How is the working size of 40 feet X 20 feet billboard

[Sayeem]

Hi im designing a  40 feet x 20 feet billboard..  but the file size is  not handled my PC how to i work or how is the working size of 40 feet X 20 feet

[JJMack · Accepted solution]

I hope your not trying to create an image that large at 300 DPI the would be crazy and not needed.  Some DPI like 50 may be approbate

[Sayeem]

@JJMack

thank you sir... for the replay

[sishamIAGD]

When working in large format I often find that you can produce at a 1/4 of the size or smaller and this can then be blown up by the printers.

It would be worth getting the printing specification from the people you are producing it through and then work to that.

But like jjMack said you can decrease the dpi also.

[Sayeem]

sishamDSS‌ bro thank you for replay...

brother...

if produce at a 1/4 of the size or smaller... what will be size of dpi?

like : 120 X 60 inc and dpi = ?

[D Fosse]

The quarter size advice is meaningless. You need a certain number of pixels to fill a certain angle of view. This is how you need to think:

So from how far away will it be seen? Obviously you won't stick your nose into a banner this size. If from across the street, 25 ppi is usually good enough.

A high resolution photograph of good technical execution, say 7000 to 10000 pixels, will normally work whatever size. The bigger the banner, the further away, so the net perceived effect is the same.

[sishamIAGD]

I wouldn't say what I said was meaningless..? I work to the specification that my printers require and the output of the artwork is always high quality.

Large format work which typically is not viewed at a distance of closer than 1 metre, such as 4sheet posters, can be set up at 150dpi final size.

Billboards and print that is designed to be seen from distances over 6 metres should ideally still be set up at 150dpi, but in some cases could be set up at as low as 50dpi final size.

There are many complicated algorithms and calculations out there to work out effective resolutions vs viewing distances, but many conflict on opinion showing just how subjective a topic it really is.

If you were to design at 120x60 inches I would create it at 200-300dpi so the final output would come in at 480x240 inches at 50-75dpi.

I hope this helps.

[D Fosse]

sishamDSS wrote:

I would create it at 200-300dpi so the final output would come in at 480x240 inches at 50-75dpi

Why? You gain nothing, the file is the exact same size. You still have the same number of pixels. To Photoshop it makes no difference whatsoever.

Resolution (ppi) is just metadata. It can be changed arbitrarily according to desired output size after the fact, at any time, without affecting the file itself. You can use the very same file for a book, or a poster, or a large banner. All you need to do is change the ppi figure according to desired physical print size.

EDIT: The point I'm trying to make, in short, is that telling people to design at quarter size is a red herring. It confuses the issue, confuses people, and adds unnecessary noise to the conversation.

[sishamIAGD]

I get what you're saying, I guess I have been doing that way for a long time and I'm pretty sure you used to have to do this due to canvas size constraints. I know that this isn't an issue anymore.

[Test Screen Name]

You may be able to choose such a large canvas in Photoshop. But if (as is increasingly likely) you go through PDF, it's best to stick to Acrobat's limit of 200 x 200 inches (5040 x 5040 mm).

I think 1/2 and 1/4 are OK, but 1/10 and 1/100 is easier to get your brain around.

[Sayeem]

if. i want to working with 4000 pixel X 2000 pixel and 150+ or 200+ DPI.... this is right way for 40 feet X 20 feet ? 

[sishamIAGD]

no, just set your artboard/canvas to be 480x240 inches at 50-75ppi