Table of Contents

• Font Categories
• Best Fonts for Signs
• 11 Tips for Using Fonts
• Can You Pick What Font Works Best? 
• FAQs
  

Font Categories 

Fonts are categorized into serif, sans serif, script, cursive, text, and novelty, each serving various design needs. Here’s a quick overview of each type: 

• Serif – These fonts have “tails” or small lines at the ends of each letter. They offer a classic and traditional feel, and are often used in formal and professional texts, like in books or newspapers. 

• Sans serif – Sans serif fonts are the opposite of serif fonts. They don’t have any extra lines at the end of each character and have a clean and simple look, which makes them suitable for signs and digital content.  

• Script – Script fonts look similar to handwriting. They offer a personal and elegant touch, and are usually seen in formal designs, invitations, or logos. 

• Cursive – Cursive fonts are flowing, connected letters. They’re great for decorative projects, but they can be hard to read if used for main texts. 

• Text – Text fonts are designed to look really old-fashioned, like Gothic and medieval letters. They are usually seen in certificates and formal event invitations. 

• Novelty – Novelty fonts have a fun, playful, and creative appearance. They are a great choice for posters and branding, especially if you want to grab the attention of readers or if you’re following a specific design theme.  

Best Fonts for Signs 

What is the best font for a sign? For most large-format signs, our designers recommend using any of the following fonts: 

If the font you originally chose isn’t on our list, don’t worry — it doesn’t mean you chose wrong. Remember, these were the most common answers found in our survey.   

Side note: Our designers also revealed their bottom three fonts to use for signs, which are the following:  

• Comic Sans 

• Papyrus 

• Any script font 

Steer clear of these fonts if you want your sign to be readable. If you love design humor as much as we do, check out this SNL skit about the Papyrus font. 

Most people first encounter fonts in school using programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, leading them to believe they’re limited to default fonts like Times New Roman and Arial. In reality, there are many fonts available for download or purchase that you can use for your marketing collateral. When picking a font for your signage, consider costs as many fonts are interchangeable. Investing in a pricier font may be worthwhile for website or brand consistency, but you can also use the fonts licensed to the software you’re using. 

11 Tips and Tricks for Using Fonts 

Besides font recommendations, our designers also shared tips to help you choose the right font whenever you make a signage or any marketing print product. Keep these tips in mind when deciding on which fonts you should use to execute your design.  

1. The best fonts are the classics. The top five fonts selected by Signs.com’s design team are Helvetica, Futura, Bebas, Avenir, and Proxima Nova. Arial and Times New Roman are also great!
2. Stay away from Comic Sans, Papyrus, script, and grunge type fonts in most situations, as they convey an unprofessional appearance. 
3. Refrain from using more than three fonts on a single sign. It can be tempting to use various fonts when creating your design, but the best practice for designing is that one or two fonts are enough for a well-balanced and cohesive design. 
4. White space is your friend! Keep this in mind as you design with fonts, images, and anything else you use. There’s no need to fill every single inch of a canvas. Let there be white space or blank space to let your design breathe and keep it balanced.  
5. Readability is your priority. If you’re unsure whether your font is readable and looks good, have a friend or coworker look for a second opinion. 
6. When designing large banners, go for sans serif fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, and Bebas. These fonts are the easiest to read and are great for enhancing the impact of large-format signs like banners, decals, aluminum, and plastic signs. For the best readability, our designers recommend using big, bold text with a dark color on a light background. 
   
   A large format sign with a bold sans serif font
   
   
7. Make sure your sign is readable from different distances. A sign typically has 10 feet of viewing distance for every inch of letter height on the sign. So, if the text on your sign is four inches, that would make it readable for most people from about 40 feet away. 
8. For small format signs like stickers and door hangers, you have the flexibility to choose between serif and sans serif fonts. Our designers recommend using sans serif fonts for headings and large text, while serif fonts are suitable for smaller text and paragraphs. Formal businesses like law firms and government offices use serif fonts for their text, but others have used sans serif fonts, too. 
   
   Image of a small format postcard that correctly utilizes serif type.
   
   
9. Use colors that contrast well and are not similar in value. Stick to a black or dark grey font color on light backgrounds or a white font color on a dark background. Other color combinations may work but may end up being more difficult to read or suggest a certain mood. For example, fonts in red can work in messages like promos and sales, but they also convey a sense of urgency and emergency.
10. Use bold fonts wisely. Keep in mind you don’t need to make the whole sign bold, but you can just emphasize the most important part of the sign to enhance visibility. Bold fonts are ideal for large signs and are also suitable for short and important statements like “FOR SALE” and “Everything Must Go.” 
11. Consider the purpose of your sign. If the goal of your sign is to inform people, use clear and readable sans serif fonts. For promotional signs, choose bold, unique, and eye-catching fonts that evoke a sense of urgency or excitement. If the sign is for a formal event, pick elegant serif fonts that fit the occasion. Remember, the right font choice will help get your message across and make a lasting impression to your audience. 

