Muhammad Salik
9 min read

10 Best Practices Designing Digital Signage Content (2024)

place elements on your digital signage software

Creating content for digital signage can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the process. To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide that outlines some best practices to follow when designing your content.

If you don’t have any design skills or experience, don’t worry. There are many digital signage templates available through AIScreen that you can use to create professional-looking content quickly and easily. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning how to create a digital signage board, we have a comprehensive step-by-step guide available for designing an impressive digital menu board.

Apps like Google Slides, Canvas, and Digital Menu Boards are also great options for creating digital signage content without any design experience.

However, if you want to create custom-branded templates, it’s best to work with a professional designer.

If you’re designing your content from scratch, here are 10 best practices you can follow to create visually appealing and engaging digital signage designs:

10 Digital Signage Design Best Practices For a More Effective Sign

digital signage software

In today’s digital world, effective communication through digital signage is more important than ever. A study conducted by Arbitron revealed that digital signage captures the attention of 63% of passersby.

To help businesses create compelling digital signage content and make the most of their digital signage screens, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 10 best practices to enhance your digital sign.

Shall we start?

1. Digital Signage Ratios

Digital sign aspect rations

When creating content for digital signage, it’s important to keep in mind the aspect ratio of the screen you’ll be using. Most TV screens have a 16:9 ratio for horizontal orientation and a 9:16 ratio for portrait orientation.

However, if you’re designing for a different device, such as an iPad, you may need to adjust accordingly.

If you’re new to digital signage design and looking for an easy way to create professional-looking content, AIScreen offers a range of templates that can help get you started.

Whether you’re designing from scratch or using a template, it’s important to keep the aspect ratio in mind. AIScreen’s Canvas app is specifically designed for creating 16:9 content, ideal for landscape-oriented screens.

AIScreen digital signage software canvas app screen

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create engaging and effective digital signage that captures your target audience’s attention.

2. Digital Signage Display Resolution

best digital signage screen resolution

When you create content for your digital signage, it’s essential to consider the display resolution of your screens. The display resolution or screen resolution refers to the number of pixels shown on a screen, with more pixels resulting in better picture quality.

This is especially important to keep in mind when targeting a specific audience.

To ensure that your content looks its best, here are the standard pixel dimensions for different types of screens:

  • 960 x 540 pixels: quarter HD
  • 1280 x 720 pixels: standard HD or “HD ready”
  • 1920 x 1080 pixels: full HD
  • 3840 x 2160 pixels: Ultra HD

Google Slides for creating and managing content

Whenever possible, aim for your images and videos to be 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels tall. This will ensure that your content looks sharp and professional, without any pixelation or blurriness.

Consider the display resolution and standard pixel dimensions when creating content for your digital signage. By doing so, you’ll be able to target your audience with high-quality visuals that grab their attention and communicate your message effectively.

3. Image File Size For Digital Signage

When it comes to using background images for digital signage across multiple screens, the file size is an important consideration.

Generally, it’s recommended to keep the file size between 2-3MB. This allows the image to look great without causing trouble in displaying it on bad WiFi, which is often an issue with many digital signage solutions.

So, be mindful of the image file size to ensure a smooth and optimal experience for your target audience.

4. Digital Signage Content Layouts

When it comes to creating content for digital signage, layout is key. Here are some tips to help you get started for the best layouts:

  • Leave enough open space around the edge of your design to prevent content from getting cut off. Consider using the “F Pattern” or rule of thirds composition to place key components in the natural eye line of viewers.

    Image space

  • Keep the text short and sweet by using the 3×5 rule. Stick to three lines of text with a maximum of five words per line.

  • Organize content by hierarchy, placing important information like headlines, offers, or images that stand out first.

  • Test your call to action by trying different words, formats, lengths, and actions. Also, consider the visual clutter around your headline. If you take more away from the page, is your message more effective?

Additionally, digital signage providers often offer good layouts and templates for content creation, and social media feeds can be used to add visual interest. Make sure to choose key components with good contrast to stand out on multiple screens.

5. Use Clear Fonts and Text Sizing

Digital signage software text editor

When creating content for digital signage, it’s important to ensure that the text is easy to read. Many displays use fonts that are too small, making them difficult to read, especially from a distance.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Test readability: Before finalizing your content, test it on your own monitor or on a digital signage screen to make sure it’s legible. Poor contrast or a dark image can make it harder to read.
  2. Use sans-serif fonts: Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana are easier to read on digital displays. Avoid serif fonts as they can be harder to read at small sizes.
  3. Choose appropriate font sizes: Font size is important for readability. A 20-30 point font can be seen from 7 feet away, while a 100-point font can be seen from 26 feet away. Make sure to choose a font size that’s appropriate for the viewing distance in your coffee shop or other location.
  4. Keep it simple: Stick to one or two font styles and avoid using too many different sizes or styles. Using too many fonts can make your content look cluttered and harder to read.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your digital signage content is easy to read and effective at getting your message across.

