clear, eye-catching X Banner that’s ready for print.
- Use a template
- Logo at the top
- Key message at eye level
- Layout text left to right
- Only use two fonts
- Consider image placement
- White space is important
- Check contact details
- Use social media icons
- Leave space at the bottom
Once you have designed your banner, double checked all of the information and created a high-resolution PDF – your design is ready.
Ready to Create Your X or L Banner?
From choosing a display to preparing your artwork, our team can help you get your design ready for print. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or request a quote.