No Smoking Poster: A Clear, Printable Sign

A no smoking poster is a simple, highly visible sign that tells people smoking is not allowed in a particular space. This printable-style version uses a concise message, a recognizable crossed-out cigarette symbol, and practical placement guidance so the notice is easy to understand at a glance.

Ingredients

1 sheet of letter-size paper, 8½ × 11 inches (21.6 × 27.9 cm), or A4 paper, 8.3 × 11.7 inches (21 × 29.7 cm)
1 bold headline: “NO SMOKING” (about 18 characters including the space)
1 supporting line: “Smoking is not permitted in this area.” (about 39 characters)
1 red prohibition circle, approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter
1 simple black cigarette pictogram, approximately 2½ inches (6 cm) long
1 high-contrast font, such as a plain sans serif, at 28–48 points for the headline and 14–18 points for the supporting line
1 printer, or a pen or marker for making the sign by hand
1 piece of clear tape or 2 removable mounting strips, as appropriate for the wall or door

Instructions

Choose the size and orientation. Use a portrait letter-size or A4 sheet for a door, hallway, or small room. For a large entrance or a sign viewed from farther away, enlarge the design to 11 × 17 inches (27.9 × 43.2 cm). Keep the final notice within any local sign-size or accessibility requirements.
Set up the message. Put “NO SMOKING” at the top in uppercase letters. Place “Smoking is not permitted in this area.” directly beneath it. The headline should be the largest text; avoid adding long explanations that make the key instruction harder to spot.
Add the familiar symbol. Center a black cigarette pictogram inside a red circle with a diagonal red bar crossing it. Make the bar thick enough to remain visible when printed, and leave clear space around the symbol. If you cannot use a graphic, draw a simple cigarette with a short wavy smoke line, then add the circle and diagonal bar.
Check contrast and legibility. Use black text on a white or very light background, with red reserved for the prohibition symbol or a small accent. Avoid pale colors, patterned backgrounds, decorative typefaces, and text set over the icon. At normal viewing distance, the headline should be readable before a person reaches the door.
Print or make the sign. Print at actual size or choose a fit-to-page setting that does not crop the edges. For a hand-drawn sign, use a ruler to mark the margins and a thick dark marker for the words. Let any ink dry completely before handling or mounting.
Review the wording and symbol. Confirm the sign says exactly what the property owner or workplace policy requires. If the restriction applies to a wider area, name it clearly—for example, “No smoking inside this building.” Do not imply that a sign alone replaces required notices, policies, or local regulations.
Mount it where people will see it. Put the poster at eye level near entrances and other relevant decision points, such as reception areas or shared corridors. Use tape or removable strips that suit the surface, and do not cover emergency instructions, exit signs, or accessibility information.

Tips

Keep the message direct. “No smoking” is faster to understand than a paragraph of policy text. Add a second line only when it clarifies the boundary or identifies the person to contact.
Make the symbol large enough. If the poster will be seen from across a lobby, enlarge both the icon and headline rather than adding more copy. A small symbol can become indistinct when printed or viewed at a distance.
Use a practical substitute for a printer. A hand-lettered sheet works for a temporary notice if the lettering is bold, straight, and high contrast. For a permanent outdoor sign, use a professionally printed, weather-resistant sign instead of ordinary paper.
Check mounting rules first. Some workplaces, rental properties, and public buildings specify the wording, language, size, or location of notices. Follow those rules and keep the poster away from heat sources and places where it could obstruct safe movement.

Serving Suggestions

Think of “serving” as choosing the right location and audience. A single sign is useful beside a specific doorway, while a larger site may need matching notices at every entrance and in shared indoor spaces where the policy applies. For a multilingual audience, place accurate translations alongside the English version rather than shrinking all the wording onto one crowded page.

Keep the poster at a comfortable reading height and position it before someone enters the restricted area. If the rule applies to an entire property, ensure the signs and any accompanying written policy describe the same boundaries. A clear notice works best when it is supported by consistent, lawful site rules.

Variations

Indoor building version: Use “No smoking inside this building” to make the boundary explicit.
Smoke-free property version: Use “Smoke-free property” only if the rule genuinely applies to the entire property, and explain the boundary in a smaller line if needed.
Smoking and vaping notice: Add “No smoking or vaping” only when both are prohibited under the applicable policy. The rules may differ by location, so check before combining them.
Accessible, multilingual version: Retain the large headline and symbol, then add a professionally translated supporting line. Do not rely on color alone; the words and recognizable symbol should communicate the restriction independently.

Storage and Reheating

This poster does not need food-style storage or reheating. Keep a digital copy of the finished layout so you can print a replacement without recreating it. Store unused paper signs flat in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture; ordinary printer paper may fade or curl if left outdoors. Inspect mounted signs periodically and replace any that are torn, faded, obscured, or no longer accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a no smoking poster say?
A short “NO SMOKING” headline and a clear supporting line are enough for many settings. Add the area covered or a contact detail only when that information helps people follow the policy.

How large should the text be?
For a standard letter-size or A4 notice viewed nearby, a headline around 28–48 points and supporting text around 14–18 points are reasonable starting points. Increase the size when the sign must be read from farther away, and check any local or organizational requirements.

Can this poster be used outdoors?
It can serve as a design template, but ordinary paper is not durable outdoors. Print the message on weather-resistant material or have it made as a suitable outdoor sign, and mount it securely where it stays visible without creating an obstruction.

Should the sign include vaping?
Include vaping only if the relevant policy or law prohibits it in the same area. When the rules distinguish smoking from vaping, use separate, precise wording rather than suggesting a broader ban than actually applies.

Where should I place the poster?
Place it where a person can see it before entering the restricted area, such as beside an entrance or at a relevant shared-space threshold. Use additional signs where people might otherwise miss the rule, while keeping exits and required safety notices unobstructed.

Can I use a free printable design?
Yes, if you have permission to use the artwork and the wording meets the requirements for your site. Check that the symbol and text print clearly at the intended size, and verify whether your workplace, property manager, or local authority requires a particular notice.

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