any graphic designers?

[newbiefrugalgal]

I have a quick question and hope someone can help.

I have to design a poster for a podium box we want to put on display. I have the dimensions
175cm wide x 84cm.

I'm ok with the design I want and have a software package to do this. It's a very simple design/layout with background image - image is large enough for this size.
The manufacturers want a pdf copy of my artwork.

My question is - when designing this, what size do I make the page. If I make it a true size won't I have a enormous file to send them? If I make it smaller what size can it be set at?

is this is a stupid question?

It depends on the application you are working in. I generally work in inDesign or Illustrator and set up the page to be the exact print size. Then export or save as a pdf for print. It shouldn't be huge. Or if you work in Photoshop you might want to set up a file the exact dimensions but use a lower dpi like 200dpi. Does that help any?

If you use Photoshop you can save as a large document format file(.psb) and work at 100-150 dpi. Less if you need to - as long as its not for gallery purposes it will be fine.