Can I Pick Which Font Works Best for Me?

Let’s look at four different signs with the same exact design but with different fonts.

Image D features the best font for a banner — a sans serif bold for maximum visibility. Images A and C, which used a script font and Comic Sans respectively, look unprofessional and are hard to read. Image B, which used a serif font, looks decent but more suitable for small formats. More details on why Image D is the right font choice will be explored in this blog post.

While there are multiple fonts available, the best fonts for your signs and banners ultimately depend on your sign’s purpose. When choosing fonts, remember to focus on readability. The right font should help your sign stand out, effectively communicate your message, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. 

FAQs

What’s the difference between serif and sans serif fonts? 

The difference between serif and sans serif fonts lies in serifs, which are small tail-like lines at the characters’ ends. Times New Roman is a popular serif font while Helvetica is a sans serif that’s also known to many designers. Sans serif fonts are typically the best types to use for large signage due to their clarity, but they are also suitable for smaller formats and prints. 

What is an elegant font for signs?   

If you want your sign to have a touch of elegance, choose script fonts that resemble calligraphy, whether created with a pen, brush, or by hand. Some examples are Pacifico, Lobster, Allura, Alex Brush, and Parisienne, which work great for events, invitations, cafes, restaurants, salons, and more. While script fonts look visually appealing, remember to exercise caution when using them, as they could be difficult to read if they’re heavily used in large blocks of text. Script fonts are more suitable for short words or phrases and larger sizes. 

What font is best used for decorative signs?  

If you want to add character to your sign, decorative fonts are the perfect choice. Decorative fonts have a theme and are composed of various shapes and elements. Some examples include Cooper Black, Gilroy, and Gazpacho. Decorative fonts are often used for identifying a brand and are often seen in logos, headers, signs, merch, and more. Remember to use them sparingly in body text, as they will look cluttered and unreadable. 

Related Articles

A Guide To Outdoor Banners – Signage 101

How to Make a Vinyl Banner – Signage 101

5 Advantages of Using Vinyl Banners

Best Fonts for Signs and Banners

Designing a retractable banner is a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we’ve prepared 12 expert tips and 14 free customizable design templates to help you create a banner that perfectly conveys your brand and message. We’ve also included retractable banner ideas and examples that will inspire you to get started.

Where are Retractable Banners Used?

Retractable banners are versatile and portable, making them perfect for any indoor and outdoor space. They can be used in trade shows, exhibits, conferences, retail spaces, events, lobbies, and more.

Retractable Banner Materials

Before designing a retractable banner, it’s important to know which material suits your needs best. At Signs.com, we offer two (2) types of banner material:

• Vinyl – lightweight, printed with durable UV ink, easy to clean, and has a glossier finish than fabric.

• UV Fabric – lightweight, printed using a dye-sublimation process, washable, and has a smooth matte finish.

When choosing the material for your retractable banner, ensure that it aligns with your design goals, environmental factors, and practical considerations to effectively convey your message while meeting the demands of its intended use. Considering these factors will not only help your banner to stand out but also perform well.

1 . Sketch the Design

Sketching something can mean a few things. For some designers, drafting a design can be done on paper or whiteboard. Others prefer to use digital sketch programs like Google Drawings or Adobe XD. Whatever you decide to use, getting a general outline and feel of the design is the most important part of this step. You can also search for ideas online and use them as inspiration for your retractable banner design. Using Google search is a good place to start.

2. Focus on Your Brand

When designing your retractable banner, make sure that the logo of your brand is prominent and noticeable. Many banners use the logo as the focal point of the entire design, and most customers will recognize the logo quickly and know it is you. Put emphasis on your brand colors, and use them with complementing ones. The banner can also be an extension of your website, store, or any other promotional materials you create so consider giving them a unified look.

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

3. Use the Brand to Focus on a Theme

Most companies have branding guidelines that include the logo display, the hex color codes of their brand colors, and the brand-approved fonts. If you have a brand guide, use it to correctly get the logo file, style, colors, and fonts you’ll use in your designs. But if you don’t a have brand book, you can use the same logo, font, and color scheme featured in your store and website. Remember to note the color codes and fonts so you use them consistently in future designs. This will help establish a strong brand identity and make it easier for customers to recognize your brand.

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

4. Use Colors and Styles That Make the Banner Pop

While it’s common practice to use brand colors on marketing materials, there are cases when brands go off book when they want to announce a milestone like a big sale event or a launch of a new product. If this is something you’re looking into, read on.

Take your retractable banner design ideas to the next level by understanding the way that colors work in design. There are two types of colors: warm colors and cool colors.

Warm colors are your reds, yellows, oranges, and all similar colors. They evoke feelings of warmth and passion.

