Glossary of Signage Industry Terms

Whether you're new to signage or looking to brush up on industry language, this glossary offers clear, practical definitions for the most commonly used signage terms. From lighting techniques and fabrication methods to materials and mounting systems, you'll find concise explanations that eliminate confusion and boost your confidence as a buyer, designer, or business owner.

Use this resource to better understand what goes into high-performing signage—and how each component impacts effectiveness, durability, and brand visibility.

In this glossary, you'll learn:

• How materials like acrylic and aluminum are used in different types of signs
• The difference between illuminated, dimensional, and digital signage formats
• Installation, printing, and design terms used by signage professionals

A

A-Frame Signs

A-frame signs are portable, two-sided display structures typically hinged at the top, forming an "A" shape when opened. They are commonly used for sidewalk advertising, directional signage, or temporary event messaging. Constructed from metal, plastic, or wood materials, A-frames often feature insertable panels or printed vinyl graphics.

Acrylic Signs

Acrylic signs are display signs fabricated from sheets of acrylic, a clear or colored thermoplastic material known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Indoor acrylic signs are typically utilized for wayfinding, branding, or office displays, while outdoor acrylic signs are designed to withstand UV exposure and environmental conditions without significant degradation.

Acrylic Neon Signs

Acrylic neon signs are illuminated signage systems constructed using LED flex neon tubes mounted onto laser-cut or CNC-routed acrylic backboards. Unlike traditional glass neon, these modern signs use flexible silicone or PVC tubing that encases energy-efficient LEDs to create a neon-like glow.

Aluminum Composite Panel

An Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) is a flat panel composed of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a non-aluminum core, typically made of polyethylene or a fire-retardant mineral core. ACPs are used extensively in interior and exterior signage due to their durability, lightweight properties, and smooth surface finish.

 

B

Backlit Signs

Backlit signs are illuminated signage systems that use a light source positioned behind a translucent graphic or substrate to enhance visibility, contrast, and color vibrancy.

Indoor backlit signs are commonly found in retail displays, corporate lobbies, trade show exhibits, and wayfinding systems. Outdoor backlit signs are built with weather-resistant enclosures and higher-lumen illumination to ensure visibility in daylight and nighttime settings.

Blade Signs

Blade signs are a type of perpendicular-mounted signage that projects outward from a building façade or storefront, making them easily visible to pedestrian traffic along sidewalks or corridors. Typically installed at right angles to a wall, blade signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of A-frame signs and blade signs, including their key features and applications:

Bleed

Bleed refers to the area of a printed image that extends beyond the actual trim edge of a sign or graphic. It ensures that no unprinted edges appear in the final trimmed product. Standard bleed requirements typically range from 3 mm to 6 mm, depending on production specifications.

Branding Guidelines

Branding guidelines are formalized documents that define how a company's visual identity should be presented in various media, including signage. These guidelines specify logo usage, brand colors (often listed in CMYK, RGB, and PMS formats), typography, spacing rules, and image treatments.

Building Code Compliance

Building code compliance in signage involves adhering to national, regional, or municipal construction codes that regulate the design, installation, and safety standards of permanent and temporary signage structures. Regulations may cover size limits, zoning placement, illumination levels, seismic load resistance, and fire safety.

 

C

Cabinet Signs

Cabinet signs are box-like enclosures used for illuminated or non-illuminated signage. They typically consist of a metal frame (usually aluminum), a translucent or opaque front face (made from acrylic or polycarbonate), and internal lighting components such as fluorescent lamps or LEDs. They may have changeable graphics or fixed branding.

Canvas

Canvas is a heavyweight woven fabric used as a print substrate in signage applications, particularly for decorative prints, banner art, or stretched displays. Typically made from cotton, polyester, or a blend, canvas is coated to be compatible with inkjet printing (solvent, latex, or UV-curable inks).

Channel Letter Signs

Channel letter signs are three-dimensional signage elements consisting of individually fabricated letters or logos with internal lighting. Each channel letter is constructed from metal (typically aluminum for the sides and back) with an acrylic face and is internally illuminated using LEDs. Types include front-lit, reverse (halo-lit), and dual-lit channel letters.

Custom Lit Displays

Custom lit displays refer to illuminated signage or branding elements designed to specific client requirements in terms of size, design, materials, and lighting technology. These displays use LEDs, neon, or other light sources and may include edge lighting, backlighting, or dynamic color effects.

