Automate the production of pole banners using PrimeCenter to facilitate quick and easy creation while retaining flexibility during the assembly process. Pole banners are commonly used in outdoor signage, suspended on poles using pockets at the top and/or bottom.
Info
The "Create two-sided banner" check/fix profile only supports top or top & bottom pockets. Other configurations, such as side pockets, are not available.
Prerequisites
PrimeCenter includes a "Create a two-sided banner" check/fix profile designed specifically to support the automation of pole banner preparation.
The preflight profile 'Create a two-sided banner' is available starting from PrimeCenter V3.1.
If you're unfamiliar with check/fix profiles, refer to:
- Understanding check/fix profiles and how to use them
- Managing check/fix profiles
- How to apply a check/fix profile to a file?
To know the complete list of preflight profiles: List of preflight profiles included in PrimeCenter.
You might be also interested in this article on simple banners.
Head-to-head banner
Banner configuration
Choose Head-to-head configuration to design banners where the design elements face each other head-on, merging into a single output file.
Pocket height
Customize the height of the pocket that folds over the banner's edge.
Back-to-back banner
Banner configuration
Choose Back-to-back configuration to design banners where design elements are generated on separate output files. This method allows to handle each printed side independently before being joined.
Pocket position & size
Choose the edges where you want to place the pockets and define their size to match your specific needs.
Create white pocket on back side
Optionally, replicate the front pocket settings in white on the back side.
Generate only front side
Enable this option if the same design is used on both sides, simplifying the creation process using single file.
Pocket size
Pole pockets hold the banner on poles or ropes. The size of the pocket is critical for correct mounting.
How to calculate pocket size
Quick reference table
| Pole diameter | 0.75" | 1.0" | 1.5" | 2.0" | 2.5" | 3.0" | 3.5" | 4.0" |
| Pocket size | 3.0" | 3.0" | 4.0" | 5.0" | 5.0" | 6.0" | 7.0" | 8.0" |
Contour and folding line
Regardless of the banner type chosen, the following options are available to improve your design:
Create contour
Generate a cut contour from your page content and define its name.
Recommendation
If adding bleed later, use a dedicated check/fix profile to create a cut contour.
Print folding line
Add a folding line between the image and the pockets to outline the boundaries. Adjust the thickness, pattern, and color of this line to meet your needs. Colors can also be set as spot colors for specific requirements.
Additional options
To complete your pole banner setup, you can combine the "Create a two-sided banner" check/fix profile with other profiles to add bleed, fold marks, and grommets for ease of assembly.
Bleed
The "Create two-sided banner" check/fix profile does not add bleed. If your banner requires hemming, add a canvas bleed to one or more sides using the "Advanced bleed" check/fix profile or the Print bleed feature.
Grommets
Add security grommets in the folding area with the "Place grommets" check/fix profile. Grommets help secure the banner around the pole and reinforce the pockets.
Good to know
- Grommets will appear on both front and back sides of the banner.
- It’s generally recommended to place grommets before applying the "Create two-sided banner" check/fix profile.
Lines
Add visual fold marks on the bleed area to guide manual folding with the "Place lines" check/fix profile.
Input file compatibility
For both head-to-head and back-to-back banners, you have flexible input options:
- Single files: if the same image is intended for both sides of the banner.
- Multipage files: for different images on each side.
Head-to-head banner example
Back-to-back banner example