Cool colors are a little different — they are your blues, purples, greens. These colors evoke feelings of calm and can be soothing or refreshing. Use cool colors to give your customers a sense of calm when looking at your banner. Take advantage of the right colors with the right feel to make your banner pop.

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

5. Approach the Design With Balance

When designing a retractable banner, make sure to keep balance in mind. People read and view everything from left to right and top to bottom, so avoid designs that go against this. However, that doesn’t mean everything needs to be left aligned. Centering your design or headline can work great with some designs, especially with retractable banners. Their long and vertical shape allows you to use bold fonts and all caps in a strategic way.

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

6. White Space (or Blank Space) is Not Your Enemy

White space is not your enemy and is an essential when it comes to design. Use it to achieve balance between design elements. A design with 10 images that have no borders or space between them will never look as clean and balanced as one that has 2 or 3 evenly-spaced images. Keep the same in mind with text. Avoid using long paragraphs and consider breaking them up and shortening them. Spacing and staying away from the top and side edges of the design are important in conserving white space.

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

7. Consider Different Banner Sizes and Types

There are many different size options available for retractable banner. Before deciding on a size, you may want to decide first on a type. Signs.com offers four different types of retractable banners: standard, deluxe, premium, and tabletop. Each type is different than the other and provides pros and cons.

Retractable Banner Comparison Chart

The standard retractable banner is an affordable large retractable banner; deluxe is even taller and sturdier than the standard one. Both standard and deluxe only offer single–side designs. The premium retractable banner is large, durable, and offers a double–sided option, while the tabletop retractable banner is a small banner that fits on a table. It is the most different of the four, as it is a smaller format and less expensive. Your retractable banner design size can then be determined by considering the sizes on our retractable banner page and our tabletop retractable banner page.   

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

8. Use High-Quality Images

One of the most important pieces of designing a pop-up banner is determining what images to put in your design. Choose high-quality images including your logos. Using low-quality images results in blurry and pixelated designs.

The metric used for digital resolution of your image files is PPI (pixels per inch). PPI is calculated by dividing the number of pixels in your image by the number of inches in your design. For more information on understanding dimensions and image quality please check out our guide on resolution. With most retractable banners, we recommend a minimum of 70 ppi and 300 ppi for table top retractable banners. Keeping correct dimensions and PPI in mind will ensure that your image files are suitable for signs of any size.

Click the template to use on Signs.com

Click the template to use on Signs.com

9. Try More Than One Design 

Retractable banners can be double-sided and will allow you to print different designs on each side, making it easy to test which one works best. Another way to accomplish this would be to order multiple signs and test them out at various events over time. Regardless of how you decide to do it, using various sizes and different displays will help you achieve the best results.

10. Use Complementary Signs in Your Display 

A banner design doesn’t have to be used exclusively for a retractable banner. When creating displays for a business trade show or a large educational or medical event, it’s important to use different signages that complement each other. Signs that pair well with retractable banners include tension fabric displays, X banners, step and repeat banners, table covers and table runners. All of these products can be found and designed on our trade show page. Choose complementary signs that help build the perfect display for your event, and make sure to use the same design themes, colors and logos.

11. Measure Success and Evaluate

Measure the success and evaluate how things went in your campaign to determine your ROI. Find out if the retractable banner you designed and displayed helped bring more leads or sales by setting goals based on activities you would like to see happen at the event you display your banner. Once you determine your conversion criteria, make sure to track it in any way you can, and take time to review and evaluate after the event.

Invite the people that need to be present to a 30-minute meeting, have a post mortem, and go over what worked and what didn’t. Use the data you’ve gathered to plan for the next event accordingly.

12. Contact Our Free Design Services at Signs.com

If designing is not your forte, take advantage of Signs.com’s free design services. Our professional designers will create the banner artwork for you while keeping all best practices in mind. For more information about Signs.com and how we can help with designing your retractable banner, fill out the form on our website. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you succeed with your designs.

Retractable Banner Examples

Not sure how to kickstart your design? Check out these retractable ideas to spark your creativity:

Complementary Banners

Mix and match retractable banners by using various sizes and shapes to create a 3D effect.

Switched Up Layouts

Displaying retractable banners with the same colors but distinct layouts will look more visually engaging and impactful. Additionally, using the same layout but contrasting colors will make your audience look from one retractable banner to the other.

Bold Imagery

Maximize visibility by printing one bold image that is as big as the retractable banner. This will draw more attention to your banner and make your sign pop.

Diptychs and Triptychs

Increase your display impact by two or even three retractable banners of the same size. This allows you to showcase a single large image with information spread across the design. This is an effective way to capture the eye of your audience and passersby.

Retractable Banner Designs

 Single-sided Retractable Banners

Our single-sided retractable banners may be the most affordable option, but they still do the job well. These are eye-catching and are sure to make any message stand out.  

Double-sided Retractable Banners

If you want to make the most out of your retractable banner, our double-sided option is a great choice. These are perfect for receptions, tradeshows, hallways, or any area needing visibility from both directions.

