Print banners using your computer

Creating paper banners for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations at home or in the office is a time-honored tradition, but using a computer as a sign maker can make the process quick and easy.

An office birthday wouldn’t be complete without a big “Happy Birthday” proclamation or even a gently ribbed, “Over the Hill” banner. Office staff might choose to spend company time handwriting celebration signs or designing them from scratch on the computer. But to save time, money, and wasted paper, many turn to websites that offer pre-designed, print-ready messages, or even an option to create custom banners.

Such Internet sites may offer instant banner downloading and printing for a low fee or even free.

Computer generated signs are also popular for celebrations and other events in the home. For example, a green or red Christmas banner adds to the Christmas decorations, while “Bon Voyage” or “Happy Anniversary” are perfect additions to a party.

Printable banners are also a convenient and affordable option for business signs and notices such as “No Parking,” “Garage Sale,” “Private Property,” and other information.

To select a design for a particular occasion, visit a banner maker website and explore the options. Various fonts and colors may be available for each holiday or event. Once you’ve chosen the one you want, it’s often a simple process to download and print it from your home or office printer.

Posters are typically generated on regular 8 1/2 by 11-inch printer paper with one or two letters on each page or panel in PDF format. After printing all the letters, simply assemble the panels in order and join them together with tape, staples, or thread. They can also be hung from the ceiling or fixture, or individually attached to a wall.

Once the panels are printed and bonded, they can be used as-is or laminated for added durability. That way, an office can use the same birthday or retirement banner for multiple employees, parties, or holidays.

Also, look for sites that offer a custom sign creation feature along with pre-selected designs. A banner maker means you’re not limited to the most common messages, but can immediately print variations with letters and words of your choice. It is also usually possible to select colors, fonts, and text styles (such as “outline”).

Personalized messages like “Welcome Baby Aidan” or “Happy Birthday Jill” can make a bigger impact, and also form a memory, when displayed on a large banner.

Copyright 2009 by Kevin Savetz