Life Size Cut Outs

ID Cards + Holders

Specification

Artwork Requirements

Further Information on Life-Size Cardboard Cutouts in Northern Ireland and Ireland

Looking for a custom life-size cardboard cut-out made from your own photograph or artwork? Print Direct NI creates a stronger, more durable alternative using 5.5mm Correx board. Our personalised life-size cut-outs transform people, products, pets, mascots and campaign graphics into colourful freestanding displays.

Whether you need a full-size cut-out of a person, a life-size photo cut-out for an event or a custom promotional standee for a shop, your design is printed in vivid colour and precision-cut to shape. Each display can be supplied with a rear support for freestanding indoor use.

Turn Almost Any Image into a Freestanding Display

A custom cut-out takes an image beyond a standard rectangular sign. Instead of printing the background surrounding the subject, the board is cut around the shape of the person, character, product or graphic.

This creates a display that looks more immediate, three-dimensional and engaging. A life-size person can welcome guests at an entrance, a giant product can attract attention in a shop, and a mascot can become a memorable photo opportunity at an event.

Custom promotional cut-outs can be created from:

• People and staff members
• Brand ambassadors
• Pets and animals
• Sports players and team mascots
• Products and packaging
• Original characters and illustrations
• Corporate logos
• Buildings and landmarks
• Directional graphics
• Campaign characters
• Event photography
• Wedding photographs
• Promotional messages

The shape does not need to be human. Products, bottles, boxes, logos, arrows, speech bubbles and other graphics can also be enlarged and contour-cut to create a distinctive display.

Looking for a Life-Size Cardboard Cut-Out?

Products like these are commonly described as custom cardboard cut-outs, cardboard person cut-outs or personalised cardboard standees. Print Direct NI produces them using 5.5mm Correx rather than traditional cardboard.

Correx is a lightweight corrugated plastic board. It is stronger and more resistant to moisture than ordinary cardboard, making it a practical choice for retail promotions, exhibitions, events, parties and reusable photo displays.

If you are searching for a cardboard cut-out of a person, a personalised cardboard cut-out or a custom life-size standee, this Correx version provides the same familiar cut-out appearance with greater durability.

The photograph or design is printed directly onto the board using full-colour UV printing. Computer-controlled contour cutting then follows the outline of the person, product or graphic to create clean edges and smooth curves.

Make Your Own Personalised Life-Size Cut-Out

You can make your own life-size cut-out using a photograph of a person, pet, product, mascot or other subject. Supply the original high-resolution image and tell us the finished size you require.

We can create:

• A custom cut-out of a person
• A life-size picture cut-out from a photograph
• A full-size promotional character
• A personalised standee for a wedding or party
• A product-shaped retail display
• A life-size photo cut-out for an exhibition
• A smaller personalised photo standee
• A contour-cut company logo or campaign graphic

The subject should be completely visible in the original image. Photographs where the person’s head, hands or feet have been cropped may not be suitable for producing a complete person-shaped cut-out.

For the most realistic result, use a clear photograph taken from the front at a natural angle. Avoid screenshots, social media thumbnails and heavily compressed images.

Custom Shapes and Large Sizes

Your artwork is cut around the required outline using computer-controlled cutting equipment. This allows smooth curves, clean edges and more detailed shapes than would be possible by manually cutting the board.

Available size formats include:

• Up to 1100 × 1100mm, approximately 4 × 4ft
• Up to 1100 × 2300mm, approximately 4 × 8ft

Your cut-out can be produced at a smaller custom size within these maximum dimensions. The most suitable finished size will depend on the subject, the proportions of the photograph and where the display will be used.

A photograph of one standing person will usually create a tall, narrow cut-out. Group photographs, products and logos may require a wider format.

For cut-outs taller than 1200mm, a fold may be included to make transportation and storage more manageable.

Where Custom Life-Size Cut-Outs Make an Impact

Custom Correx standees can be entertaining, informative or promotional. Their unusual shape and scale help them attract attention in locations where standard posters and rectangular signs may be overlooked.

Retail promotions and product launches

Use a custom cut-out to promote a new product, seasonal offer or brand ambassador. Large product-shaped displays can help customers notice featured items and create a stronger point-of-sale presentation.

A life-size picture cut-out can also introduce a staff member, spokesperson or campaign character to customers entering a shop or showroom.

Exhibitions and trade shows

A life-size photo cut-out can help make an exhibition stand more approachable and memorable. Use one to introduce a team member, display a mascot, highlight a product or encourage visitors to take photographs.

Cut-outs can be positioned beside a pull-up roller banner or incorporated into a wider exhibition display.

Corporate events

Create a cut-out of a speaker, company founder, employee or campaign character. Standees can be placed near registration areas, stages, presentation spaces and branded photo areas.