Deluxe Retractable Banners

Deluxe retractable banners feature a sturdy base with sleek chrome end caps that stabilize on their own. This type of banner is the best option for showing your brand and offerings because of its professional look.

Premium Retractable Banners

Premium retractable banners come with a base that adds sophistication to any display. Unlike other banners, this banner has two support poles for added stability.

Related Articles

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Why Vinyl Banners Are Reliable Everyday Displays

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Retractable Banner Design Tips & Ideas

Choosing The right Campaign Sign

You might think that the standard 18” x 24” inch lawn sign is the only way to go, and while that’s a great option, it’s not the only one. Think about what you’re trying to accomplish with your campaign signage. A successful campaign involves designing the right signage and other print materials that ensure your name and the office you’re running for are easily seen and remembered. 

If you’re looking for multiple locations at a low cost, you’ll want to go with a corrugated plastic yard sign. The reason so many campaigns go with the standard corrugated sign is that it’s cost-effective and easy. If you want a high impact sign that’s a bit larger scale, choose a vinyl banner. You can also think about car magnets and window decals, as well as aluminum or wooden signs for something a little different. Check out our Campaign & Political Signs page for more ideas and details about the most popular large format campaign signs. 

Along with large format campaign signs, you may also want to consider smaller print materials to supplement your campaign marketing. In municipalities and neighborhoods that allow it—flyers, door hangers, and even brochures are effective “in hand” materials that can help inform citizens about your platform. 

You can also use small print materials for direct mail by using postcards. Bumperstickers can also be used and distributed to your supporters who are happy to show their loyalty and belief in your campaign.

Small format print materials:

• Flyers
• Door Hangers
• Brochures
• Postcards
• Bumperstickers
• Promotional Magnets

Studies show that campaign signs work, and having lots of signs is a definite advantage. Whether you start off your campaign with a wide format sign, small format or any combination of campaign signs or prints – have fun with it! Choose some mediums that you are interested in and get your name out there.

Campaign Sign Sizes

When it comes to getting noticed, the bigger the better is usually the idea. However, where you are placing your sign can sometimes determine what size you’ll need. Here are some sign size parameters to keep in mind for your sign placement:

• Standby traffic (foot traffic or neighborhoods) 12” x 18” to 12” x 24”

• Medium traffic (35-45 mph areas) 24” x 32” to 24” x 38”

• Highway traffic (high speed or long distance) 32” x 48”

• Billboard (Long distance or high impact) 48” x 60” to 48” x 96”

In addition to these sign sizes, there are quite a few other forms of advertising signage that can grab attention for your campaign. Bulletins, also called billboards, come in a standard 15’ x 49’ or 14’ x 48’. There are also bus benches, posters, subway poster ads, and even bicycle taxi ads. While these forms of campaign advertisement are effective, they can also be costly. If you’re considering something along these lines, your best course of action is to first analyze your return on investment and then move on from there. 

While 24” x 18” is the standard size for a yard sign, you’re definitely not limited to that size. You might even consider designing your yard signs slightly larger than 24” x 18” as the slight increase in size can make your signs “stand out” from the other local campaigns. 

If a large banner is allowed in a certain location you’re eyeing, go right ahead! Sometimes there are restrictions on sign location and sizes, so be sure to check on that before posting a sign. We put together a handy list and interactive map to see what’s allowed in your state. 

Design Elements to Consider

Color

In most cases, red, white, and blue are standard, but if you’ve got a different color in mind, that’s perfectly fine. Make sure you use lettering that has high contrast with background colors, as it will be easier to read from a distance. You don’t want to pay to design, print, and place yard signs that are hard to read and are, therefore, ineffective. In the 1992 book Wayfinding, authors Arthur & Passini introduced a formula based on light reflectance value (LRV) to calculate the contrast between two colors—here is the formula:

Where K1 is the highest color value (lrv), K2 is the lowest color value (lrv) and H is the contrast value. 

The industry standard for signage is that the contrast value between the background and the text of the sign should not be lower than 70. In other words, your contrast value (H) should be 70 or above. 

Here’s an example to help illustrate this point a little better: 

Based on this formula, you can identify which colors will work best for contrast and readability. A great place to find the LRV of a color is at a local paint store or online—the color swatch samples will have the LRV listed in the color details as shown here:

Color can be a tricky thing, so pay close attention to what will work and what won’t. Be sure to use text that has high contrast from the background of your sign and don’t get carried away with too many colors. For a more in-depth lesson on color, check out this post on signs.com.

Font

This can be tricky if you’re not careful. First, consider your size. The United States Sign Council Foundation has conducted studies on letter height and distance correlations. Their findings have shown that a 1” letter is visible from 30’ or less when driving, or 50’ or less when standing. Make sure your sign is readable according to the most common reading distance in your environment. Next, consider your font. Overly decorative fonts aren’t good for readability. Choose bold, easy to read fonts with minimal serifs.

