Large Format Printing Trends: What’s Next for 2025 and Beyond

Large format printing refers to printing on oversized surfaces like billboards, wall graphics, vehicle wraps, banners, and architectural signage. It’s a cornerstone of visual marketing because it gives businesses the ability to grab attention on a massive scale.

According to Smithers’ Global Print Report, the print market is expected to reach $834.3 billion by 2026, with large format printing making up one of the fastest-growing segments due to its widespread use in advertising, retail, events, and healthcare.

In 2025 and beyond, large-format printing is moving past traditional applications and embracing new technologies, sustainable practices, and personalized experiences. 

In this article, we’ll cover the biggest trends shaping its future, challenges the industry faces, and where it’s headed next.

A New Chapter for Large Format Printing in 2025

Large format printing is no longer limited to basic posters, banners, and billboards. In 2025, it’s evolving into a strategic branding tool that merges creativity, technology, and sustainability. 

Businesses aren’t just using large format prints to grab attention; they’re leveraging them to create experiences, tell stories, and connect with audiences in ways that digital screens alone cannot achieve.

According to Grand View Research (2024), the global large-format printer market reached $9.11 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to keep growing through the end of the decade. 

This growth reflects the increasing reliance on physical graphics in industries such as retail, healthcare, entertainment, and corporate branding to complement digital marketing.

1. Greater demand for short-run, customized prints

Brands want faster, more flexible printing. Instead of mass-producing identical graphics, companies now choose short runs tailored to specific markets or events, keeping campaigns relevant and cost-effective.

2. Sustainability pressures reshaping printing decisions

Eco-friendly printing is now the standard. Businesses are adopting recyclable substrates, safe inks, and low-waste processes to meet consumer and regulatory expectations.

3. Digital integration creates hybrid experiences

Print is merging with digital. Large format graphics are being paired with AR, QR codes, and online platforms to create interactive, hybrid brand experiences.

Large-format printing is no longer a supporting tool; it’s becoming a core element of brand strategy. Companies that embrace customization, sustainability, and hybrid media will set the pace in 2025 and beyond.

Why is large-format printing still important in the digital age?

Large format printing provides tangible visibility that digital ads can’t replicate. Outdoor signage, trade show exhibits, and branded environments capture attention in high-traffic, real-world settings. 

Unlike online ads, which can be skipped or blocked, large-format graphics occupy physical space and leave a lasting impression.

How Technology Is Redefining What’s Possible

Technology isn’t just an aid in large format printing; it’s becoming the engine of new possibilities, pushing boundaries in speed, materials, and creative expression.

From the Keypoint Intelligence 2023-2028 Wide Format Print Forecast, we see the industry at an inflection point as companies are urged to adopt advanced technologies to stay competitive. 

• UV and hybrid printers: These enable printing on a wide range of surfaces like glass, wood, and metal with faster curing times.
• 3D printing applications: Used for props, displays, and signage, it allows for creative shapes and immersive brand activations.
• AI and automation: AI-powered prepress software automates layout adjustments, detects errors, and speeds up the design-to-print process.

Technology doesn’t just increase efficiency; it expands what’s possible in large-format printing.

What role does AI play in large-format printing?

AI helps automate design and layout, reduces errors, and enables faster turnaround times by optimizing every stage of production.

Sustainability Moves From Option to Expectation

Sustainability is now a non-negotiable priority in the printing industry. Customers, regulators, and brands all expect eco-conscious practices, making green innovation central to growth.

Eco-focused trends shaping printing in 2025

The printing industry is adopting greener practices across every stage of production. These trends highlight the shift toward eco-friendly materials, inks, and processes that reduce waste and emissions.

• Water-based and eco-solvent inks that reduce harmful emissions.
• Recyclable and biodegradable substrates such as paperboard, eco-vinyl, and fabric-based materials.
• Energy-efficient equipment and workflows designed to minimize waste and carbon footprint.

Brands that invest in sustainable printing not only reduce their environmental impact but also win long-term consumer trust.

What makes printing materials eco-friendly?