Custom Signage

Custom signage refers to any sign specifically designed and fabricated to meet a unique set of branding, dimensional, or functional requirements. Unlike standardized or off-the-shelf signage, custom signs may involve bespoke materials, finishes, shapes, lighting, and mounting solutions.

Crop Marks

Crop marks are lines placed at the corners of artwork to indicate where the final product should be trimmed. In signage and print production, they guide precision cutting for graphics with bleeds.

 

D

Design Proof

A design proof is a preliminary visual draft of a sign layout provided for client review before production. It includes specifications such as dimensions, colors, fonts, mounting details, and materials. Design proofs ensure accuracy and approval alignment between design intent and final print or fabrication output in signage production workflows.

Dimensional Letters

Dimensional letters are three-dimensional characters fabricated from acrylic, foam, metal, or PVC materials. Used in both interior and exterior signage, they create depth and shadow effects.

Available in flush or standoff mounting, dimensional letters may be non-illuminated or integrated with lighting for enhanced visibility and brand impact.

Directional Signage

Directional signage guides people within a space, providing navigation information such as arrows, icons, or room numbers. It is common in hospitals, campuses, offices, and retail centers and improves user experience and traffic flow.

Directory Signs

Directory signs display a list of locations, businesses, or rooms within a building or facility. Often installed near entrances or elevator lobbies, they may include interchangeable panels or digital elements. Common materials include aluminum, acrylic, and PVC, and content is organized hierarchically for clarity and ease of navigation.

Digital LED Panels

Digital LED panels are flat display systems composed of light-emitting diodes arranged in a grid. Used for dynamic signage, video walls, and information boards, they provide high visibility in varying light conditions.

Digital Proofing

Digital proofing is the process of reviewing a computer-generated preview of a print design to verify accuracy before final production. It ensures correct color values, resolution, bleed, and typography.

Diffused Backlighting

Diffused backlighting refers to a lighting technique where light is evenly dispersed behind a translucent surface to eliminate hotspots. Used in backlit signs and displays, it enhances color uniformity and readability. Diffusion materials include acrylic, polycarbonate, or diffuser films, often combined with LED modules for low energy consumption.

Double-Sided Signs

Double-sided signs display messaging on both front and rear surfaces, increasing visibility from multiple directions. Common in suspended, projecting, or freestanding applications such as totems and post signs, they may be illuminated or non-illuminated.

Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape with bonding surfaces on both sides, used for mounting signs or graphics without visible fixings. It comes in foam, film, or tissue variants and is rated by thickness, tensile strength, and temperature resistance.

Dowel Mounting

Dowel mounting is a method that uses cylindrical rods—usually wood, plastic, or metal—to anchor signage components to walls or other surfaces. Dowels are inserted into pre-drilled holes in the substrate and surface, typically using adhesives or friction fit. This method offers hidden mounting and structural support for lightweight signs.

Dual-Lit Channel Letters

Dual-lit channel letters are illuminated signage elements that emit light from both the front (face) and back (halo). Constructed with aluminum sides, translucent acrylic fronts, and clear backs, they combine face and halo lighting techniques. LED modules inside the housing create strong night visibility and brand-enhancing visual effects.

 

E

Edge-Lit Signage

Edge-lit signage uses embedded LEDs placed along the edges of a transparent or translucent panel to illuminate etched or printed graphics. Commonly made from acrylic or glass, edge-lit systems provide uniform light distribution and clean design for directional or branding displays. Ideal for indoor applications and low-power illumination solutions.

Emergency Exit Signage Compliance

Emergency exit signage compliance refers to adherence to safety regulations requiring visible, illuminated signs indicating emergency exits. Standards vary by region (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 101 in the U.S.) and specify requirements such as location, brightness, letter height, and battery backup. These signs guide occupants safely during power outages or evacuations.

 

F

Fabricated Signs

Fabricated signs are custom-built signage created from raw materials such as metal, acrylic, or wood, using techniques like welding, cutting, and forming. Common in commercial applications, they offer durability, dimensional depth, and design flexibility. These signs often include lighting elements and are ideal for storefronts, monuments, and architectural branding.

Fascia Signs

Fascia signs are fixed, horizontal signage systems mounted directly to the fascia—the vertical front-facing section—of a building. Typically installed above shopfronts, entrances, or windows, fascia signs are used to display a business name, logo, or primary branding element and are among the most common forms of commercial signage in retail and street-facing applications.

