I need help scaling for a project

[Kayla355033532ccl]

I have been tasked with developing an 8ft wide X 5 ft tall banner. I want to utilize Adobe Illustrator for this project, but obviously, that's a very large size to work with on AI. What would be the proper scale measurements and PPI when creating a new project in AI? Thanks in advance!!!!

[Jacob Bugge]

Kayla,

There is no reason to work at a lower scale than the final one.

The newest versions have the socalled Large Canvas, but it has been possible for decades to work at up to 16,384 pt ~ 227.5556 ", almost 19 ' within the (normal) Workspace and set the Artboard size up to that.

A PPI is only relevant in connexion with raster artwork such as PNGs and JPEGs, and in connexion with raster effects which is set for raster effect settings.

Fundamentally, the proper PPI depends on the viewing distance and on the way the artwork is printed.

[Doug A Roberts]

You can design at 1:1 scale for that size. PPI settings are only important if you have raster effects and imported images, but I would ask your print provider what they suggest.

[Monika Gause]

It cannot be emphasized enough. Always ask your service provider for the specifications.

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

It's typical in the large format industry for artwork for banners and other large items to be supplied in a reduced size: for example. I design billboards, typically up to 60 feet wide, but even for a typical display banners (like a 3 ft w x 8 ft h pull up display) I will design my artwork at 1/4 size, (or 1/2 size, depending), so it's an easy enlargement factor for the supplier.

The one thing you need to be cognizant of is final resolution requirements. e.g. if you work at 1/4 size and use images of 300ppi quality, just keep in mind this will reduce to an effective 75 ppi when enlarged to full size.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, as you DO NOT need 300 ppi on a banner or billboard as even 75 ppi is not at all visible at typical viewing distances. Most display manufacturers recommend 75-120 ppi at final size, and this is more to do with the crispness of readable text more than for images, but design your artwork accordingly.

But yes, it's always best to talk to your supplier. Some may want a certain bleed size (e.g. 1/2") so you would need to account for that. Some may want a certain colorspace (i.e. don't convert to cmyk because you think it's necessary), etc. etc.

In the end, If they say they need it at full size, then that's what you need to do, but this is rare. 

[Kayla355033532ccl]

Thank you all! Very helpful :]