Guidelines for Digital Signage Submissions
Send your file to LibraryDigitalSigns@umich.edu at least two weeks before your scheduled digital showcase or promotion to allow time for editing and proofing.
We’re available to consult with you about best practices for design and content.
Formatting and submitting images and slides
When creating single promotional images, groups of photos, or slideshows, be sure to use:
- Landscape orientation only
- A 16:9 aspect ratio
- A minimum size of 3840×2160, 4K resolution (the screens have high resolution)
Choose colors with appropriate contrast — the University of Michigan Style Guide provides accessible combinations.
Font choices
Text should be large enough to read from a distance. Sans serif fonts tend to appear smoother on displays than serif fonts.
Generally, library users will see the digital signs while studying or passing through. If you want your text to be read by those walking by, consider using the largest font. Otherwise, draw people’s attention with an image and use a font size that can be read closer to the screen.
Below is guidance on the optimal font size based on distance in feet from the screen.
- 10 - 20 point
- 15 - 34 point
- 20 - 50 point
- 25 - 66 point
- 35 - 100 point
- 50 - 133 point
- 75 - 200 point
Submitting your file
For individual promotional images, submit your file in JPG, PDF, PNG, or PPT format. We also encourage including a QR code to wherever people can find more information.
For groups of photos or slideshows, submit a PowerPoint (PPT) or PDF. If you created your file as a Google Slides presentation, go to File > Download and select PowerPoint or PDF in order to save it to your machine.
Formatting and submitting video files
When creating videos files, please use a 16:9 aspect ratio and consider the following:
- Videos must be downloaded and provided to the Library Digital Signage Team via a Google Drive or Dropbox link so it may be downloaded. We are unable to display YouTube or MiVideo links.
- Sound will not be played.
- Videos with dialogue must include closed captioning.
- Do not use anything fast, flashing, or strobing.
Submit an MP4 or MOV file.
Permission and credit
The library has the right to approve or deny digital content requests and content at our discretion.
By submitting content for screens in the library, you give us permission to also use the content in promotional materials without compensation, and agree to allow us to reformat content to display properly.
We will assume you have been given permission to use the image of anyone who is identifiable in your content submission.
Use of content you submit, for any purpose, will be credited to you.