Parties and celebrations

Personalised cut-outs can be created for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties and other celebrations. They can feature the guest of honour, a pet, an original character or a memorable photograph.

Weddings

Life-size wedding cut-outs can be used as photo props, entrance displays or decorations. They can add a humorous or personal element to the reception and can also be used to include an image of someone who cannot attend.

Schools, charities and community events

Schools, charities, sports clubs and community organisations can use contour-cut displays for open days, fundraising campaigns, awareness events, performances and photo opportunities.

Directional and information displays

A cut-out does not have to reproduce a person. Custom-shaped arrows, characters and signs can direct visitors, identify important areas or present instructions in a more engaging way.

Designed for Photos and Social Sharing

A well-positioned life-size standee naturally creates a photo opportunity. Customers and guests can stand beside the cut-out, interact with it and share photographs from the event.

This can be particularly effective for:

• New product launches
• Retail openings
• Exhibition stands
• Tourism campaigns
• Sporting events
• Fundraisers
• Weddings and parties
• Meet-and-greet areas
• Branded social media campaigns

For an interactive photo display with space for people to position their faces inside the design, you may also be interested in our custom printed selfie frames.

Setting Up Your Freestanding Cut-Out

The cut-out is supplied flat for easier transportation. The rear support folds out to create a freestanding display suitable for placing on a level indoor surface.

1. Remove the cut-out carefully from its packaging.
2. Place it face down on a clean, flat surface.
3. Unfold the rear support.
4. Secure the support in its intended position.
5. Stand the cut-out upright on a level surface.
6. Check that it is stable before allowing guests or customers near it.

Large cut-outs should be handled using both hands. Avoid lifting them by narrow sections of the design, as these areas may be more vulnerable to bending.

Can Correx Cut-Outs Be Used Outdoors?

Correx board is resistant to water, and the design is printed directly onto the surface using UV printing. This makes the printed board more suitable for temporary outdoor use than a traditional cardboard standee.

However, a large freestanding cut-out can catch the wind. It should not be left freestanding outdoors in windy conditions. For outdoor use, the display must be properly secured to a suitable structure or support so it cannot blow over, move into a public area or become damaged.

For exposed outdoor locations or longer-term installations, please contact Print Direct NI before ordering so we can advise whether a different display product may be more appropriate.

Life-Size Cut-Out Specifications

Choosing the Right Photograph or Image

The finished cut-out can only be as clear as the original image supplied. A small photograph downloaded from social media may become blurred or pixelated when enlarged to life size.

For the best result:

• Supply the original, highest-resolution image available
• Use a photograph with the complete subject visible
• Avoid images where hands, feet or products have been cropped off
• Choose an image with clear focus and good lighting
• Avoid screenshots and images downloaded from messaging apps
• Use vector artwork for logos, illustrations and graphic shapes where possible
• Make sure important details are not too close to the cutting line

If the subject needs to be removed from a background, the edge of the person or object should be clearly visible. Hair, transparent objects and blurred edges can require additional artwork preparation.

If you are unsure whether your photograph is large enough, send the original file to Print Direct NI for checking before completing the design.

Artwork Requirements

When supplying a custom shape, make the intended cutting outline clear in the artwork or accompanying instructions.

You can read our artwork preparation guide or contact our design team if you need help preparing a photograph, removing a background or creating the cutting path.

Custom Cut-Out Printing Across Northern Ireland and Ireland

Print Direct NI produces personalised life-size cut-outs for customers in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland, including Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Derry/Londonderry, Newry, Armagh, Omagh and Enniskillen.

We also supply custom Correx standees for events, retailers, businesses and organisations in Dublin, Dundalk, Drogheda, Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and other locations throughout Ireland.

If you are ordering for an exhibition, wedding or event with a fixed date, allow sufficient time for artwork checking, production and delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Life-Size Cut-Outs

Do you make custom cardboard cut-outs?

We produce the type of freestanding display commonly called a custom cardboard cut-out, but we print it on stronger 5.5mm Correx board rather than traditional cardboard.

The Correx is printed in full colour, cut around the shape of your subject and supplied with a rear support for freestanding indoor display.

Can you make a cardboard cut-out of a person?

Yes. Send us a high-resolution photograph showing the complete person, and we can create a personalised person-shaped cut-out.

The finished display will be printed on Correx rather than cardboard, providing a lightweight but more durable result.

Can I make my own life-size cut-out from a photograph?

Yes. Upload your original photograph and select the required finished size. The subject will be enlarged, printed in full colour and contour-cut around its outline.

If the photograph needs background removal or additional preparation, contact Print Direct NI before ordering.

What is the difference between a cardboard cut-out and a Correx cut-out?