Flatbed Printing

Flatbed printing is a digital printing process where UV-curable inks are printed directly onto rigid or flexible substrates placed on a stationary bed. This technique enables high-resolution, full-color printing on materials such as acrylic, wood, glass, and aluminum composite panels, typically supporting thicknesses up to 100 mm depending on the printer.

Flush Mount

Flush mount refers to a sign installation method where the sign surface is directly affixed against a wall or panel with no visible spacing or raised elements. This creates a seamless appearance and is often achieved using adhesives, screws, or stud mounting. Common in indoor wall signage and nameplates.

French Cleat

A French cleat is a mounting system consisting of two interlocking angled brackets—one attached to the wall and one to the back of the sign. It allows heavy or rigid signs to be securely mounted and easily removed. It is often used for dimensional signs, panels, and artwork in both interior and exterior installations.

Front-Lit Channel Letters

Front-lit channel letters are three-dimensional sign letters illuminated from the front through a translucent acrylic face. Internal LEDs provide lighting that enhances visibility at night. These letters are typically made from aluminum for the return and back and are commonly mounted directly or via raceways on building façades.

 

G

Gloss Finish

Gloss finish refers to a high-sheen surface treatment applied to printed signage that enhances color vibrancy and reflects light. Common in promotional and retail signage, gloss finishes are achieved through UV coatings or lamination. While eye-catching, they may produce glare, making them less suitable for high-light environments.

Graphic Overlay

A graphic overlay is a printed or cut film layer applied to a surface, such as control panels, directory boards, or branded displays, to provide user interface design, branding, or labeling. These overlays are typically made with polyester or polycarbonate films and can include features like tactile elements, transparency, and scratch resistance.

Graphics Panel System

A graphics panel system consists of modular or fixed panels used to display branding, wayfinding elements, or promotional content within a larger architectural setting. These panels can be made from acrylic, aluminum composite, or PVC and are often printed or fitted with vinyl to allow for interchangeable graphic updates.

Gloss Laminate

Gloss laminate is a clear, high-shine protective film applied over printed graphics to enhance durability and color intensity. Commonly used in indoor and outdoor signage, it resists UV light, abrasion, and moisture.

 

H

Halo Illumination

Halo illumination, also known as reverse lighting, is a signage lighting technique where LEDs or neon are mounted behind dimensional letters or logos, casting a glow onto the wall. The light creates a subtle "halo" effect, enhancing nighttime visibility and depth. It is popular in high-end retail and hospitality applications.

Hanging Signs

Hanging signs are suspended from ceilings or structures using cables, chains, or rods. Common in retail, warehouse, and exhibition environments, they enhance visibility from a distance. They are made from lightweight materials such as PVC, foamboard, or fabric, and may be single or double-sided depending on placement and viewing angles.

Heat-Bent Acrylic

Heat-bent acrylic is an acrylic sheet material that has been softened using controlled heat and molded into curved or angled forms. This technique is used to fabricate sign holders, display stands, or dimensional signage components.

Horizontal Signage

Horizontal signage refers to signs designed with longer width than height orientation. Often used for directional displays, building facades, monument bases, or wall-mounted signs, their format supports wide-format graphics.

 

I

Illuminated Signs

Illuminated signs are signage elements that incorporate internal or external lighting to enhance visibility in low-light environments. Technologies include LEDs, neon, electroluminescent panels, or fluorescent lighting. Common forms include channel letters, cabinet signs, and backlit displays.

3D Illuminated Letter Signs

3D illuminated letter signs are three-dimensional fabricated letters that contain internal lighting, typically using LEDs. Made from materials like aluminum and acrylic, they offer enhanced visibility and branding. Types include front-lit, halo-lit (reverse), or dual-lit. These signs are commonly used on building exteriors, storefronts, and corporate facades.

Indoor Signage

Indoor signage includes all non-exterior signs used within a built environment for branding, guidance, safety, or decor. Examples include lobby signage, ADA signage, wall graphics, hanging signs, or room identification.

Ink Adhesion

Ink adhesion refers to the ability of ink to bond effectively with a substrate during the print process. Poor adhesion leads to smudging or peeling. Surface treatments, printer settings, and curing processes like UV drying influence adhesion.

