{"id":22625,"date":"2020-12-11T06:50:15","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T13:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/?p=22625"},"modified":"2026-03-05T23:36:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T06:36:43","slug":"designing-a-step-and-repeat-banner-signage-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/designing-a-step-and-repeat-banner-signage-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Designing a Step and Repeat Banner: Signage 101"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Signage 101: How to Design a Step and Repeat Banner<\/h2>\r\n

When you think of celebrities walking down the red carpet at events like the Academy Awards or the Grammys, you\u2019re probably envisioning them posing in front of a backdrop with a repeating pattern of logos. Better known as a step and repeat banner, this popular type of signage is used as a background for photos for all events \u2013 from media galas, tradeshows, and conferences to graduations, weddings, birthdays, and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Step and repeat banners provide a marvelous setting for attendees and guests to take pictures. And, for businesses, they also do double duty as a great, non-intrusive way to advertise your company and sponsors. They come in various sizes and there are different ways to design them, depending on the effect you\u2019re looking to achieve.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll take you through the basics and the specifics of how to create step and repeat banners using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop that will work wonderfully for your event and your business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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How to Design a Step and Repeat Banner in Adobe Illustrator<\/h2>\r\n

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Follow these steps in Adobe Illustrator when designing your step and repeat banner.<\/p>\r\n

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1<\/strong>. Open Program, Create New, Set up Document; Size: Banner 96\u2033 x 96\u2033, Artboard 90\u2033 x 90\u2033 (however much space you would like on the outer edges of your Step and Repeat); Bleed: .25\u2033 Top, Bottom, Left, and Right; Color Mode: RGB; Raster Effects: 300 ppi.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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2.<\/strong> Add logo file to Artboard (File > Place).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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3<\/strong>. Resize the logo and align it to the top corner of Artboard.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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4<\/strong>. Duplicate the logo as many times as desired over the top of the artboard (Alt+Ctrl+Shift \/ Opt+Cmd+Shift drag) and evenly distribute logos across the top of the artboard (Align to Artboard > Horizontally Align Center).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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5. <\/strong>Select and copy all but one logo and drag it down.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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6.<\/em><\/strong> Group and center the second line of logos.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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7<\/strong>. Group the top line and copy both lines to repeat and fill the banner.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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8.<\/strong> Evenly distribute the logos across the artboard (Align to Artboard, Vertically Align Center).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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9.<\/strong> Change the size of your Artboard to print size (Artboard Tool (Shift+O) > Change Artboard size to 96.5\u2033 x 96.5\u2033).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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10<\/strong>. Save your design! (File > Save As) The best formats for your design files in vector format are AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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How to Design a Step and Repeat Banner in Photoshop<\/h2>\r\n

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Follow these steps in when designing a step and repeat banner when using Adobe Photoshop. Please note that this guide assumes a 96\u201d x 96\u201d banner.<\/p>\r\n

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1.<\/strong> Open Program, Create New, Set up Document: Size: Banner 96\u2033 x 96\u2033, Canvas Size: 90\u2033 x 90\u2033 (however much space you would like on the outer edge of your step and repeat); Resolution: 150 pixels\/inch (or higher); Color Mode: RGB<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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2<\/strong>. Add the logo file (File > Place Embedded).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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3<\/strong>. Resize the logo and align it to the top corner of banner; Edit > Free Transform (Ctrl\/Cmd+T).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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4<\/strong>. Rasterize the logo so it can be used in step and repeat function.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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5<\/strong>. Duplicate logo as many times as you want over the top of the canvas using step and repeat: Alt+Ctrl+T \/ Opt+Cmd+T for step; Alt+Ctrl+Shift+T\/ Opt+Cmd+Shift+T for repeat. Keep those keys pressed and then press T until you have the desired number of logos.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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6<\/strong>. Distribute logos horizontally. Move the rightmost logo to the right corner of the canvas and then click Distribute horizontal centers.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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7.<\/strong> Select all but one logo, duplicate and move down (Alt+Ctrl+Shift+Move\/Opt+Cmd+Shift+Move).<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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8<\/strong>. Group each line of logos.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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9<\/strong>. Center the bottom line of logos and then align horizontal centers.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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10<\/strong>. Duplicate lines of logos to fill banner.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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11.<\/strong> Distribute groups over the banner.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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12.<\/strong> Change the size of your Canvas to print size (Image > Canvas Size or Alt+Ctrl+C\/Opt+Cmd+C). Keep in mind that bleed should be included in the banner size.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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13.<\/strong> Save your design! (File > Save As); JPEG or PNG will work best.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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Considerations When Designing a Step and Repeat Backdrop<\/h2>\r\n

1. Software and file type.<\/strong> Two primary decisions to make up front are the software you\u2019ll use and the type of file you\u2019ll work with. Because of Adobe Illustrator\u2019s easy-to-use alignment tools, it\u2019s generally the better software choice for designing a step and repeat banner. This is especially true if your logo is a vector file which is a type of graphic created from mathematical points, curves, and paths.<\/p>\r\n

However, if your logo is a raster file with effects, filters, etc., then Adobe Photoshop might be your better option. Rasters are images made of pixels \u2014 the higher quality a raster file is, the more pixels it has. Raster files are generally larger in size (versus vectors), making saving your file slower and taking up more space. While vectors are optimal for logos, there are specific design effects that you can only achieve with a raster file including drop shadows, feather, and glow, which may affect your choice of file type.<\/p>\r\n

