Rollup Banner Guide: Sizes, Safe Areas & Print Export Tips

Over the last few months, we’ve been working on many promotional print projects, flyers, brochures, banners, and especially rollup banners. They’re one of the most effective tools for events, exhibitions, shops, conferences, and reception areas. Since many clients ask the same questions, here is a short guide to help you understand rollups before sending them to print.

What Is a Rollup Banner?

A rollup banner (also called pull-up banner) is a portable standing display that rolls into a base cassette for transport. It is quick to assemble, lightweight, and ideal for marketing messages in busy spaces.

Common Rollup Sizes

Some of the most used sizes are:

  • 85 x 200 cm – Standard and most popular size
  • 100 x 200 cm – Wider visual impact
  • 120 x 200 cm – Great for large indoor spaces
  • 150 x 200 cm – Premium display size
  • 200 x 200 cm – Backdrop or photo wall use

For most businesses, 85 x 200 cm gives the best balance of price, portability, and visibility.

Why Leave Space at the Top and Bottom?

This is one of the most important design rules.

Bottom Space (Hidden Area)

The lower part of the banner slides into the rollup mechanism. Usually 10–15 cm of the design can disappear inside the base.

Never place:

  • Logos
  • Contact details
  • Important text
  • QR codes

in that bottom hidden area.

Top Space

At the top, leave breathing room so your design doesn’t feel cramped. Also, some systems clip the top edge slightly.

Keep headlines slightly below the top margin for a cleaner professional look.

What to Watch For When Designing

1. Keep Text Large

People often read rollups from distance. Use bold headlines and short messaging.

2. Strong Hierarchy

Use this order:

  1. Logo
  2. Main message
  3. Supporting info
  4. Contact / QR / website

3. Use High Quality Images

Low-resolution photos will look blurry when printed large.

4. Avoid Too Much Information

Rollups are for attention, not reading novels.

5. Safe Margins

Leave at least 3–5 cm side margins so text does not feel too close to edges.

Best Export Preferences for Print

When preparing the final file, we recommend:

  • PDF (Print Ready)
  • CMYK Color Mode
  • 300 DPI images if possible
  • Fonts embedded or converted to curves
  • Add bleed if printer requests it
  • Keep file at full size whenever possible

For Europe, many printers prefer PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4.

Final Tip

A rollup should be readable in 3 seconds. If someone walks past it and instantly understands who you are and what you do — it works.

Need a Professional Rollup Design?

At Creativa Forge, we design modern rollups, banners, flyers, brochures, and complete brand visuals ready for print.

Stand tall. Be seen. Make impact.