A form of direct visual communication are banners. The concept of using banners for conveying messages is nothing new; flags and other forms of banners have been in use since ancient times. Dictionaries define a banner as a paper bearing symbols, messages and a long strip of cloth.

 For advertising banners are extensively used in our modern times. Our lives are crowded with them; they are so extensive that every day you encounter hundreds of them. They are so effective because of their ability to visually convey the required message in a very short time. Banner advertising was mostly restricted to the print media before the advent of the world wide web. Now days they are an essential advertising tool as they have their digital equivalent on all websites.

On buildings, roadside billboards, shopping centers and other public places printed and electronic banners are displayed. Sports stadiums, museums and other social centers are scattered with a mosaic of banners. The printed ones and the electronic ones are the two types that are classified in the physical world. Over printed ones electronic banners have a number of advantages. Their most important advantage lies in their ability to display animated videos or images. They are also more environment friendly as they can be used over and over again. Once they have fulfilled their purpose they have to be disposed of even though printed banners are cheap.

On various commercial websites banner advertisement in the digital realm is mostly restricted to static or animated banners. Videos and interactive content can be embedded in them as technology has made it possible. They link to their sponsors and serve as eye catchers.

It is necessary to design banners properly for them to work. For the design work advertising agencies and graphics professions should be employed. Banners must serve two purposes, they must communicate the intended message and they must attract attention.

From the visual jungle of banners a well designed banner must stand out.

Banners are printed on vinyl both for indoor or outdoor advertising. On large format inkjet printers they are printed. Many types of vinyl substrates suitable for indoor or outdoor use are available.