Banners

A banner is a piece of fabric, vinyl, or other material bearing a message, image, or symbol, designed to be hung, displayed, or carried. Banners serve advertising, branding, decoration, signaling, and ceremonial purposes. They exist as physical signs and as digital elements used in online and app-based media.

Physical banners are made from vinyl, fabric, or mesh. Vinyl is durable and weather-resistant; fabric offers a premium look; mesh reduces wind load. They commonly include grommets, pole pockets, and reinforced hems, and are mounted on walls, fences, frames, or stands. Sizes range from small event signs to large storefront banners.

Digital banners are graphic or interactive units on websites and apps for advertising. Formats include static images, animated GIFs, and HTML5 rich media. Common online banner sizes include leaderboard (728x90), wide skyscraper (120x600 or 160x600), medium rectangle (300x250), large rectangle (336x280), and 970x250. Banners are served through ad networks and can be static, animated, or interactive; they often include tracking, targeting, and responsive design to fit different devices.

History and design: Banners date to ancient heraldry and ceremonial use, later expanding into portable advertising in the 19th and 20th centuries. Digital banners became central to online marketing in the 1990s. Effective design emphasizes legibility, contrast, and concise messaging, with accessibility and sustainability considerations, such as alt text for digital banners and the use of recyclable materials.