Eco-friendly materials are recyclable, biodegradable, or derived from renewable resources, minimizing waste and long-term environmental harm.

Customization Becomes the Heart of Visual Communication

Modern audiences want to feel that messaging is directed to them personally. Large-format printing is answering this demand with customized and localized solutions.

According to McKinsey’s personalization study, businesses that tailor their customer experiences drive 40% more revenue than competitors who don’t.

Customization trends shaping large format printing

Personalization is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. Large-format printing is adapting with flexible solutions that make brand messages feel more relevant and targeted.

• Short-run, on-demand prints that adapt to local events or seasonal campaigns.
• Variable data printing, where elements like images or text change based on location, audience, or promotion.
• Immersive 3D props and experiential signage, giving customers unique, interactive experiences.

Personalized large format graphics help brands stand out in crowded spaces and build stronger connections with audiences.

Why is customization important in large format printing?

Customization makes messages more relevant, improving engagement and creating stronger emotional connections with audiences.

Industries That Are Driving the Demand for Print Innovation

Large format printing is not just for advertising; it’s expanding into industries where visual impact and branding are essential.

Examples:

• Retail & Events: In-store signage, pop-ups, and trade show booths.
• Corporate Branding: Office graphics, branded environments, and wayfinding.
• Sports & Entertainment: Stadium wraps, stage backdrops, and fan experiences.
• Healthcare: Wayfinding systems, wellness graphics, and patient-friendly environments.

This shows that large format printing isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry; it adapts across verticals.

Which industries benefit most from large format printing?

Retail, events, healthcare, and entertainment are among the top industries using large format printing for visibility and engagement.

When Print and Digital Start Working Together

The future of large format printing lies in blending physical graphics with digital experiences.

This approach not only extends the reach of print campaigns but also creates deeper engagement by connecting audiences to interactive online content.

Ways print and digital are coming together

Large format graphics are becoming gateways to immersive digital journeys. From AR-powered signage to social-media-ready campaigns, brands are finding innovative ways to link the offline and online worlds.

• AR-enabled graphics: Posters and signage that unlock interactive 3D content when scanned with a smartphone.
• QR codes: Simple, direct connections from print to promotions, videos, or product landing pages.
• Social campaigns: Large-format prints designed to spark user-generated content and brand interaction through hashtags.

This integration creates a seamless brand story where physical visibility leads to measurable digital engagement.

How does AR enhance large format graphics?

AR overlays interactive digital content on physical prints, creating an engaging experience that merges real and virtual branding.

Why Durability and Functionality Matter More Than Ever

Large format graphics are not just about visuals; they must withstand real-world conditions. From outdoor billboards to mobile exhibits, durability is what ensures prints remain effective long after installation.

According to MarketsandMarkets (2024), the outdoor signage market is projected to grow at a 6.3% CAGR through 2029, reflecting rising demand for long-lasting, weatherproof solutions.

Key durability features that keep prints performing

Strong graphics are built to last in any environment. These durability factors help maximize both impact and return on investment:

• Weather-resistant graphics designed to endure rain, wind, and prolonged UV exposure.
• Fade-resistant inks and protective coatings that maintain color vibrancy over time.
• Lightweight, portable designs that make graphics easier to install, transport, and reuse for trade shows or mobile activations.

Durability ensures that large-format graphics continue delivering value, reducing replacement costs while extending the life of every print investment.

What makes a large-format print durable?

Durability depends on ink type, protective coatings, substrate quality, and how the graphic is displayed or maintained.

The Design Language Shaping Tomorrow’s Prints

Design trends in large format printing are evolving rapidly as brands adapt to shifting consumer behavior and visual expectations. In a cluttered media landscape, strong design choices determine whether a graphic captures attention or gets overlooked.

Design shifts shaping the future of print

New styles are setting the tone for effective large format communication. These trends focus on clarity, impact, and emotional connection:

• Oversized typography that delivers instant visibility and bold messaging.
• Minimalist layouts designed for quick readability in high-traffic environments.
• Special finishes like metallics and textures to create premium, tactile appeal.
• Story-driven visuals that communicate deeper narratives and engage audiences emotionally.

