Pages, Sides, and Leaves, Oh My! A Quick Guide to Print Terminology

Printing terminology can be confusing.

Leaves? Pages? Sides? It sounds less like printing and more like assembling a dining room table.

But if you’re getting ready to place an order for a booklet, brochure, or multipage project, understanding these terms can save you time and ensure your job is printed just the way you expect.

So, here’s a quick, no-jargon-needed guide to help you count it all correctly.

What’s a “Leaf”?

Think of a leaf as one sheet of paper in your printed piece.

If you pick up a book or catalog and flip through it, each “flip” is one leaf. But because it’s printed on both sides, one leaf equals two pages.

1 leaf = 2 pages

What’s a “Page”?

A page is what you read on one side of a leaf.

So, the front side of a flyer? That’s one page. The back? That’s another page.

This is why an 8-leaf booklet has 16 pages—it’s all about the number of printed sides.

What’s a “Side”?

“Side” is often used interchangeably with “page,” but the key distinction is that it emphasizes the printed surface.

If you have a single sheet printed on one side only, that’s one side.

If it’s printed on both sides? That’s two sides, even though it’s still one sheet of paper.

So… How Do I Count What I Need?

Here’s the simplest rule of thumb:

Count the number of printed pages or sides. That’s the number you’ll enter on your order form.

If you’re supplying artwork or reviewing a proof, think in terms of pages/sides, not sheets or leaves. It’ll make communication clearer and help us keep your project accurate and on track.

Still Unsure? That’s What We’re Here For.

You don’t need to memorize these terms. You just need a print partner who helps you get it right.

If you have questions about pages, leaves, or anything in between, we’re happy to walk through it with you.

Let’s make sure your print project is counted, formatted, and delivered exactly how you expect.

Want More Impact from Your Print? Start With the Finish

You’ve got the vision. The campaign. The space. Now you need the signage and displays to match.

But here’s what most businesses overlook:

It’s not just what you print. It’s how you print it.

Because large format print isn’t just about filling space. It’s about making an impression that lasts both visually and physically.

That’s where technology comes in. Not digital marketing tech, but smart, behind-the-scenes print tech that brings your brand to life in ways you may not even know are possible.

Let’s walk through a few of the ways you can elevate the impact of your print, without making it overly complicated.

Want to Break Out of the Box? Try Custom Die-Cuts

Anyone can hang a rectangular banner.

But if you want your display to stand out at an event, in a window, or along a wall, shape matters.

Consider precision die-cutting to create custom contours and edges that:

• Echo your logo or product shape


• Add depth and movement


• Create surprise and visual interest

Need It to Last Outdoors? Think Beyond the Ink

Sunlight. Humidity. Wind. Time. Outdoor signage doesn’t live in perfect conditions, and neither should the materials.

Consider fade-resistant inks, outdoor-rated vinyl, and durable substrates that make your signage last longer, look better, and reduce the need for reprints.

Don't worry, though. You tell us where it’s going, and we’ll make sure it’s built for that space.

Want People to Notice the Details? Add Dimension

A bold design gets attention. But a tactile design keeps it.

With specialty finishes like:

• Spot UV


• Raised texture


• Soft-touch lamination

We can add depth, polish, and physical presence to your signs, posters, and promotional displays. These touches aren’t flashy, they’re thoughtful. And they say something about how much you care about your brand.

Don’t Just Print It, Place It Right

A beautiful graphic only works if it’s installed cleanly with layout tools and application guides to ensure that your:

• Wall wraps line up edge to edge


• Window graphics apply without bubbles


• Floor decals stay flat and visible

Our team thinks through the execution, so your team can focus on the results.

Let’s Make Your Print As Powerful As Your Brand

You already know what your message needs to say.

Our job is to make sure it shows up in the best way possible—clear, vibrant, durable, and memorable.

Is Your Trade Show Team as Ready as Your Booth?

You've got your booth space locked in.
Your banners are designed, printed, and packed.
Your table throws and floor graphics are on brand and on point.

But here’s the real question:

Is your team as ready as your signage?

The best trade show displays don’t just look good. They work because the people behind them are prepared to use them.

Here’s a quick-read checklist to make sure your team and your visuals are aligned for your next event.

1. Do They Know What the Signage Is Saying?

Your banners, posters, and backdrops carry your core message. But does your team understand what that message is and how to build on it?

