Digital Signage Best Practices

File dimensions:

• Portrait: 900 x 1600 pixels
• Landscape: 1600 x 900 pixels

File formats

• PNG or JPG format (1MB maximum file size)
• Submit 2 files, one each for portrait and landscape orientations

Text

Keep your message simple and use efficient phrasing. When planning out your message, think of it as a billboard. Messages will show for approximately 7 seconds. Focus on the most important information. Less is more.

• Use the 3 by 5 rule: No more than 3 lines of text with 5 words each
  OR
• 5 lines of text with 3 words each

Always proofread and double check your text!

Checklist for events

• Event name
• Sponsor
• Date
• Time
• Location (physical or virtual)

Fonts

• Use one of these sans serif typefaces: Arial, Roboto, or Verdana
• Use bold only to emphasize important information
• Avoid italics (sans serif italic is visually weaker, less legible than regular or bold)

For optimal legibility (readability), use a white or light-colored background and dark colors for text. (Note that on the screens, the template surrounding the message area is Fordham maroon)

Restricted colors

• Shades of red or purple that compete with Fordham maroon (#900028)
• Athletics maroon #700429 (use only for Athletics-related messages)

Memorable URLs

Use a friendly URL, such as Fordham.edu/example. If you need one made, contact [email protected].

Images and Video

• Use images with a minimum resolution of 72 ppi.
•  
  Videos should be no longer than 20 seconds in length. Campus screens cannot play audio.
• Use copyrighted images ONLY WITH consent. See section VII.C.o in the Governance document.
• If images/videos include individuals, you must have those individuals’ consent before using them in public. See section VII.C.p in the Governance document.
• Video must be closed captioned.
• If you need assistance finding and using appropriate imagery, please contact Marketing and Communications ([email protected])
• Using multiple images and graphics on one slide can cloud your message. Usually one image delivers the most impact. 
• Do not use QR codes!

Use of Fordham Seal and Logo

• Do not use the Fordham seal
• You do not need to use the Fordham logo. It already appears on the digital signage screen.