Psyche Creative — Connecting Humanity to Healing
Free resource · Print

UK print sizes for leaflets, business cards and roller banners

The UK print sizes therapists and training providers actually use — leaflets, flyers, business cards, posters and pull-up banners — with the finished size in millimetres and the pixel size to design at (300dpi, with 3 mm bleed already added). Plus paper weights and the file settings printers ask for.

Leaflets and flyers

WhatSizeArtwork at 300dpi with bleedTip
A6 flyer105 x 148 mm1311 x 1819 pxPostcard-sized. Good for reception desks and appointment reminders. 300–400gsm.
A5 leaflet148 x 210 mm1819 x 2551 pxThe most versatile single-message leaflet. 150–170gsm silk or uncoated.
DL leaflet99 x 210 mm1240 x 2551 pxFits standard leaflet racks in GP surgeries and libraries. 150–170gsm.
A4 tri-fold (folds to DL)297 x 210 mm3579 x 2551 pxRoom for approach, fees and about you. Design as three 99 mm panels per side. 130–170gsm.
A4 folded to A5297 x 210 mm3579 x 2551 pxA four-page booklet feel — good for workshop and course programmes.

Business stationery

WhatSizeArtwork at 300dpi with bleedTip
UK business card85 x 55 mm1075 x 720 pxThe UK standard. Keep text 4 mm inside the trim. 350–450gsm.
Square business card55 x 55 mm720 x 720 pxDistinctive, but won't fit every card holder.
Compliments slip210 x 99 mm2551 x 1240 pxDL size; useful for posting forms or invoices.
A4 letterhead210 x 297 mm2551 x 3579 pxOften printed without bleed; ask your printer.

Posters

WhatSizeArtwork at 300dpi with bleedTip
A4 poster210 x 297 mm2551 x 3579 pxNoticeboards and waiting rooms. 170–200gsm.
A3 poster297 x 420 mm3579 x 5031 pxCommunity spaces and events. Readable from a few metres.
A2 poster420 x 594 mm5031 x 7087 pxConference and training venues.
A1 poster594 x 841 mm7087 x 10004 pxLarge-format; usually printed at 150dpi.

Pull-up (roller) banners

WhatSizeUseTip
Standard roller banner850 x 2000 mmMost commonFits most stands and venue spaces.
Narrow roller banner800 x 2000 mmBudgetSlightly cheaper; check the stand before ordering.
Wide roller banner1000 x 2000 mmExhibitionsMore presence on a conference stand.
Extra-wide roller banner1200 x 2000 mmLarge standsPairs well with a table cover at training events.
Tall roller banner850 x 2200 mmTall venuesExtra height above a crowd.

The print checklist before you send a file

  • —Artwork includes 3 mm bleed on every edge, and backgrounds run all the way into it.
  • —All text sits at least 4–5 mm inside the trim line (the 'safe area').
  • —Images are 300dpi at the size they'll be printed — 150dpi is fine for large posters and banners.
  • —Colours are CMYK, or you've checked how they convert.
  • —Fonts are embedded or outlined in the PDF.
  • —Phone numbers, web address and QR code are tested — scan the QR code from the printed proof, not just the screen.
  • —Your professional body membership and any registration numbers are correct and current.

Choosing paper weight

Paper weight is measured in gsm (grams per square metre). For therapy practices, slightly heavier stock is usually worth the small extra cost: a thin leaflet feels throwaway, and a flimsy business card undermines the sense of a considered practice. Uncoated stock feels warmer and is easier to write on; silk is smoother and shows images better.

Accessible print

Use body text of at least 11–12pt (larger for leaflets aimed at older readers), strong contrast, left-aligned text and plain language. Avoid placing text over busy photographs. If you work with people with learning disabilities, consider an Easy Read version.

For the writing and layout itself, see our guides to counselling leaflet design, therapist business cards and pull-up banner design. Or have it designed and made print-ready for you through our graphic design service.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is bleed in printing?

Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the finished edge — usually 3 mm on every side in the UK — so that when the printer trims the sheet there are no thin white lines at the edges.

What size is a UK business card?

85 x 55 mm. With 3 mm bleed on each edge, set up your artwork at 91 x 61 mm, and keep text at least 4 mm inside the finished edge.

What size is a DL leaflet?

99 x 210 mm — one third of an A4 sheet. It's the size most leaflet racks in GP surgeries, libraries and community centres are made for.

What size is a standard pull-up banner?

850 x 2000 mm is the most common UK roller banner size. Keep the bottom 100–150 mm free of important content, as it can be hidden inside the stand.

Should I design in RGB or CMYK for print?

Printers work in CMYK, so either design in CMYK or check how your RGB colours convert before you send files. Bright greens and blues often look duller in print. Export a print-ready PDF with crop marks and bleed.

Rather have it done for you?

Let's talk about your practice.

If you'd prefer a designer who knows the therapy sector to handle this properly, a free 30-minute call is the place to start.

Book a Free Call →