Here are some things to watch for when designing a vinyl banner...

1. Use software that handles CMYK full color output. There are at least three kinds of software you can use:

- Image editors like Photoshop, PhotoPaint, or PhotoImpact

- Page Layout programs like Quarkxpress, Pagemaker, or InDesign

- Illustration programs like Illustrator or CorelDraw

Generally speaking, programs that are designed for consumers or general office applications are not recommended: e.g., Word, Wordperfect, Publisher, Excel, etc. If you have a specific inquiry, don't hesitate to ask your vinyl banners supplier. A good source of information is your contact person at America-Banners.com. You can ask a design or production related question by using the contact form on any page on the site.

2. Keep your design simple and striking. The best designs contain two or three basic elements. Usually these will be a photograph, a large headline, and an "identifier" such as your company name, logo, or phone number.

3. Use bright colors. The most striking vinyl banners have lots of bright colors.

4. Design your vinyl banner so it is readable for your target audience. If it is going on a building or beside a road on a fence, or on an outfield fence at a baseball or soccer field, MAKE SURE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS LARGE ENOUGH TO BE READ.

5. Make sure your images have sufficient resolution. For some advice on image resolution, see the Vinyl Banners FAQ.

6. Make sure your vinyl banner fits the area where you're going to mount it. Don't guess at the size. Most people who are not familiar with signage will UNDERESTIMATE the required size.

7. Consider alternative methods of mounting your vinyl banner. Grommets are the "default" method of mounting a banner on a wall or fence. But often "pole pockets" are simpler and more efficient.

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Rick Hendershot is a writer and founder of The Linknet Publishing Network. To learn how you can benefit from original articles, and posted around the web, see our various promotional programs at .