How to Design Your PopUp Display Stand
How to Design Your PopUp Display Stand
A practical, expert guide to designing high-impact PopUp Display Stands for exhibitions and events
PopUp Display Stands remain one of the most effective, versatile, and professional display solutions for exhibitions, trade shows, and promotional events. When designed correctly, a PopUp Display Stand becomes far more than just a backdrop — it becomes a powerful branding tool that attracts visitors, communicates your message instantly, and elevates your presence on the exhibition floor.
In this guide, we explain how to design your PopUp Display Stand properly, covering layout, artwork setup, sizing, print considerations, and common mistakes to avoid. We also link to specific PopUp Display Stand sizes, ready-to-use kits, and our artwork templates to help you get it right first time.
For a general overview of PopUp Display Stands, you may also want to read our existing guide:
👉 A Guide to Pop Up Display Stands
What Is a PopUp Display Stand?
A PopUp Display Stand is a portable exhibition system made up of a folding lattice frame with magnetic graphic panels that “pop up” into shape. They are most commonly used as:
Exhibition stand backwalls
Shell scheme upgrades
Promotional backdrops
Product launch displays
PopUp Display Stands are defined by grid size, not physical width. For example:
3×2 PopUp Display Stand
3×3 PopUp Display Stand
3×4 PopUp Display Stand
All standard PopUp Display Stands are 3 panels high, creating a consistent display height across different widths.
Step 1: Choose the Right PopUp Display Stand Size
Before designing your artwork, it’s essential to choose the correct stand size. Your design layout, image scaling, and content hierarchy will all depend on this.
Common PopUp Display Stand Sizes
3×2 PopUp Display Stand – compact, ideal for small spaces
3×3 PopUp Display Stand – the most popular all-rounder
3×4 PopUp Display Stand – wide, high-impact exhibition backwall
Explore our most popular PopUp Display Stand options:
Step 2: Understand Panel Layout & Curves
PopUp Display Stands are made up of individual vertical panels that magnetically attach to the frame. On curved PopUp Display Stands, the outer panels curve inward, which affects:
Text placement
Logo positioning
Image cropping
Design Tip
✔ Keep logos and key messaging centred
✔ Avoid placing important text on curved end panels
✔ Use curves creatively with flowing background imagery
To help with this, we provide bespoke artwork templates for each PopUp Display Stand size and shape, including:
Panel boundaries
Visible areas
Safe zones
Bleed allowances
These templates ensure your artwork aligns perfectly when printed and installed.
Step 3: Design at Full Scale Using the Artwork Template
All PopUp Display Stand artwork should be designed at full size, not scaled down.
Typical artwork setup includes:
CMYK colour mode
300dpi resolution
Print-ready PDF format
Bleed included on all edges
Your artwork should be supplied as one complete design, not individual panels — we professionally split the artwork during production.
Step 4: Create a Clear Visual Hierarchy
Successful PopUp Display Stand designs follow a simple hierarchy:
Primary brand message (visible from a distance)
Supporting text or strapline
Imagery that reinforces the message
Optional call-to-action
Best Practice for PopUp Display Stands
Use large typography
Keep messaging concise
Prioritise readability from 2–5 metres away
Avoid clutter
Remember: your PopUp Display Stand supports conversations — it doesn’t need to explain everything.
Step 5: Choose the Right Images
Large-format graphics demand high-resolution images. Low-quality images will pixelate when printed.
✔ Use professional photography where possible
✔ Avoid screenshots or web-only images
✔ Extend images across panels for impact
Curved PopUp Display Stands work particularly well with:
Panoramic photography
Abstract textures
Soft gradients
Step 6: Consider Lighting in Your Design
Most PopUp Display Stands can be supplied with LED exhibition lights, which dramatically enhance visibility.
When designing your artwork:
Avoid very dark backgrounds at the top
Use contrast to highlight key areas
Assume light comes from above
If you’re purchasing a complete kit, our PopUp Display Stand bundles include lighting, graphics, and a wheeled case for convenience.
Step 7: Think Beyond the Backwall
PopUp Display Stands work best as part of a complete exhibition setup. Many customers combine them with:
Counters
Literature racks
Flooring
Lighting upgrades
For cost-effective bundles, explore our offers here:
👉 Pop-Up Exhibition Kits – Special Offers
Common PopUp Display Stand Design Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using small body text
❌ Forgetting about curved end panels
❌ Supplying RGB artwork
❌ Designing without a template
Using our size-specific templates eliminates these issues entirely.
Why Choose Reflex Exhibitions for PopUp Display Stands?
At Reflex Exhibitions, we don’t just supply PopUp Display Stands — we manufacture, print, and finish everything in-house.
✔ UK-based production
✔ Size-specific artwork templates
✔ Expert design support
✔ Fast turnaround
✔ Proven exhibition experience
Whether you need a 3×2 PopUp Display Stand or a high-impact 3×4 curved backwall, we ensure your display looks professional, aligned, and exhibition-ready.
Need Help Designing Your PopUp Display Stand?
If you’re unsure about artwork setup, panel layout, or image quality, our team is happy to help.
Explore our full PopUp Display Stand range or start with our general guide:
👉 A Guide to Pop Up Display Stands
Or browse our most popular options:
3×3 PopUp Display Stands
Curved PopUp Exhibition Stands
Complete PopUp Display Kits
Ready to Design Your PopUp Display Stand?
Explore our 3×2 PopUp Display Stand range, download the artwork template, or speak to our team for expert design and print advice.