Content

Less is more when it comes to campaign signs. Think of the absolute basic information your constituents need to know. These elements could include your name, position you are running for, and the area in which you are running. Sometimes, if you’ve got a particularly different name, you could use a catchphrase, but avoid too much wordage. Keep it simple. 

Besides your text, you may want to add a few flourishes or shapes. Be careful with this! Too much can distract from your vital information. Lines, small shapes like stars or flags, and other flourishes can compliment a sign well, as long as they are placed cleanly, and evenly, not crammed in to take up more space. Because you’re dealing with a relatively small space, pictures, faces, or other images don’t usually work well. Even on large banners, it’s a good idea to stay away from photos.

Layout

The layout of your content can play a big role in readability. In most cases, you want to shoot for 60% negative space and 40% copy. Like we mentioned above, if you are using lines or other flourishes, make them clean and symmetrical, and don’t let the details dominate your important information.

Design Process

Ok now you know the size you need for your sign locations, you have the layout and colors optimized for maximum readability, and you’re ready to design. If you’re nervous about designing your sign from scratch, start with a template! Templates are a super easy way to make sure you’re on track.

At Signs.com, our design tool is easy to use and you can produce great results right from the comfort of your home or office computer or device. If you have any other questions about your specific campaign sign ideas or just want some help creating a great sign, let one of our designers help—it’s free!

Designing your campaign sign can be a cinch, and you’ll secure your position in no time. Follow these handy tips and you’re on your way.

How to Design a Successful Campaign Sign

Step 1

Go to Signs.com

Step 2

Scroll down and select what type of material to use.

Step 3

Once you have selected the material, go ahead and enter in the width and height and select Get Started!

Step 4

Select one of the following (If you are not sure click START FROM SCRATCH).

Step 5

When you click  START FROM SCRATCH it will bring you to the “Design Your Sign” page.  From here you can add text, upload images, change colors and more under “Design Tools”.

Step 6

Select Add Text and a text box will reflect on your screen saying “Add your text here…”. From the Text Options box you are able to change what text you want, the font and the size of the text box. To change the color of the text you select the color while the text box is selected.

Step 7

If you want to change the color of the background, select part of the background and then select the color you wish to change it to.

Step 8

To add more text you can select Add Text again. You can click and drag the text box to where you would like it to be. You can center text boxes, clip art or uploaded image by using the Center Vertical or Center Horizontal buttons under Design Tools.

Step 9

If you would like to upload an image, you will click on Upload Image under Design Tools. Select File, locate image you would like to upload and select open.

Step 10

Once you have everything on your design, you can now select the options.

Step 11

Once you have all of your options selected you can select View Proof which is located under your design to see it blown up. If everything looks good you can close out of the proof by selecting the x in the right corner.

Step 12

After you have viewed the proof you can click on Save and Continue. This will take you to the shopping cart.

Step 13

Once in the shopping cart, review your order and make sure everything looks correct (design, material, sizing, options, quantity). Then you will select Checkout, either on top or bottom.

Step 14

On the checkout screen you will fill out your information and billing address.

Step 15

If your billing address is different than your shipping address you can deselect Ship to my billing address and you can enter in your shipping address.

Step 16

Once you have entered in the shipping address you can select the Shipping Method, we offer UPS Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air Saver.

Step 17

You can now enter in your Payment Info; we accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx and Discover. If you have a promo code you can click on Got a promo code? which is below the “leave a comment” comment box. Once you enter in your code you can press go, and your code should reflect towards the grand total of your order.

Step 18

If everything looks correct you can click on “Place Your Order”.

Step 19

At this point, your sign is in our hands. Our team will review, produce, and ship it out to you within one business day of ordering!

A Step-by-Step Guide on Orderering a Sign from Signs.com

In other posts, we discussed in length the differences between the products, how static cling signage works and even how to create multi-panel window displays. For this Signage 101 post however, we will focus on design elements for window signs. We will take you through the best practices for designing a readable window sign. These design considerations are important to keep in mind, regardless of what type of window graphic you choose to order.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL OF YOUR DECALS?

At Signs.com, we offer four distinct window options: clear and opaque window clings, clear and opaque decals, perforated decals, and frosted decals. Each have their pros and cons.

Static window cling options are the best choice for temporary window signage such as sales, promotions, or events. They are repositionable and reusable because they adhere using suction, much like plastic wrap. Static clings are best used indoors and can stick to any glass surface. They do not stick well to drywall, wood, etc. Static clings have a lifespan of one year with proper care and placement. Static cling decals are offered in clear and opaque options, so you can be sure to get exactly what you need.

Decals are best used as a more permanent solution. They adhere to the window using an adhesive. Once placed on a window or a door, the decal is removable, but not reusable. Because of their durability, decals can be used indoors or outdoors. With proper care and maintenance, they can be in place for three or more years. Signs.com decals are offered in both clear and opaque options.