Together, these design approaches help brands cut through visual clutter and leave lasting impressions, whether in retail, events, or outdoor environments.

What design styles work best for large format printing?

Simple, bold designs with high-contrast elements perform best for large format printing, especially in outdoor or high-traffic settings where visibility is crucial.

Market Forces Driving Growth in Printing

The momentum behind large format printing is being fueled by growing investments in experiential marketing and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Companies are using physical graphics to re-engage audiences in ways digital screens can’t replicate.

Key drivers behind industry growth

Several powerful trends are pushing the demand for large format graphics forward:

• Bigger experiential marketing budgets that prioritize immersive, real-world brand activations.
• Resurgence of trade shows and in-person events, bringing back the need for booths, displays, and signage.
• Consistent multi-channel branding, where large format print complements digital and social media campaigns.

This growing demand means that print providers must scale capacity, adopt new technologies, and innovate faster to meet client expectations.

What is fueling growth in the large format printing market?

Growth is being driven by increased investment in OOH advertising, live events, and the demand for consistent branding across multiple platforms.

Challenges That Could Reshape the Industry

Even as demand rises, the large format printing industry faces challenges that could disrupt operations and reshape competitive strategies.

Key challenges impacting print providers

Several critical hurdles stand in the way of sustained growth:

• Rising costs for substrates, inks, and energy.
• Shorter turnaround times, as clients expect faster production and delivery.
• Competition from digital screens, which dominate in urban environments.
• Opportunities in hybrid solutions that combine print with digital interactivity.

Businesses that embrace hybrid approaches, sustainable practices, and automation will be better positioned to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

What are the biggest obstacles for printers in 2025?

The main obstacles are rising material costs, demand for faster production, and competition with digital displays.

Looking Beyond 2025 and Where the Industry Is Headed

The future of large format printing will be shaped by smart technologies, innovative materials, and sustainable practices. What was once seen as static advertising is quickly evolving into a dynamic, tech-driven medium with endless possibilities.

Future trends that will define the next decade

The industry is moving toward smarter, greener, and more interactive solutions. These shifts highlight where large format printing is heading:

• AI-powered workflows that reduce manual labor, streamline production, and cut down errors.
• Smart materials that can react to light, heat, or touch, adding interactivity to printed graphics.
• 3D-printed signage moving into mainstream use for custom structures and unique displays.
• Circular economy models, where substrates are reused and recycled to minimize waste.

These advancements point to a future where large format printing is more sustainable, efficient, and interactive than ever before, opening new opportunities for brands to connect with audiences.

What is the future of large format printing?

The future of large format printing will be driven by AI automation, smart substrates, sustainable production, and the expansion of 3D-printed applications that transform graphics into interactive experiences.

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Large Format Printing

Large format printing is evolving from static visuals into dynamic, eco-friendly, and technology-driven experiences. Businesses that embrace sustainability, customization, and digital integration will stand out in crowded markets.

If your brand is planning campaigns for events, retail, healthcare, or experiential activations, now is the best time to invest in innovative large format printing solutions.

At Craftsmen Industries, we specialize in large format graphics, architectural signage, and vehicle wraps that combine creativity with durability. With over 40 years of expertise, our in-house team handles design, engineering, and fabrication to deliver solutions that are on-trend, reliable, and built to last.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Craftsmen Industries today to get started with a custom large format printing solution that will keep your brand ahead in 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do large format prints last outdoors?

Most outdoor prints last 3-7 years, depending on material, ink, and exposure.

What resolution is best for large format printing?

For large prints, 150-300 DPI is recommended for clarity at scale.

Can large format printing be done on fabric?

Yes, fabric printing is popular for banners, trade show displays, and soft signage.

What’s the difference between large format and wide format printing?

Large format generally refers to oversized prints beyond 24 inches, while wide format refers to printer width (18-100 inches).

Is digital signage replacing large format printing?

No. Digital signage complements print but does not replace it; print remains more cost-effective and offers unmatched tangibility.