Designing a billboard doesn’t need to get overly technical. But sending the right file, in the right size, format, and resolution, can make the difference between a billboard that looks sharp and one that looks blurry or distorted.
Here’s a simple guide to preparing billboard artwork for print or digital advertising.
Before designing anything, look for a few key details on your billboard spec sheet:
Printed billboards typically use CMYK, while digital billboards use RGB.
Printed artwork is commonly prepared around 300 PPI at the required design scale. Digital resolution is determined by the exact pixel dimensions of the display.
Bleed extends artwork beyond the finished edge. The safe area keeps text, logos, and other key elements away from areas that could be trimmed or obscured.
Because billboards are enormous, printed artwork is often created at a smaller scale rather than at full physical dimensions.
The correct format depends on whether your billboard is printed or digital and the requirements in your spec sheet. Common design files include:
Programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, and other design platforms can be used to create billboard artwork, but your final export still needs to meet the specifications for the board.
A print-ready PDF is often the safest final format when permitted.
JPG or PNG files are commonly used, while animated digital inventory may require a video format such as MP4.
This one is easy to remember:
CMYK= PrintCyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks
RGB= DigitalRed, green, and blue light on screens
Using the correct color mode helps your billboard look closer to what you intended once it moves from your computer screen into the real world.
Technical specs are only half the job. Billboard creative also needs to work when someone sees it from a distance, often for only a few seconds.
Before submitting your file, double-check that you:
BillboardsIn can help you navigate the process, from finding billboard advertising space to getting your creative ready for launch.
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