How To Print Large Posters & Coloring Pages For Cheap
Want to print large posters and coloring pages for cheap? It’s really easy to use your local office store printing services to order Blueprints or Architectural Prints that are super fun to use for a variety of activities. Read on for detailed instructions on how to print your own digital files as large blueprints to color, make for parties, or use as decoration at home.
UPDATE: I’ve shared a really cool United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Coloring Poster for which you can use these instructions to print out and enjoy at home. Be sure to check it out and share it with friends and family if you love it!
Sports are a big deal in our house. Each year, when March rolls around, we have regular discussions about which of the many sporting events to watch with the boys. The NCAA College Basketball tournament (i.e March Madness) is always high on the list and has been a staple in my husband’s social calendar for nearly twenty years.
A few years ago, I printed a gigantic bracket for him to track the outcomes of the games. He had several brackets filled out for pools with friends and coworkers, but this took the bracket game to a new level.
At the time, I paid a decent sum to print the bracket so large. I later discovered you can print the digital image as a Blueprint or Architectural print for just a few dollars at most major office stores with printing services (live and learn… and save a few bucks).
This year, I printed two large NCAA March Madness basketball brackets so each of the boys could have their own. At less than $8 a pop, the excitement over their individual brackets was well worth the investment.
Later this week, I’m launching a fun project that I think you’ll want to blow up and print as your own large blueprint. I’ve been working on it for a long time (too long, really), so it’s kind of a big deal that it’s finally complete. I can’t wait for you to see it, but in the meantime, enjoy these instructions about how to print large posters and coloring pages for cheap.
Where To Print Large Blueprints & Architectural Prints
Many large office supply stores have print shops and can print large posters or coloring pages. Staples and Office Depot call these documents “Blueprints” while FedEx calls them “Architecture, Engineering & Construction Prints”. I use Staples to print these pages because they offer larger sizes available for free in-store pick-up. Office Depot limits certain larger print sizes to Delivery, and FedEx has slightly more expensive pricing. However, any of them will work depending on what you have available in your area. Depending on which store works for you, I’ve included the links to the respective print services pages for large prints below.
Print via Staples | Print via Office Depot | Print via FedEx
Note: Links to each of the office stores are affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase your prints, I earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of providing free content. Thank you in advance for supporting the blog! I truly appreciate it.
How To Print Blueprint Pages
If you have a printable file, it’s pretty easy to upload the file and select your desired print services. I’ve walked you through the process at Staples with screenshot images to help you along if you have questions. Ordering through Office Depot or FedEx should be similar.
Start by visiting your preferred office store website or printing services homepage.
Select Printing Services –> Blueprints (or Architecture, Engineering & Construction Prints)
Choose to Start Your Project
Select how you plan to upload your file (this is where it is saved either on your computer/phone or in the cloud).
Follow the website instructions to Upload your printable digital image/file
Select the desired size and layout of your image. I typically choose the largest size (36″ x 48″ in this case) and check the box to “Scale to Fit” so the entire image fits onto one page.
Select the type of ink you’d like (Color vs. Black and White). We chose Black and White, which is typically less expensive.
Choose how many copies you would like to order.
Select your store and where you would like to pick up your prints (or have them delivered if that’s your preference).
Complete your order and pick it up when it’s ready. Most orders are ready within a few hours or no more than a day.
Have you used these large print services before? I’d love to hear what you printed. I think there are so many fun things to do with these!
This worked perfected!! Wanted to make a large print paint by number for my son’s birthday and didn’t need all the fancy poster prints. This is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing all this info!
So glad you found it helpful. Thanks for letting me know.
Thanks for these helpful tips! I just knew now the method of printing large images called Blueprints. Most of the blogs I read recommend PDF and Excel. Is this also possible in printing large event graphics?
“Wow, I am absolutely blown away by the beautiful collection of large posters and coloring pages on your website! The vibrant colors and intricate designs are truly mesmerizing. It’s so refreshing to see such unique and creative artwork that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. Thank you for sharing these amazing printables, they will definitely bring joy and inspiration to anyone who gets their hands on them. Kudos to you and your team for curating such a fantastic resource! – Becky Gomez”