Guide to Large Format Printing (A2 / A1 / A0)

Last Upated: 24 May 2024

Before you order (please read)

1) A white border is normal
Large format prints will have a small white border around the edges. Printing to the very edge (borderless) requires trimming.

2) Trimming is not included online
Trimming isn’t available through the online service because it depends on the artwork, margins, and finishing required.
If you need trimming, we recommend visiting one of our shops for large format printing and trimming. A trimming fee applies, and you may be asked to wait or collect later.
If you prefer, you can trim at home using a craft knife and a long ruler.

3) File checks are limited
We do a quick check that the file is printable, but we don’t proofread, verify references, or check page sequence. For confidentiality, we don’t read your document text.

4) Colours may look different on paper
Screens display colour using light (RGB), while printers use ink (CMYK). This can cause differences in colour and contrast between what you see on-screen and the printed result.

5) Not recommended for professional photography
Our large format prints are high quality, but for professional photo reproduction (where maximum detail is critical), we recommend a dedicated photo service.

6) Outdoor signage
For outdoor signage, contact us and we’ll guide you through our professional design and print services at optima.mt.

How to place your order

1) Upload your file (PDF only)

We only accept PDF files. This avoids layout changes during printing.

If your file is Word/PowerPoint/other:

  • Export or Save As → PDF, or

  • File → Print → Print to PDF

Important: When exporting to PDF, make sure the final PDF is the version you want printed (no hidden layers or unfinished elements).

2) Check the pages

Once uploaded, the system automatically detects the number of pages.

If you don’t want to print certain pages:

  • Edit your document first,

  • Save again as a PDF, and

  • Upload the new file (use a different file name, e.g. project_v2.pdf).

3) Select paper size (A2 / A1 / A0)

Choose the size you want to print:

  • A2

  • A1

  • A0

4) Scaling (how your file fits the paper)

Scaling controls whether we print your file at its exact size or resize it to fit the selected paper size.

Actual Size (100% – No Scaling)

Prints your file at the exact size it was created.

  • Best when the print must be to scale (e.g., technical drawings used for measurements).

  • Your PDF page size should match the selected paper size (e.g., an A1 PDF for an A1 print).

  • If your content is larger than the paper, anything outside the page may be cut off.

Fit to Paper Size & Printer Margins (Auto Scale)

Automatically resizes your file to fit the selected paper size.

  • Best when your PDF page size doesn’t match A2/A1/A0, or when you want to ensure everything fits.

  • Helps prevent content being cut off at the edges.

Tip for “to scale” drawings:
If you need accurate measurements from the print, use Actual Size and ensure your PDF is set to the same paper size you are ordering.

5) Single-sided printing

Large format prints are single-sided only. This option is fixed and cannot be changed.

6) Choose print type (Lines / Shading / Poster)

This helps match your file to the right output style:

  • Lines Only: mainly line drawings with minimal shading

  • Lines and Shading: drawings with a substantial amount of shading/grey tones

  • Poster: designs with solid or heavy background colour, or image-heavy posters

7) Choose paper type

Available options depend on the paper size and print type.

80–90gsm Uncoated Paper (A2 / A1 / A0)

  • Good for Lines Only and Lines and Shading

  • Not recommended for Poster prints (heavy ink coverage can make the paper wavy and fragile)

180–190gsm Uncoated Paper (A2 / A1 / A0)

  • Suitable for all print types, including Poster

  • Stronger, better quality, and more durable

  • Ideal for presentations or if you’ll be marking/highlighting the print

180–190gsm Gloss Paper (A2 / A1 only)

  • Best for gloss posters and image-heavy prints (colours look more vibrant)

  • Not ideal for detailed technical drawings (glare can make fine detail harder to read)

  • Not recommended for writing, marking, or highlighting

8) Choose colour mode

Select:

  • Black Only, or

  • Full Colour

For large format printing, colour mode does not change the price. Unless you specifically need black & white, we recommend Full Colour.

9) Finishing (optional)

Gloss lamination is available for A1 or A2 prints done on 190gsm uncoated paper.

Lamination:

  • protects against spills, tearing, and wrinkling

  • gives a shiny finish that can enhance colour and vibrancy

Important: Lamination helps protect the print, but it does not make it waterproof and does not make it suitable for outdoor signage.

Chat with us