Pro tip: Print out a “Booth Talking Points” sheet. Connect each visual to a key benefit or product.

When your visuals and team speak the same language, you create clarity, not confusion.

2. Can Someone Set Everything Up Without Guesswork?

Large format signage looks amazing when it’s set up correctly.

Retractable banners, tension backdrops, floor decals... they all come with simple mechanics, but your team shouldn’t figure it out five minutes before doors open.

Pro tip: Do a dry run in your office or warehouse. Time it. Pack it. Label it.

That kind of prep makes you look like pros the moment you arrive.

3. Is Someone Assigned to Maintain the Booth’s Appearance?

Foot traffic, giveaways, and constant conversations can wear down even the best-looking booth.

Designate someone to spot-check signage placement, wipe down surfaces, and straighten displays throughout the day.

Pro tip: Create a booth schedule. Assign rotation times for team members to reset and refresh the space.

4. Do Staff Know How to Introduce or Reference the Display Pieces?

Your signage shouldn’t do all the talking, but it can do the opening line.

Make sure your team knows how to use displays as conversation starters.

Instead of:

“Hi, can I help you?”

Try:

“You may have noticed our new service here on the banner; want me to walk you through it?”

Pro tip: Tie product displays and messaging to team introductions. Turn passive visuals into active tools.

5. Is Your Team’s Attire and Demeanor Aligned With the Brand?

Large format print makes your booth look polished. But if your team looks scattered or unsure, that polish wears off fast.

Pro tip: Align team attire (branded shirts, badges, etc.) with your signage and booth color scheme. Keep it clean, comfortable, and confident.

6. Does Everyone Know the Event Goals?

Great print supports a purpose. And so should your team.

Are you trying to gather leads? Launch a new product? Build visibility?

If your team knows what “success” looks like for this show, they’ll be better equipped to represent the brand and use the print materials accordingly.

Pro tip: Start every trade show day with a 5-minute stand-up meeting. Set goals, clarify roles, and reset focus.

When People and Print Work Together, Your Booth Becomes an Experience

Trade show displays are only as effective as the people behind them.

And your team performs best when they know the plan, the products, and the purpose.

We can help with the signage and the strategy to support it. Let’s make sure your next event isn’t just good-looking, it’s good from the inside out.

Print That Drives Clicks: Connecting Displays to Digital

When marketers talk about multichannel strategy, they often mean email, social, web, and maybe a little video.

But there’s a big piece missing from that list: a literal, large one.

Printed signage, displays, and banners aren't just for brand awareness anymore. When used intentionally, they become launchpads for digital engagement.

Let’s clear up some of the most common questions people have when trying to connect their offline visuals with their online goals.

“Isn’t print totally separate from digital?”

Not anymore. A banner isn’t just a display. It’s a bridge.

Window graphics, posters, sidewalk signs, these are real-world media placements that drive people to scan, search, follow, or buy.

What matters is the intention behind the design.

Are you putting your social handle on that window graphic? Is your QR code trackable? Does your signage reinforce what someone just saw in a digital ad?

When your message is consistent online and offline, it’s not two campaigns.
It’s one bigger, bolder one.

“Can printing actually drive clicks or conversions?”

Yes, if it’s designed to.

We’ve seen businesses use:

• Event signage with trackable QR codes that link to signup pages


• Retractable banners with discount codes that sync with Instagram ads


• Vehicle wraps that turn heads and traffic into web visits


• Storefront graphics that push customers to a landing page before they even walk in

These pieces aren’t just branding. They’re conversion tools just like your best-performing digital assets.

“How do I track ROI from something like a banner or poster?”

Start by linking it to digital behavior:

• Use custom URLs (like yoursite.com/promo or /event)


• Set up QR codes that redirect to Google Analytics-tracked pages


• Assign promo codes that are only printed on the physical piece


• Include social handles or hashtags that you can monitor

You don’t need high-tech tools. You just need a strategy for connecting touchpoints.

“Isn’t large format printing just for visibility, not action?”

Visibility is only the beginning. What happens after someone sees your banner, sign, or display?

That’s where the real magic happens, when they scan, click, follow, sign up, or stop in.

The best displays don’t just show your message. They invite people to do something with it.

“What’s the first step to integrating print with digital?”

Start with a question:
Where do you already have visibility, and how can you extend it?

• If you’re investing in social ads, make sure your physical signage supports the same message or offer.


