sign industry terminology
ADA Signs
Signs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, featuring tactile text, Braille, and contrast for accessibility.
Bleed
Extra space added to the edges of a design to ensure that graphics extend to the edge of the substrate after trimming.
Channel Letters
Three-dimensional letters or logos fabricated from metal or plastic and illuminated from within, commonly used in storefront signage.
Digital Displays
Electronic displays that use LED, LCD, or other technologies to show dynamic content, such as advertisements, messages, or videos.
Dimensional Letters
Letters or logos fabricated from solid materials, such as metal, plastic, or foam, to create a three-dimensional effect when mounted on a substrate.
Digital Printing
Printing method that involves transferring a digital image directly onto a substrate using inkjet printing technology.
Finishing
The final steps in the production process, including trimming, laminating, mounting, and installing signs or graphics.
Halo Lighting
Illumination technique where light is directed behind letters or logos, creating a halo effect around the edges when mounted on a substrate.
HDU (High-Density Urethane)
A lightweight, durable material commonly used for dimensional signage and architectural elements.
Lamination
Transparent protective film applied to printed graphics to enhance durability, UV resistance, and scratch resistance.
LED Signs
Signs illuminated using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which offer energy efficiency, durability, and flexibility in design.
Monument Signs
Freestanding signs typically placed at ground level, often used to identify entrances or display business names and logos.
Pantone Matching System (PMS)
Standardized color matching system used to ensure consistent color reproduction across different printing processes and materials.
Perforated Window Film
Vinyl film with small holes that allow visibility from one side while providing privacy and branding opportunities from the other side.
Pylon Signs
Tall, freestanding signs typically mounted on poles or supports, used for roadside advertising or branding.
Raster Graphics
Images made up of pixels or dots, which are resolution-dependent and may lose quality when scaled.
Substrate
The material onto which graphics or lettering is applied, such as metal, plastic, wood, glass, or fabric.
UV Printing
Printing method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure inks instantly, resulting in vibrant colors and improved durability on a variety of substrates.
Vehicle Wraps
Graphics or advertisements applied to vehicles using vinyl wraps, transforming them into mobile advertising platforms.
Vector Graphics
Images created using mathematical formulas, which are resolution-independent and can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Vinyl Graphics
Graphics or lettering cut from adhesive vinyl material and applied to various surfaces, such as vehicles, windows, walls, and signs.
Wayfinding Signs
Signs designed to help people navigate through indoor and outdoor environments, such as directional signs, maps, and directories.