Door hangers are a powerful marketing tool for local promotions, political campaigns, real estate, hospitality, and more. Easy to distribute and hard to ignore, a well-designed door hanger can make a strong impact. Here’s what you need to know to print them effectively.

📏 What’s the Standard Size of a Door Hanger?

In most countries, the standard Door Hanger size is:

  • 3.5″ x 8.5″ – Compact and budget-friendly
  • 4.25″ x 11″ – Standard, great for visibility and content
  • 5.25″ x 8.5″ – Slightly wider, ideal for bold graphics or coupons

✅ Tip: All sizes typically include a die-cut hole and slit to hang easily on door handles.

💳 Common Types of Door Hanger

Here are some popular styles you’ll find:

  1. Standard Hangers – One-sided or double-sided for general promotions
  2. Perforated Hangers – Include tear-off coupons or business cards
  3. Custom Shape Hangers – Die-cut to unique shapes for extra visual impact
  4. Writable Surface Hangers – Allow handwritten notes for personal messages

🎨 Popular Finishes

  • Gloss Coating – Vibrant and eye-catching, ideal for colorful designs
  • Matte Finish – Sophisticated look, easy to read in bright light
  • UV Spot Coating – Highlights specific elements like logos or headlines
  • Aqueous Coating – Eco-friendly, quick-drying, and protective

🎨 Design Recommendations for a Professional Look

Here’s what helps your card stand out (in a good way):

  • Use clear fonts – Stick to one or two typefaces max.
  • Keep it simple – Your name, title, contact info, and logo should be the main focus.
  • Stick to brand colors – Use colors that reflect your brand identity.
  • Make sure text is readable – Use font sizes of at least 8pt.
  • Add white space – Don’t cram everything in. A clean card feels professional.
  • Use bold headlines and clear calls to action
  • Keep text large and easy to scan
  • Include contact details and tracking codes if needed
  • Leave bleed area (typically 0.125″) for trimming precision

💡 Consider adding a QR code that links to your website or portfolio.

❌ What Not to Do on a Door Hangers

  • Don’t use low-resolution images – They’ll print blurry.
  • Avoid too much information – It can feel overwhelming.
  • Never use hard-to-read fonts like cursive or overly stylized ones.
  • Don’t forget contact info – Double-check your phone number and email.
  • Avoid edge-to-edge dark backgrounds unless you’re printing professionally — they can smudge easily.

🖼️ Sample Layout of Door Hangers (Feel Free to Visualize or Share with a Designer)

🖨️ Ready to Print?

When you’re ready to print, make sure your file:

  • Is in CMYK color mode
  • Has at least 300 DPI resolution
  • Includes crop marks and bleed areas

You can save it as a PDF, AI, or EPS file — those are commonly accepted by print shops.

Final Thoughts

Door hangers are direct, effective, and affordable. By choosing the right size, style, and finish—and following best practices for design and printing—you can ensure your message gets noticed and remembered.