• If your website is promoting an event, your sidewalk sign should reinforce it.


• If you're running a seasonal campaign, tie your print visuals and landing pages together from the beginning.

And if you’re not sure where to start? Just ask. We'd be happy to help.

When Print and Digital Work Together, Your Brand Gets Bigger

You don’t have to choose between visibility and engagement.

You can have both when your marketing speaks the same language in every channel.

Let’s build a print strategy that drives clicks, scans, and results, while making your brand look bold and consistent everywhere it appears.

How Local Printing Helped This Bakery Go from Invisible to Unmissable

When Elena opened her first storefront, it felt like the next big step for her business.

She’d grown her bakery from a home kitchen to a full commercial space downtown. The product was there. The space was beautiful. Her team was ready.

But for the first few weeks, the foot traffic just wasn’t.

People walked by without noticing. Cars zipped past. She kept hearing the same thing from friends and customers who lived nearby:

     “I didn’t even realize you were open!”

That’s when she realized something important: the space was ready, but the signage wasn’t.

Good Work Deserves to Be Seen

A lot of small businesses put their heart into what happens inside, but forget about what people see outside.

And in a busy area with limited time to catch someone’s attention, visibility is everything.

Elena called a local printer and explained her challenge. Instead of pushing a package or asking her to upload artwork, they asked a better question:

“Can we come take a look?”

A Walk Around the Block Changed Everything

The local print team walked the block with Elena. They noticed where people parked, which direction they approached the shop from, and how sunlight hit the windows during the day.

Then they recommended a visibility strategy, not just a set of print products.

• Window graphics with her brand colors, hours, and logo brought personality to her storefront


• A bold, A-frame sidewalk sign turned heads and gave pedestrians a reason to stop


• A grand opening banner created a sense of energy and excitement


• Everything was scaled, positioned, and printed to work with her exact space, not a generic template

The result? Her storefront finally said what she wanted it to say:

“We’re open. We’re local. And we’re worth a visit.”

Local Expertise Isn’t Just Convenient. It’s Smart.

Online printers can ship banners. But they can’t see your street.

They can’t walk your floorplan.
They don’t know where your foot traffic comes from.
And they won’t notice that a west-facing window needs different treatment than an east-facing one.

When you work with someone local, you’re not just buying print. You’re building visibility with someone who gets the details that matter in your community.

Your Brand Deserves to Be Noticed

Whether you’re a new business or just ready for a visibility upgrade, your signs, banners, and graphics should do more than fill space.

They should amplify your brand.

Let’s walk your block, brainstorm your space, and find the right print pieces that help your business get the attention it deserves, right where you are.

Magnify Your Message: What to Use (and When) to Make Your Brand Unmissable

Not all signs are created equal.

Some blend into the background. Others demand attention. The difference isn’t always size, it’s strategy.

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of signage or display is best for your campaign, storefront, or event, it's okay. Most people don’t need to know how something is printed. They just need to know what to use when, so the message gets noticed, remembered, and acted on.

Here’s your guide to choosing the right product for the right moment so your brand gets the spotlight it deserves.

When You Want to Own the Sidewalk:
Go With a Sidewalk Sign or A-Frame

You’re open for business. But are you visible?

Whether you're a restaurant, boutique, or service provider, A-frame signs are perfect for foot traffic zones. They’re portable, weather-ready, and let you change messages as needed.

Use when:

• You want to drive walk-in traffic


• You’re running a daily special or limited-time offer


• You’re located near a busy street or downtown

When You Need to Be Seen from Across the Room (or Parking Lot):
Use a Retractable Banner or Floor Stand

These are your vertical billboards.

Retractable banners, standing floor signs, and fabric tension displays make your message rise above eye level, and that’s key when you’re in a crowded space like a lobby, showroom, or trade show.

Great choice if:

• You’re exhibiting at an event


• You need something easy to set up and transport


• You want your branding to be clean, bold, and on the move

When You Have a Window but No One’s Looking:
Use Window Graphics

Your front window is prime real estate. Make it work harder.

Window clings, perforated graphics, or full wraps turn your space into a 24/7 billboard. You control what people see before they ever walk inside.

Ideal for when:

• You want to build brand visibility without adding structures


• You’re announcing a grand opening, sale, or rebrand


• You want to advertise while keeping interior visibility intact

When You’re On the Move:
Use Vehicle Graphics

Whether it’s a single car or a whole fleet, vehicle wraps and decals turn traffic into impressions.