Perforated decals create a statement on any window. They appear opaque from the outside, but allow you to see through them from the inside. These are commonly called or referred to as one way signs or window graphics.  Perforated decals have specially designed micropunctures on over 50% of the film and are created for outdoor use. Perforated decals last three or more years with proper care and placement.

The last decal Signs.com offers is the frosted decal. Frosted decals bridge the gap between clear and opaque window decals. Frosted decals are made using an etched glass adhesive. They are not completely clear or completely opaque, but allow light and shadow through, offering privacy and light. Frosted decals lasted up to 5 years with proper care and placement.

WHICH DECAL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

It’s important, when choosing a window graphic, to keep in mind the end use of your sign. Here are a few things to consider:

• • Do you want to be able to see out of your window? If so, consider using a clear decal.

• • Do you want people to be able to see in? No? Try using a perforated decal or a opaque decal.

• Are you looking for something that’s aesthetically pleasing, but gives some privacy? Take a look at our frosted window decals.

For a more comprehensive look at each of the window signage options and which one to choose, take a look at our “Window Signage Options” blog post.

WHAT SIZE SHOULD I MAKE MY DECAL/CLING?

The size you make your decal is completely up to you. At Signs.com, we offer all custom sizes. Typically, window decals or graphics that are going on an entrance door or window are 18” x 12”. However, it’s important to accurately measure the space you have to work with and create a decal that fits well within that area. It’s best to measure your space and then use blank pieces of computer paper to gauge the size that works best for you. We recommend leaving at least 1 inch between the end of the decal and the edge of the door to prevent damage.

For decals that are going to be placed on a car, we recommend making exact measurements to ensure that the signs come out looking exactly the way you want. Then, we ask that you order a sign that is at least three inches larger on all sides then what you have measured. This allows for some give in the installation, especially if the window on which you’re installing the decal is curved. Excess decal and cling material can be cut easily with scissors or a sharp razor blade. We do not keep on file the exact measurements for every vehicle make, year, and model.

Please note that we cannot make decals, clings, or perforated products that are smaller than 6” x 6” or larger than 54” x 400”.

WHAT COLORS WORK WELL FOR DECALS?

The color you make your decal is up to you. At Signs.com, we offer a full range of colors for you to use. However, there are some considerations to take into account.

For stand-alone text on clear decals or clear window clings, the best color to make your text is white. Generally, whether the sign is going on the front or the inside of your window, white offers the greatest contrast and best readability.

If white isn’t your style, be sure to use colors that offer a contrast between the dark window and the lettering. Cool colors like blue, purple, and black typically aren’t easily viewable outside while whites and yellows provide the best readability.

Black lettering does work well on clear decals in well-lit, indoor areas. Because the decal is indoors, it is not affected by the sun’s glare and therefore, it’s easily readable. It’s important to note, however, that if interior lights are off in the building, the black lettering is not as easily readable due to the lack of contrast.

Opaque decals and decals with colored background provide a larger range of colors that can be used. Opaque decals naturally have a white background and therefore contrast isn’t needed as drastically as if you were using a clear decal. Darker colors work well on the white background, offering contrast and readability.

Decals can also be ordered with a colored background. These also offer color options. Signs.com can print any color you’d like for both the background of the decal and the lettering itself. It’s important also to make sure that there is enough contrast between the background color and the lettering so that the text can be read from a distance.

Images can also be put on decals to showcase your product or service. When using a photo on a decal, be sure that the photo is clear and easy to understand. Make sure the photo had vibrant, eye-catching colors. If you’re using text or a logo on the photo, be sure to place the text or logo in the area that provides the most contrast, making your logo or text stand out.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT COLORS PROVIDE THE BEST CONTRAST?

Contrast really is a science! Claude Boutet created the first “Color Wheel” back in 1708.

In the early 60’s, Swiss painter Johannes Itten created the modern color wheel that artists and painters use today. Itten is considered the author of modern color theory and wrote that colors opposite each other on the wheel provided the most contrast while colors next to each other offered the least amount of contrast, based on Newton’s Theory of Light.

Itten’s color wheel was instrumental in creating a contrast calculation system, which was established in the early 90’s using a formula based on light reflectance and the relationship between two colors.

Take a look below at the importance of contrast. Picking the correct colors can make all the difference when you’re designing a window graphic. Each number in the graph represents “Contrast Value” which directly affects the color’s readability. The higher the contrast value, the easier the text will be to read from a distance. Ideally, the best contrast comes from color combinations with a score of at least 70.

The chart shows us that light colors pair best (and have the best contrast rating) with dark colors. It’s important to note that when using a color contrast chart like the one above, variations may occur. That is, if you’re using a different shade of blue with a different shade of yellow, the contrast number will be different from the number shown above.

If you’re unsure of which colors to choose for your window graphics and signage, we’re here to help! We offer Free Design Services to help you get exactly what you’re looking for.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE TINTED WINDOWS?