Bottom line: Both vector or raster files can be effectively used in creating your design, in conjunction with various software programs. Because most orders we receive here at Signs.com are from folks using Illustrator or Photoshop, we\u2019ll focus on those two programs in this blog.<\/p>\r\n

2. Size of banner.<\/strong> The size of your banner will depend on a few factors. Choose a size that best fits your event space; it might have certain restrictions or rules, and you may have limited space to set up your banner, impacting how large your banner can be. Something else to remember: the backdrops are for picture-taking purposes, so consider how many people will be able to pose in these photos and how much room they\u2019ll need.<\/p>\r\n

At Signs.com, we offer three banner sizes: 8\u2019 x 8\u2019 (our most popular size), 9\u2019 x 8\u2019, and 10\u2019 x 8 ft\u2019. The wider widths allow for larger groups of people to take photos in one go, or if you want to cover a wide area of the event space. Remember that the size you pick will determine the layout of your design.<\/p>\r\n

3. Size of logo.<\/strong> You\u2019ll want to ensure that your logos are easy to see and that the design is not too cluttered. For square logos, the preferred size is usually 5\u201d to 7\u201d and 8\u201d to 12\u201d with longer logos. You\u2019ll want to leave about the same amount of space in between the logos as well to avoid clutter.<\/p>\r\n

If you have one logo that\u2019s very long in a single direction, determining the size of the logos and the space between them can be a bit more challenging. The same holds if you have several logos to size differently so they all fit together. It\u2019s best to have all your logos have the same aspect ratio \u2014 that is, similar width-to-height ratios \u2014 so they\u2019re easier to pattern.<\/p>\r\n

As we noted earlier, if your logo is a vector file, you can make it any size without losing quality. If it\u2019s a raster, however, you\u2019ll have to pay attention to the quality of the file at the size you\u2019re looking for. You will want your logo to have a minimum quality of 150 ppi at the size you\u2019ll be printing it. So, for example, if you want your logo to be 10-inch wide, it should be at least 150 ppi at that size.<\/p>\r\n

4. Design and colors.<\/strong> The most common step and repeat design is a checkerboard pattern of logos, whether you\u2019re repeating a single logo or various logos. Generally, logos are evenly spaced and lined up in four or five sets, alternating across the banner. Of course, there are other layout options if you want to do something a bit more unusual or experimental.<\/p>\r\n

As far as color goes, it\u2019s best to stick to a background color that complements your logo(s). If you\u2019re working with a single logo, use a color from the company branding. When working with multiple logos, pick a neutral color that will work with all of them. Make sure your background contrasts well with the logos so they\u2019re visible and that they stand out.<\/p>\r\n

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3 Quick Additional Tips<\/h2>\r\n

Here are three additional tips to keep in mind for your first design:<\/p>\r\n

1.<\/strong> Your artboard or canvas should be designed at full size. Regardless of whether you use Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop, the artboard or canvas should match the size of the banner you\u2019re going to print. It should also include a bleed of 0.5\u201d (our Signs.com online design tool uses inches as the term of measurement, so we\u2019ll use inches here as well); the bleed can be added as 0.25\u201d per side. If you\u2019re working in Illustrator, go to File > Document setup, and add 0.25\u201d to the top, bottom, left, and right (or use the keyboard shortcut Cmd\/Ctrl + Opt\/Alt + P to do the same).<\/p>\r\n

In Photoshop, the resolution of your document should be 150-300 pixels\/inch (150 ppi will be sufficient for printing with Signs.com). Once you have your canvas open, you can add guides to the edges of your artboard to serve as a guide for the bleed. Then, adjust the size of your canvas to include that half-inch bleed. To do so, go to Image > Canvas and add 0.5\u201d to the size.<\/p>\r\n

2.<\/strong> Maintain ample spacing around your logos and design. To ensure your design is easy to see and not look cluttered, you\u2019ll want a margin around the entire design, as well as between each logo. Generally, you want two inches or more around your entire design unless you plan on having a pattern that continues off the edge of the banner. Space the logos so that there\u2019s a good amount of room around them and so each logo stands on its own (as well as part of the overall pattern). A typical step and repeat backdrop design has four to five logos per line. The number can vary, however, depending on the size of your logos, the size of your banner, and the overall look you\u2019re going for. Wider banners, for instance, usually add one to two more logos per line.<\/p>\r\n

3.<\/strong> Set the color mode to RGB. Although most files are printed in CMYK, quality is maintained best when files are made in RGB mode. Use this mode when designing your file. Once you\u2019re done, you can then convert them to CMYK for the printing. That way, the colors will not be distorted when you upload your file, and it won\u2019t affect the production process. If your logo is a vector, save your file with a vector file extension: AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF. If your file is a raster graphic, you\u2019ll want to save your file with a raster file extension, either as JPG or PNG.<\/p>\r\n

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Upload and Print Your Banner<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You\u2019re now ready to have your banner printed by your favorite print provider (Signs.com, of course!). To upload your design, go to Signs.com\/Design<\/a>. Under Sign Type, select Step and Repeat Banner, and then choose the correct size for your design. Once that\u2019s set, cursor over to the left side of the screen to find the Upload section. Click Select File to choose your design from your computer or drag and drop your file onto the design space.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A few final notes:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n