6. Choose Contrasting Colors

Choosing contrasting colors is essential for digital signage design to make critical information easily readable to the viewer’s eye.

Using a dark overlay with light-colored text or a light overlay with dark-colored text is a great way to create contrast and help important information stand out with just one word or a few short phrases.

7. Use Image Overlays

When creating digital content, it’s important to establish a clear visual hierarchy so viewers can easily understand your message.

One way to achieve this is through the use of image overlays. Adding a dark overlay over background images, along with using light text, can help with contrast and make your message stand out.

AIScreen offers free templates with built-in image overlays to simplify the design process for you. By using these free templates and paying attention to visual hierarchy, you can create engaging and effective digital content.

8. Check Sound

Another thing you need to consider is whether or not your display requires sound. Sound is particularly useful for live videos, streaming, news feeds, and social media content.

However, you should ensure that any sound used is clear and appropriate for the environment in which it will be played. If you’re using the YouTube app, for example, be aware of the potential for unwanted sounds, and consider customizing the playlist to avoid this issue.

9. Create Zones

Digital signage software zones

Digital signage is a powerful tool for engaging customers, and many digital signage companies offer features that enable users to create dynamic and attention-grabbing displays.

One of the primary factors in creating an effective digital signage display is to use zoning techniques, which allows you to split your screen into multiple sections and display multiple pieces of content at once.

Most digital signs support RSS feeds and social media, and using a ticker tape or sidebar format can be a great way to showcase this content.

rss feeds

It’s important to ensure that your digital signage design is clear and engaging and that you use focus techniques to draw attention to your primary message.

Creating zones is a basic plan that many digital signage companies offer, and it’s an effective way to maximize on-screen space and show off multiple pieces of content simultaneously.

By following some simple zoning rules, you can create an attention-grabbing display that will keep your customers engaged and informed.

10. Dwell Time Design Rules

Designing digital signage content requires considering how long the content will be viewed. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the timing of your content:

  • For short-term viewing, such as passers-by or shoppers, aim for 30 seconds of content.

  • For mid-term viewings, like a reception desk, staff member, or coffee shop, consider displaying content for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

  • For long-term viewing, such as in an office, restaurant, or waiting area, aim for 2 to 30 minutes of content.

By following these guidelines, you can design your content and tailor the timing based on how long the viewer will be in view.

For instance, in a shop window, a minute or two of content on a loop may be enough, while in an office with longer view times, you may want to have two 30-minute playlists on rotation.

It is also important to keep in mind the human eye track and create designs that enables users to quickly understand the primary message, much like in printed materials, especially for content that will be viewed for a shorter amount of time or in a shop window display.

Frequently Asked Digital Design Questions

How do you create digital signage displays?

To create digital signage displays, you can use software like AIScreen. We offer a free version that you can use to create and design digital signs. We also offer pre-made templates. All you have to do is put your own content. If you need more guideance here is our Tutorial for Creating a Digital Menu Board.

You can also use AIScreen for managing content. Do note that our free plan only has one user access.

How much does digital signage cost?

Our digital signage software starts at $9 per month and can vary depending on the plan and hardware requirements.

What format is best for digital signage?

High-resolution formats with more pixels are best suited for digital signage to ensure clarity.

What makes good digital signage?

Good digital signage features clear messaging, bold lettering, and strong contrast for easy readability.

Can I use PowerPoint for digital signage screens?

Yes, PowerPoint can be employed for creating simple digital signage presentations. You can also use Google Slides for your digital signs.

The Best Digital Signage Software For Your Needs

digital signage software screens

The primary factor in crafting effective digital signage is meticulous attention to various design elements. To streamline this process, choose AIScreen, the best digital signage software for every business.

AIScreen is tailored to create visually appealing, engaging, and impactful displays by offering user-friendly tools and features.

This powerful digital signage software ensures your content is optimized for dwell time, contrast, and font choices while considering the natural tracking patterns of the human eye.

With AIScreen, you can design professional and captivating digital signage and digital menu boards that resonates with your audience, whether you need concise messaging or hardware installation. Choose AIScreen for all your digital signage needs, and experience the best in design and functionality. Contact us today to discover how AiScreen can transform your business.

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  • 1500+ ready-to-use templates
  • Offline playback
  • 70+ built-in integration
  • Split screen to zones