A traditional cardboard cut-out is made from paper-based board. Correx is a corrugated plastic material that is lightweight, water-resistant and generally more durable than cardboard.

Both provide the familiar life-size standee appearance, but Correx is better suited to repeated handling and temporary secured outdoor use.

What can be turned into a custom cut-out?

Cut-outs can be created from photographs of people, pets, products, mascots, original characters, logos, buildings, arrows and other custom graphics.

The subject must have a suitable outline and the image must be clear enough to enlarge to the required finished size.

Can you create life-size photo cut-outs?

Yes. Photographs of people, pets, mascots and products can be enlarged to create life-size or custom-sized displays.

The quality of the finished cut-out depends on the resolution, lighting and sharpness of the original photograph.

What is the maximum cut-out size?

Available formats extend up to approximately 1100 × 1100mm or 1100 × 2300mm.

The proportions of the supplied photograph or artwork will determine the exact finished width and height within the selected maximum size.

Can I order a smaller personalised cut-out?

Yes. Your cut-out does not have to be a complete life-size reproduction. Smaller custom sizes can be produced within the available board dimensions.

Smaller cut-outs can work well for counter displays, party decorations, directional graphics and product standees.

Can you make a full-size cut-out of more than one person?

Yes, provided everyone is clearly visible in the photograph and the complete group fits within the maximum board dimensions.

A group photograph may produce a wider cut-out than a photograph of one person, so contact Print Direct NI to confirm the most suitable size.

Can you cut around the exact shape of a person?

Yes. Computer-controlled contour cutting is used to follow the outline of the person or object.

The final quality of intricate edges will depend on the image, shape and strength of the remaining sections of Correx board.

Does the cut-out stand up by itself?

The cut-out is supplied with a rear support for freestanding indoor display on a level surface.

It should be positioned where it will not be knocked, obstruct a walkway or create a trip hazard.

How do I assemble the cut-out?

The cut-out arrives flat. Carefully unfold and secure the rear support before placing it upright on a level surface.

Large cut-outs should be handled by more than one person where necessary and should not be lifted by narrow or delicate parts of the design.

Will a large cut-out have a fold?

Cut-outs taller than approximately 1200mm may be supplied with a fold to make transportation and storage easier.

The fold allows the display to be packed more compactly and opened when it is ready to use.

Can a Correx cut-out be used outdoors?

Correx board is resistant to water, and the artwork is printed using UV technology. This makes the material suitable for some temporary outdoor applications.

However, freestanding cut-outs are not suitable for windy conditions. An outdoor display must be securely fixed to an appropriate structure or support.

Are the cut-outs printed on both sides?

No. The cut-outs are printed on one side. The reverse of the Correx board remains white.

What printing method is used?

The design is printed in full colour directly onto the Correx board using UV printing.

Direct-to-board printing provides a clean finish without applying a separate printed poster or vinyl graphic to the face of the cut-out.

What image quality do I need?

Supply the original, highest-resolution photograph or artwork available. The recommended artwork resolution is 300dpi at the required print size.

Do not use a screenshot, social media thumbnail or compressed messaging-app image if a higher-quality original is available.

Can Print Direct NI remove the background from my photograph?

If your photograph requires background removal or additional design work, contact Print Direct NI before ordering.

The amount of work required will depend on the image quality, background complexity and outline of the subject.

Can I order just one personalised life-size cut-out?

Personalised cut-outs can be produced for individual events as well as larger promotional requirements. Use the available product options or request a quote for your required quantity.

Can I order several different designs?

Yes, but different artwork designs may need to be treated as separate items or quoted individually.

Contact Print Direct NI with the number of designs, sizes and quantities required.

Are personalised cut-outs suitable for weddings and parties?

Yes. Personalised cut-outs are popular for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties and other celebrations.

They can be used as decorations, entrance displays, photo props or a way to include an image of someone who cannot attend.

Can businesses use custom cut-outs for retail displays?

Yes. Product-shaped and person-shaped displays can be used for retail promotions, point-of-sale campaigns, product launches and in-store photo opportunities.

For additional retail display options, view our printed strut cards and custom Correx boards.

How long do custom cut-outs take to produce?

Typical availability is approximately 2–5 working days after suitable artwork has been approved.

Production and delivery times may vary according to size, quantity, artwork and destination. Contact Print Direct NI before ordering if the cut-out is required for a fixed event date.

Do you deliver life-size cut-outs throughout Ireland?

Yes. Custom life-size cut-outs can be delivered throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland, including Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Dundalk and Donegal.

Create Your Custom Life-Size Cut-Out

Choose the required size, upload your photograph or artwork and tell us the shape you would like the finished display to follow.

For custom dimensions, background removal, multiple designs or help assessing image quality, request a quote, call 07875 641089 or email hello@printdirectni.com.