If you have tinted windows, the contrast principle still comes into play. Since most windows are tinted black or a dark grey, it’s best to use light colors like white, yellow, or tan to make the text stand out.

Since tints block visibility from the outside of a car to the inside, it’s also necessary to place your car decal on the outside of the window. Signs.com decals are made for outdoor use and are protected from the elements with UV protective inks. However, taking a car through an abrasive car wash, using a power washer, or using rear window wipers can damage the decal on the car. Be sure to read through the care instructions included with your car decals.

WHAT SIZE OF FONT SHOULD I USE?

Next to contrast, font sizes have the biggest impact on readability of a sign, although it’s not quite as complicated. Here’s the rule of thumb: bigger is always better when it comes to readability. The larger the letters on the sign, the further away they can be read.

If you’re still not sure which size will work best, take a look at our handy cheat sheet for letter size and viewing distance.

However, we understand that sometimes you don’t have the space to make every line of text four feet tall. The best font sizes are usually at least .75” tall for important information, and at least .5” tall for secondary information. Using the Signs.com design tool, you can simply check the height of any line of text by clicking on it. The number shown in the bottom left of the text box gives you the exact height of the line in inches.

HOW LARGE OF PICTURES DO I NEED FOR MY SIGN?

Generally speaking, pictures need to be at least 72 PPI at full size, however 300 DPI is preferred. For a full run-down on how to check your image size, check out our Image Quality blog post.

There you have it! Window sign design can make the difference between a good sign and a bad sign. Creating signs can be daunting, and knowing what you need can be even more tricky. We are always here to help! Drop us a line, or give us a call. We also offer free design services so you can get exactly what you need with the help of our world-class design team.

Design Cosiderations for Window Signs – Signage 101

WHY DO FONTS MATTER?  

A font is an electronic file containing characters, glyphs, and/or symbols. Each computer is equipped with a certain set of fonts, stored on the hard drive of the computer. Technically, they are stored as either TrueType files or OpenType files, readable by the computer as a static line of dots on a page. Fonts can be resized proportionally by changing the font size on your computer.

However, fonts can vary from computer to computer. When a file gets opened on a new computer, the computer searches for the corresponding font. If the new computer doesn’t have that particular font, it attempts to find similar font to use as a substitute. Often, this leads to issues with spacing and placement of the letters.

HOW CAN I AVOID FONT ISSUES?

Fonts can be fickle. The best way to ensure your fonts come out looking great is to convert them from fonts into “outlines”. Outlining the fonts changes the fonts from, well, fonts, into drawings. We’ll spare you the mathematical details, but outlining the fonts makes the file universally readable on any computer, whether or not the computer has the font used. Instead of reading the font as sets of dots that make up a letter, the computer reads the file as a group of dots based on a mathematical algorithm.

The text in an outlined font can’t be edited because it is no longer a font. Therefore, before you outline your fonts, be sure the text is exactly as you’d like it to be. Alternatively, save two files – one that is still editable and one that is ready for printing.

HOW DO I OUTLINE FONTS?

Fonts can be easily outlined in any Adobe Suite program. It is also possible to outline fonts in Microsoft Word.

Outlining Fonts in Adobe Illustrator

If you are working in Adobe Illustrator, follow these simple steps to outline your fonts.

1. Select your font using the selection tool. Depending on your version of Adobe Illustrator, you can select more than one line of text at a time.
2. In the menu bar, select “Type” then select “Create Outlines”. The computer will then turn everything you have selected into an outline.
3. Follow these steps for each line of your text. The computer denotes outlined fonts with dots around the edges of the letters. Dots only denote the edge of each of the lines on the computer and will not be printed.

For more information, watch our short video regarding outlining fonts in Adobe Illustrator.

Outlining Fonts in Adobe InDesign

If you are working in Adobe InDesign, follow these simple steps to outline your fonts.

1. Select your font using the selection tool.
2. In the menu bar, select “Type” then select “Create Outlines”. The computer will then turn everything you have selected into an outline.
3. Follow these steps for each line of your text. The computer denotes outlined fonts with a dashed line around the edge of the outlined text.

For more information, watch our short video regarding outlining fonts in Adobe InDesign.

Rasterizing Fonts in Adobe Photoshop

If you are working in Adobe Photoshop, follow these simple steps to outline your fonts. Photoshop is a little different from the other two Adobe design programs. Instead of converting the fonts to outlines, you must “rasterize” the fonts so that they are changed into pixels.

1. Select the text layer in the Photoshop file.
2. In the menu bar, select “Type” then select “Rasterize Type Layer”. The computer will then turn everything you have selected into a rasterized layer, making it readable by all computer operating systems.
3. Follow these steps for each line of your text. The computer denotes rasterized fonts with a line around the edge of the outlined text.

