Sign Preview: mock it up, score it, send it
Build a quick mockup of your yard sign and see how it scores on contrast, word count and readable distance before you order.
How to read your scores
Contrast uses the same luminance formula web accessibility standards use. Outdoors, in glare and at a distance, you want more contrast than you think: dark navy or black on yellow or white is the classic for a reason.
Words counts everything on the sign. A driver can take in roughly three to seven words. Past that, people stop reading.
Reads from uses the 1-inch-per-10-feet rule of thumb against your headline's real cap height. Want more distance? Shorten the headline so it can be set bigger, or step up a sign size.
Read the full yard sign design guide for more.
About this tool
How is the readable distance estimated?
The tool measures the cap height of your headline at the sign's real size, then applies the common sign-industry rule of thumb of about 1 inch of letter height per 10 feet for strong readability, with a stretch maximum of roughly 30 feet per inch in good conditions.
What contrast ratio should I aim for?
Higher is better outdoors. The tool uses the WCAG contrast formula: 7:1 or more is excellent, 4.5:1 is workable, and anything under 3:1 will be hard to read from the street.
Will printed colors match my screen?
Not exactly. Screens mix light (RGB) and printers mix ink (CMYK), so some bright screen colors print duller. Your printer's proof is the final word.
Got a sign project? Let's price it out.
Tell us the size, quantity and deadline. We'll come back with material options and one delivered price: printing, hardware and shipping included.