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EFFECTIVE SIGN DESIGN - We have put together the following references to help you get the most out of your sign or banner design. Do not feel like you have to limit your design ideas so they follow these rules completely. But, for the best impact and readability, at least keep this information in mind as you reach a final design decision.
SIZE OF TEXT - This letter visibility chart is based on information provided by the California Institute of Technology. The distances will vary approximately 10% with various color combinations and viewing angle.
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LETTER VISIBILITY CHART
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Letter Height
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Readable Distance for Maximum Impact
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Maximum Readable Distance
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1" |
10'
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40' |
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1.5" |
15'
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60' |
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2" |
20'
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75' |
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3"
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30'
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100'
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4"
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40'
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150'
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6"
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60'
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200'
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8"
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80'
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350'
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9"
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90'
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400'
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10"
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100'
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450'
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12"
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120'
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525'
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15"
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150'
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630'
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18"
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180'
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750'
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24"
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240'
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1000'
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30"
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300'
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1250'
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36"
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360'
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1500'
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42"
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420'
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1750'
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48"
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480'
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2000'
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54"
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540'
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2250'
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60"
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600'
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2500'
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The "Readable Distance for Maximum Impact" is the suggested distance when you need the viewer to read the sign in a hurry and still comprehend the message.
The "Maximum Readable Distance" is the farthest distance at which a person could read and comprehend the sign.
COLOR COMBINATIONS - These 14 color combinations were tested for readability at a distance. The results averaged out in the sequence shown, with #1 being the most legible moving to #14 as the least legible.
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COLOR COMBINATIONS
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Ranked from most legible to least legible
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1. Black on Yellow |
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2. Black on White |
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3. Yellow on Black |
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4. White on Black
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5. Blue on White
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6. White on Blue
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7. Blue on Yellow
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8. Yellow on Blue
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9. Green on White
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10. White on Green
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11. Red on White
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12. White on Red
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13. Red on Yellow
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14. Yellow on Red
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Again, please do not feel like you have to use these color combinations in your design. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the text/graphics have a high contrast with the sign background color.
FONTS - If possible, use simple block fonts when creating signs that need to be readable from a distance. A more stylish font may be harder to read and required to be set at a larger size.
A sign should use no more than two different fonts. We have over 10,000 fonts available, but only a handful are usually used over and over in the sign business. Use a size and boldness to create diversity and interest.
Of course, we also realize that using a font that is already part of your corporate logo may be necessary. Just keep in mind that bold, simple fonts will have the greatest impact and highest readability.
AMOUNT OF TEXT / GRAPHICS - When designing a sign, it is tempting to try and include too much information. It is not uncommon for our clients to send us their business cards asking us to simply recreate them on a magnetic sign. However, keep in mind:
More Text = Smaller Text = Lower Impact and Readability
We can create your lettering just about as small as you want. BUT, it is in your best interest to be brief. We recommend no more than 3 or 4 lines for the maximum impact. Focus on
Who You Are - Company Name
What You Do - A general description of your product(s) or service(s)
How To Reach You - Phone number, web address or email address
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