Guide to Step-and-Repeat Banner Sizes
Key Points:
- Although you can order step-and-repeat banners in standard and custom sizes, make sure they are at least 8 feet tall to accommodate a full-body shot.
- The event’s significance is a key factor in determining the ideal banner size. Red carpets and international conferences often require larger photo backdrops, while intimate parties typically call for smaller ones.
- As a general rule, choose standard banner sizes because they are portable, easy to setup, and compatible with standard frames, whereas custom sizes are best reserved for unique spaces and specific branding needs.
Step-and-repeat banners are custom-printed backdrops with repeating patterns of logos or artwork, creating a professional photo and video background at events. Brands, organizations, and event organizers use these banners to amplify their marketing and promotional efforts.
These branded backdrops are available in four standard sizes, namely, 8’ x 5’, 8’ × 8’, 8’ × 10’, and 8’ × 12’. They are generally considered safe options because they are compatible with standard frames and provide adequate height for full-body shots, ensuring enough room for excellent composition and lighting.
| Standard Step-and-Repeat Banner Sizes | Ideal Number of Subjects in a Photo Shoot | Recommended Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 8’ x 12’ | Up to 10 subjects | Movie premieres and sports events that typically require large group photos |
| 8’ x 10’ | 7-8 people | Gala nights, corporate events, and group shots |
| 8’ x 8’ | 4-5 people | Red carpet entrances, press conferences, and other small-to-medium events |
| 8’x 5’ | 2-3 subjects | Casual events like birthday parties, small booth setups, and solo shots |
4 Standard Step-and-Repeat Banner Sizes
All standard sizes are 8 feet tall to ensure excellent composition in full-body shots. This is something you have to consider, even if you plan to use a custom-sized step-and-repeat banner at your event.
In terms of width, the ideal measurement depends on the number of subjects. Keep in mind that it’s better to have a bit of extra space than to limit your composition, as you can always crop your photos.
- 8’ x 12’ can accommodate up to 10 subjects in a photo without looking cramped.
- 8’ x 10’ is the most popular size for business events because it’s portable but wide enough to fit a group of 7-8 people in a photo.
- 8’ x 8’ can fit a small group of 4-5 people.
- 8’ x 5’ can comfortably fit 2-3 subjects; it is typically suitable for small casual events like birthday parties.
How to Choose the Right Step-and-Repeat Banner Size
Several factors will determine the “best” size for your step-and-repeat banner. Know your specific requirements and priorities so you can select the one that fits the bill.
Venue: Measure the ceiling height and the actual floor space to ensure the banner and its frame fit nicely. To give you an idea, an 8’ x 8’ branded backdrop requires about 12’ x 10’ of actual floor space for people to pose comfortably for photo or video shoots.
Group Size: The more subjects in a photo, the wider the banner you need.
Importance of the Event: The event’s significance and purpose determine whether you need a smaller banner or an oversized one. Red carpet events and corporate anniversaries often require larger step-and-repeat banners, while more casual parties typically need smaller backdrops.
Branding Requirements: If your brand often hosts or sponsors large events, you may want to invest in extra-wide backdrops.
Logo Count and Spacing: As a general rule, use wider banners for more intricate or longer logos to ensure they remain visible around the subjects in photos or videos. Events sponsored by multiple brands also need bigger backdrops to maintain proper spacing of the sponsors’ logos.
Tip: Use PrintPlace’s free layout templates with bleed, trim line, and other design guidelines to ensure a professional print, with no unwanted white edges and cut-off content.
Standard Step-and-Repeat Banner Sizes vs. Custom Dimensions
Standard sizes are popular for a reason: they are often faster and more affordable to produce than custom sizes. In addition, they are big enough to accommodate full-body shots but remain portable, lightweight, and easy to setup.
Meanwhile, custom-sized step-and-repeat banners are best reserved for unique venue constraints (e.g., ceilings too low or walls too narrow) and specific branding needs (e.g., you have a complex logo, or it needs to stand out in the photo). You may also need non-standard dimensions for special events like product launches and award ceremonies.
The “best” step-and-repeat banner size serves as an effective focal point at your event and creates a branded photo background where all text, logos, and graphics are clear and readable. The right size also meets your branding needs and specific requirements, like portability and ease of setup.
PrintPlace offers custom step-and-repeat banners made of vinyl or fabric. Vinyl is the ideal material for outdoor events and venues where extra durability is required, while polyester fabric is a great option for indoor events and non-glare photo and video backdrops.
PrintPlace’s mission is to provide customers with unparalleled printing services through the knowledge and expertise of its employees.