You’re already driving. Let your brand go with you.

Especially effective when:

• You’re delivering products or making service calls


• You want local visibility and mobile advertising


• You’re building brand recognition in your community

When You Want the Wall to Say It All:
Use Posters, Wall Decals, or Murals

Interior branding makes a difference.

Wall graphics and oversized posters transform blank spaces into bold brand statements.

From office walls to retail displays, they make your message feel bigger and stick around longer.

Use when:

• You want to create an immersive environment


• You’re promoting seasonal offers or campaigns


• You’re reinforcing brand values in your space

When You Just Need to Be Bigger Than Everything Around You:
Use a Custom Display or Outdoor Banner

Sometimes, it’s not about fitting in, it’s about standing out on a grand scale.

Oversized vinyl banners, building wraps, stage backdrops, or panel signage are made to grab attention in large, open spaces.

Ideal for when:

• You’re sponsoring or hosting an outdoor event


• You want to own the space visually


• You’re ready to go big on brand visibility

Your Message Matters. Make Sure People See It.

You don’t need to know the print specs. That’s our job.

You just need to know what you’re trying to say and where you want it to be seen.

We’ll help you match your message to the right format so your brand shows up the way it should: bold, confident, and unmissable!

Flat, Forgotten, or Captivating? How Bold Display Design Changes Everything

Here’s the thing no one tells you before you head to your next trade show or event:

Most booths get ignored.

Not because the team isn’t great. Not because the products aren’t solid. But because the display doesn’t do enough to earn attention in a room full of noise.

At every event, there are two types of booths:

• The ones people pass by.


• The ones people walk toward.

The difference?
It’s not the giveaways.
It’s not the clever pitch.
It’s the display itself.

Let’s look at the real difference between booths that blend in—and displays that captivate.

Flat, Safe, and Forgotten

Flat banners. Tabletop signs. Posters taped to the back wall.

They still have a place. But when they’re the only visual element, they leave your booth doing the bare minimum.

Flat displays make your team work harder.
They rely entirely on human interaction to start the conversation.
They say, “We showed up,” but not, “We stand out.”

And in crowded event halls, safe is invisible.

Bold, Layered, and Unmissable

Now think about the booths you remember.

They aren’t louder. They’re smarter.

They use layered backdrops that fill the space.
They use clean, bold messaging that’s impossible to miss from across the floor.
They add high-impact banners, backlit signage, and floor graphics that pull eyes before a word is spoken.

These brands don’t make you work to figure them out. Their display does the heavy lifting.

And here’s the kicker—it doesn’t have to be complicated.

A well-designed tension fabric backdrop paired with bold retractable banners and strategically placed floor graphics can do more to pull people in than any sales script.

But Is It Really Worth It?

Absolutely. And here’s why:

When your display works, your team doesn’t have to shout over the noise.

You stop relying on giveaways and start creating an experience people want to walk into.
Your booth becomes a photo backdrop. A meeting spot. A conversation starter.

You don’t blend in. You get noticed.
And the investment you made in that event actually pays off.

Don’t Assume Your Current Banners Are Enough

Most companies reuse the same banners and table throws year after year.

The question is—are they still doing their job? Or are they just…there?

If they’re not pulling people in, creating conversations, or making people stop and say, “Wow,” they’re costing you more than you think.

They’re costing you opportunities.

Want to See the Difference for Yourself?

We’ve helped brands like yours rethink their event displays.
Sometimes it’s a bold new backdrop.
Sometimes it’s as simple as refreshing your banners or adding high-impact floor graphics.
Always, it’s about making sure your display does what it should—attract attention and make people remember your brand.

Let’s talk about your next event. We’ll help you move from flat and forgettable to bold and captivating.

Patriotic Design Done Right: What Your Brand Can Learn from Iconic American Visuals

This week we celebrate the 4th of July.

A day for flags, fireworks, parades, and cookouts.
But also a day for reflection.

On what we stand for.
On the symbols that unite us.
On the stories we tell through color, shape, and design.

If you think about it, the American flag is one of the most recognized designs in the world. Simple. Bold. Timeless.

It doesn’t need to explain itself.
It doesn’t use trendy colors or clever fonts.
It stands for something.
It says something about identity, values, and belonging, without saying a word.