 

J

Joinery

Joinery in signage refers to the method of connecting or assembling structural or display elements like frames, lightboxes, and built-up letters. Techniques include welding, gluing, screwing, or mechanical fixings.

J-Channel Mount

A J-channel mount is a metallic or plastic track with a J-shaped profile used to hold sign panels, particularly in wall-mounted or panel-insert systems. The sign edge slides into the channel, which secures it while allowing easy replacement.

 

K

Kerning

Kerning is the adjustment of space between characters in typography to achieve visually balanced letter spacing. In signage design, proper kerning enhances legibility and overall aesthetics, particularly in large-format layouts.

 

L

Lamination

Lamination is the process of applying a protective film over printed signage to enhance durability, appearance, and environmental resistance. Available in gloss, matte, or satin finishes, lamination protects against UV fading, abrasion, and moisture.

LED Signage

LED signage uses light-emitting diodes as internal or external illumination sources for readability in low-light conditions. LEDs are durable, energy-efficient, and available in various color temperatures and RGB formats. Common applications include channel letters, edge-lit panels, and programmable digital signs for storefronts, directional messages, or advertising displays.

Lightbox

A lightbox is an illuminated sign enclosure that uses internal lighting—commonly LEDs or fluorescent lamps—to backlight a printed graphic or translucent panel. Outdoor lightbox signs are typically used for storefront displays or poster frames, while indoor lightbox signs may be used within malls, stores, warehouses and reception areas.

Lightboxes provide uniform illumination and are constructed from aluminum frames with acrylic or polycarbonate face materials.

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a precision manufacturing process that uses a high-powered, focused laser beam to cut or engrave various substrates, including acrylic, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and aluminum composite panels.

Large Format Printing

Large format printing, also called wide format printing, produces printed media wider than conventional printers (typically between 24" and 126" in width). It is used for banners, posters, wraps, and wall murals. Supported materials include vinyl, fabric, foamboard, and PVC.

Lobby Signage

Lobby signage refers to corporate or branded graphics typically installed in reception areas or entrance lobbies. Common executions include dimensional logos, acrylic panels, backlit logos, and wall-mounted metal letters.

Light Diffuser

A light diffuser is a material or film used within illuminated signs to evenly scatter light across a graphic surface, avoiding hotspots. Diffusers are commonly made from frosted acrylic, polycarbonate, or specialized diffusion films and are crucial in lightboxes and LED signage to ensure uniform brightness.

 

M

Marquee Signs

Marquee signs are large, permanent or semi-permanent outdoor signage structures typically located above entrances or on facades of buildings. They are most commonly associated with theatres, cinemas, schools, churches, and event venues.

Metal Signs

Metal signs are full signage panels or plaques fabricated from durable metals such as aluminum, steel, or brass. They may feature printed, engraved, or etched graphics for wayfinding, identification, or informational purposes.

Moss Signs

Moss signs incorporate preserved real moss as the primary graphic or background element in a display. Popular in biophilic and eco-friendly interior branding, moss is mounted to rigid backers and shaped with CNC-cut templates or stencils.

 

N

Neon Signs

Neon signs are illuminated signage systems that use electrified, low-pressure noble gases—commonly neon or argon—contained within sealed glass tubes to produce visible light.Compared to LED signage, neon signs consume more power, require more maintenance, and are more fragile due to their glass construction.

 

O

Outdoor Business Signs

Outdoor business signs include all signage products installed externally for advertising, identification, or directional purposes. It must withstand weather exposure and is typically made from aluminum composite panels, PVC, steel, or treated wood.

 

P

Printed Neon Signs

Printed neon signs are non-illuminated signage products that visually replicate the appearance of traditional neon lighting through high-resolution digital printing. Typically produced on vinyl, acrylic, or composite panels, these signs use neon-effect graphics with gradient colors and glow effects to simulate lighting.

Pylon Signs

Pylon signs are freestanding signage structures supported by one or more poles, designed to provide high visibility for businesses, particularly from a distance.These signs are commonly used near highways, major roads, or entrances to commercial complexes to attract motorists and pedestrians. They are often illuminated or backlit to ensure visibility at night or in low-light conditions.

 

S

Shopfront Signs

Shopfront signs are external signage displays installed on the front elevation of retail or commercial premises, typically positioned above the entrance or display window. Shopfront signs can include fascia signs, window graphics, hanging signs, door signs, and other signage formats that are affixed to or integrated into the storefront architecture.