Document Size Guide - What Size Do I Need?
Document Size Guide
Getting your document sizing right is essential; too big and the information may look lost or it may not be practical for people to keep but too small and the information may become squashed plus it may be lost in bags or on desks.
A-series paper sizes are defined by ISO 216 Standard (seen below in mm and inches). The chart gives a visual representation of how the sizes relate to each other. The A-series paper sizes are now in common use throughout the world apart from the US, Canada and parts of Mexico. In Europe, the A paper sizes were adopted as the formal standard in the mid-20th century and from there they spread across the globe.
Here are some of the most popular paper sizes and some of their usual uses.
A5: Small forms and invitations
A4: Handbooks, brochures, letterheads and training manuals
A2: Wall Calendars and window displays
A0: Window displays and wall notices
When choosing your document size ensure you look out for these things:
Your printing resources – If you are only using a standard office printer these will usually only have the functionality to print A4 and A3. So, if you want another size of print you should consider using a printing company like ourselves.
Costs – Larger sizes of print are more expensive than smaller sizes. So, to print 100 A2 posters wold be considerably more expensive than 100 A5 flyers. As well as the size, the quantity will affect the cost (More prints = higher costs). It’s a good idea to get a quote for a couple of different sizes of print and quantities so you can see what is best fitted to your budget before you order.
Binding options – If you are looking for your print to be bound (PUR or Saddle Stitch for example) you will need to check whether this can be done. Certain sizes of print can’t be bound.
Original file size and intended print size – If your artwork is set for a certain size and you want to print a different size your artwork will look different when printed. You will need to either re-size the artwork yourself or a member of your graphic design team can do this for a small fee.
Postage costs – It is considerably cheaper to post A5/A6 rather than A4. So choose carefully when selecting your size and question whether you can fit all of your information onto a smaller size to save postage costs.
If you need advice about what document size to opt for or advice on whether your file size will be okay talk to a member of our graphic design team who will help you for a small fee, just call our team on 01270 212100, email enquiries@theprintinghouseltd.co.uk or click here.