Design That Lasts

Most marketing campaigns fade the moment the sale is over.
The best ones, the ones that stick, are the ones that don’t chase attention.
They claim it, by standing for something bigger than the product or the promotion.

The most enduring designs in American history—war posters, parade banners, protest signs, national monuments—weren’t focused on conversion rates. They were built to inspire. To gather people around an idea.

They didn’t need to scream.
They needed to resonate.

What Does Your Brand Stand For?

On a day like today, it’s worth asking:

• Does your signage, your display, your brand visuals tell people who you are?


• Do they make someone stop and feel something?


• Are they designed for the long game or the daily click?


• Are you building recognition, or just renting attention?

Because the truth is, good design isn’t decoration. It’s a declaration.

Show Up Like You Mean It

Patriotic design works because it’s simple, clear, and emotionally honest.

That’s not just a lesson for July 4th.
It’s a lesson for every day you show up as a brand.
In your banners. Your posters. Your signs. Your colors.

Design that works doesn’t need to chase the latest trends.
It needs to tell the world, "This is who we are."
And invite them to feel something about it.

Today isn’t a day for marketing campaigns.
It’s a day for meaning.
For remembering that the best designs—like the best brands—are built on values that last.

Is Your Trade Show Booth Doing Its Job or Just Taking Up Space?

You’ve probably seen it or maybe lived it.

You spend weeks prepping for a trade show. The team’s locked in. The products are polished. The sales strategy is tight.

Then you show up and realize... your booth looks just like everyone else’s.

You’ve got a table. A banner. Some printed handouts. Nothing’s wrong with it, but nothing’s making people stop either. Meanwhile, a competitor two aisles down is packed with attendees, taking selfies in front of their backdrop, posting photos, and drawing traffic.

Here’s the hard truth: most booths fail before the show even begins. Not because the brand isn’t great. But because the display wasn’t built to do its job: turn heads, pull people in, and start the conversation.

Let’s fix that.

Most Booths Use Banners and Table Covers. The Smart Ones Use Them Strategically.

Banners and table covers are the backbone of a trade show setup, and there's nothing wrong with using them. In fact, when they’re done well, they’re some of the most effective tools you’ve got.

But here’s the difference: most companies treat them like an afterthought. A logo here, some text there, and call it done.

Smart brands treat them like assets. They use high-quality fabric that resists wrinkles under show lighting, bold, benefit-driven messaging, and layouts that are easy to read from a distance. They pair their banners with clean, branded table covers that make the whole setup feel intentional, not improvised.

And when those elements are combined with floor graphics, backdrops, or signage that adds height or dimension? That’s when your booth starts working harder than the people standing in it.

It’s not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about executing the essentials better than everyone else.

Don’t Just Show Up. Make Your Booth Work Like a Sales Rep.

Think about it this way: your booth is your first impression. It’s a handshake before the handshake. If the messaging isn’t clear, if it takes more than three seconds to understand what you do, people keep walking.

A well-executed banner or backdrop doesn’t just display your name. It communicates what problem you solve and why someone should care. That’s the job. Visual hierarchy, bold headlines, and clear CTAs aren’t just design choices. They’re conversion tools.

And Then There’s the Practical Side...

This is what no one talks about until it’s too late: the setup.

A booth that takes two hours to build is a drain on your team. A flimsy banner that tears in transit won’t just cost you money—it’ll stress you out the night before the show opens.

That’s why the best trade show print displays today are built for real life. They’re modular. Easy to carry. Durable. They come with carry cases. The hardware matters just as much as the visuals.

And yes—when you’re working with a printer who specializes in trade show displays, these are the kinds of things we plan for.

Innovation Doesn’t Mean Complicated

Let’s clear something up. “Innovative” doesn’t mean techy, flashy, or expensive. It means effective.

Sometimes, it’s switching from a matte to a UV coating so your signage pops under artificial lighting. Sometimes, it’s using cut-to-shape rigid signs instead of another square panel. Sometimes, it’s adding a QR code in the right spot to move people from offline to online seamlessly.

Innovation is about knowing what works for the space, the audience, and the message, and making sure every print element earns its place.

Let’s Build a Booth That Stops People in Their Tracks

If your next event is coming up and you’re still trying to make last year’s banner do the job, let’s talk.

We’ll help you reimagine your display with print products that actually get attention—banners, backdrops, floor decals, signage, and whatever else makes sense for your space and your goals.

No fluff. No gimmicks. Just smart print, done right.