For more information, watch our short video regarding rasterizing fonts in Adobe Photoshop.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY FONTS ARE OUTLINED?

If you’re using our online design tool to create your fonts, they are already outlined for you when you create your sign.

If you’re uploading a file you’ve created, the quickest way to tell if you have a font issue is to click the “View Proof” button in our design tool on the website. Font issues are usually quickly apparent.

Before you purchase your sign, be sure to click the “View Proof” button. No file type is immune to font issues, so be sure to view your proof before you continue with your purchase. Please be aware that if there are issues with the fonts in your design, it may result in additional time for the completion of your order.

As always, the Signs.com team is here to help you with any questions you have about your signs. If you need help with fonts or with any other aspect of your sign, please contact us! We also offer free design services, if you need help with your files or your sign design.

Fonts – Signage 101

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized brands on the planet—surveys consistently find that around 94% of the world’s population recognizes the red-and-white logo. More than one billion bottles of Coke are sold every day, and people claim to prefer the drink over its main competitor, Pepsi. Why the everlasting popularity? While sound business practices and global reach certainly have huge impact, Coca-Cola has one huge advantage its competition does not: logo longevity.

The First Coca-Cola Logo

Coca-Cola has been around a long time. The first glass of Coke was sold in 1886, after pharmacist Atlanta Pemberton mixed up a concoction and added soda water to it. The first logo was created when Pemberton’s accountant, Frank Robinson named the product and wrote it out in Spencerian script. This is the first logo:

The Competition’s Logo

Pepsi was created just a few short years after the first glass of Coke was served. Its original logo was very similar to the Coca-Cola logo. In 1898, this is what Pepsi’s logo looked like:

But Pepsi didn’t stop there. Beginning in the 1950’s Pepsi started changing and developing its logo, sometimes changing it drastically. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola’s logo remained the same.

1950

The Pepsi logo incorporated a third color: blue. It still maintained the same script, but added the bottle cap image:

1960s

Pepsi ditches the script and the word “cola” and changes to a block text:

1970s

The bottlecap logo is changed, but the colors stay the same. This logo remains unchanged for around 16 years.

1991

A dramatic change in Pepsi’s logo.

2008

The current Pepsi logo is a far cry from the original logo of the 19th century.

And the current Coca-Cola logo? Pretty much still the same:

Coke vs. Pepsi: It’s In Your Brain

In blind taste tests, people consistently prefer Pepsi over Coke. Yet when both beverages that are labeled, Coke wins every time. Researchers have coined this phenomenon the “Pepsi Paradox,” and for a long time could only guess that Coca-Cola’s marketing was responsible for the preference.

In 2004, Read Montague, a researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, did a study that showed just how ingrained the Coca-Cola brand has become to the millions of people who prefer it.

Montague performed MRI scans on volunteers while they drank both Pepsi and Coke. Sure enough, when people drank samples of both Pepsi and Coke, without being told which was which, they preferred Pepsi. The MRI scans showed that the Pepsi caused greater activity in the ventral putamen, the part of the brain that registers pleasure.

But once the volunteers were told which beverage they were tasting, they immediately switched their answers and stated that they preferred Coke. During that taste test, the medial prefrontal cortex of the brain lit up on the MRI. That part of the brain is associated with memories and self-identification. The higher-functioning prefrontal cortex actually over-rode the more visceral part of the brain that acknowledges pleasure—branding beat out actual taste.

Logo Longevity Leads to Brand Domination

So if people actually prefer the taste of Pepsi over that of Coke, why do our brains change our minds once we know we’re drinking Coke? Because we associate Coca-Cola with strong memories and identify the brand in positive ways.

Coca-Cola’s marketing has always been about creating feel-good memories. The old-fashioned Christmas advertisements with the vintage Santa Clauses, the “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” commercials, the more recent adorable baby polar bears… all are designed to evoke warm, fuzzy feelings about the brand.

Since the basic Coca-Cola logo hasn’t really changed since its inception, consumers can take all of the feel-good advertising and associate it with one image. When considering Pepsi, that isn’t the case, since the basic logo has changed so drastically over the years. So every time Pepsi releases a new feel-good campaign, consumers must connect it to a different image.

Longevity Doesn’t Hinder Creativity

Coca-Cola’s basic logo hasn’t changed, but that doesn’t mean that the company is stuck with design from the 19th century. Coke has incorporated the Coca-Cola script into countless other logos in order to refresh its brand. Here’s an example of some of its latest branding. Though the can design is more sleek and modern, the script logo is still present:

The Longevity Lesson

Sticking to one logo doesn’t mean that your brand will feel stale and old. Instead, it helps maintain that brand throughout the years and multiple advertising campaigns. People like the comforting feelings that tradition holds. They’re able to create stories around a brand when it looks consistently familiar.

So when you’re creating your first logo, aim for a timeless design that can be incorporated into your branding for decades.

What Coca-Cola’s Logo Teaches Us About Branding