Billboards have been around for a long time, and they still work! You see them everywhere, and that’s because they’re a solid way to get your message out.
This guide is all about billboard sizes, the different formats they come in, and the technical details you need to know to make a great ad. We’ll walk you through everything, so you can be sure your advertising campaign gets the attention it deserves.
Understanding the different billboard types and what kind of artwork they need is key to making your advertising shine. Let’s dive in!
Types of Billboards: Static vs. Digital vs. Tri-Vision
Billboards aren’t all created equal. Here’s a look at some of the most common types:
Static Billboards
These are the traditional billboards you’re probably most familiar with. They feature a printed advertisement that stays in place for a specified period. If you’re designing an ad for a static billboard, you’ll need to use CMYK color mode and ensure a resolution of 300 dpi.
Digital Billboards
Digital billboards use technology to display dynamic messages and allow for changing advertisements. The artwork for these boards is typically prepared at 72 dpi with specific pixel dimensions.
Tri-Vision Billboards
Tri-vision billboards rotate between multiple messages using rotating panels, also called louvers. When designing for these types of billboards, you’ll need to be extra careful to ensure visual harmony and a cohesive message across all the panels.
Standard Billboard Formats and Sizes
Billboards come in different shapes and sizes, and the right one for you will depend on your budget and the type of message you want to send.
Large Format Billboards
If you want something big and bold, you might consider:
- 96-Sheet Billboards: These billboards offer high visibility, but they’re also the most expensive option. They measure about 40 feet by 10 feet (12.192m x 3.048m or 480″ x 120″).
- 48-Sheet Billboards: These offer a balance between size and cost. They’re about half the size of the 96-sheet billboards at 20 feet by 10 feet (6.096m x 3.048m or 240″ x 120″).
Smaller Format Billboards
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to target a local audience, you might consider a:
- 6-Sheet Billboard: You’ll often see these at bus stops. They’re about 4 feet by 6 feet (1.2m x 1.8m or 47.24″ x 70.87″).
Alternative Billboard Locations
You can also find billboards in some pretty unique locations. Some examples include:
- Iconic Locations: These are high-visibility spots in prime areas, such as Times Square in New York City or Piccadilly Circus in London.
- Bus Stop Advertising: These reach a lot of people because of the high foot traffic in these areas.
Artwork Specifications for Print Billboards
If you’re designing artwork to be displayed on a printed billboard, there are some specifications you’ll need to keep in mind.
Understanding Scale and Resolution
Because billboards are so large, the original artwork is created at a much smaller scale and then enlarged. A good rule of thumb is that 1 foot of the billboard equals 0.5 inches on the artwork.
Be sure that all the details are clear and crisp at the scaled size.
Your artwork should be created with a CMYK color mode and a resolution of 300 dpi.
Vinyl Billboard Considerations
If the billboard is made of vinyl, you’ll need to include a 6-inch bleed on every side of the artwork.
In addition, you’ll need to include a 4-inch pocket on all sides to allow for ease of installation.
Digital billboard artwork: Technical requirements and design tips
Creating artwork for a digital billboard is a bit different than creating artwork for a print billboard. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Resolution and size
Digital billboards use a resolution of 72 dpi (dots per inch). The pixel dimensions will depend on the exact size of the billboard you’re using. For example, a 25-foot by 40-foot digital billboard will require artwork that’s 460 pixels by 780 pixels.
Creating effective digital billboard art
To make the most of your digital billboard, you’ll want to follow a few basic design principles.
- Use vibrant colors. Digital billboards are backlit, so bright colors will really pop.
- Consider animation. Dynamic content, such as short animations, can help grab attention.
- Keep it simple. Because drivers only have a few seconds to see and process your ad, you’ll want to keep the design simple and the message concise.
- Use bold, large text. Make sure your text is easy to read from a distance.
Tri-Vision Billboards: Artwork and Design Considerations
Tri-vision billboards are a bit different from standard billboards. The artwork has to be designed to accommodate the rotating louvers that display different messages.
Artwork Dimensions for Louvers
When designing tri-vision billboards, you need to remember that each louver is part of a larger whole. For example, on a standard 14′ x 48′ tri-vision billboard, each louver would measure approximately 13’10.75″ x 5.4375″.
Design Tips
A few design tips can help ensure maximum impact with a tri-vision display:
- Make sure each panel contributes to a single message.
- Plan the sequence of messages to maximize impact.
- Avoid designs that look disjointed as the panels rotate.
Putting It All Together
If you’re planning an out-of-home advertising campaign, it’s important to understand the different billboard sizes, formats, and artwork requirements. The right billboard can make a big impact.
When you’re choosing a billboard type, think about who you’re trying to reach, how much you want to spend, and what message you’re trying to get across. The right type of billboard in the right location can increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your business.
Also, be sure to prepare your billboard artwork correctly so that it catches the eye and gets your message across.