Digital Signage Templates
Professional Designs, Ready to Customize
Templates provide professionally designed layouts that accelerate content creation while ensuring design best practices. Whether you're creating menu boards, promotional displays, or corporate communications, starting with a template saves time and ensures visual consistency.
Why Use Templates?
Benefits of Template-Based Design
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed | Create professional content in minutes, not hours |
| Consistency | Maintain brand standards across all displays |
| Best Practices | Templates incorporate proven design principles |
| Flexibility | Easily update content while preserving design |
| Scalability | Deploy consistent looks across locations |
| Reduced Errors | Pre-tested layouts minimize display issues |
Template vs. Custom Design
| Factor | Templates | Custom Design |
|---|---|---|
| Time to deploy | Minutes to hours | Hours to days |
| Design expertise needed | Minimal | Significant |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Uniqueness | Less unique | Fully custom |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Complete |
| Best use case | Standard content, rapid deployment | Flagship locations, unique needs |
Template Categories
Retail Templates
Product Promotion
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PRODUCT PROMOTION │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ [HERO PRODUCT IMAGE] │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ SALE BADGE │ │ Product Name │ │ │
│ │ │ "50% OFF" │ │ Description text here │ │ │
│ │ └─────────────────┘ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ ████████████████████████ │ │ │
│ │ │ NOW $49.99 was $99.99 │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ [LOGO] [QR CODE] [CTA] │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Key Elements:
- Large product imagery (60%+ of screen)
- Prominent price/discount
- Clear call-to-action
- Brand logo placement
- Optional QR code for mobile connection
Multi-Product Grid
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [CATEGORY HEADER: "NEW ARRIVALS"] │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ [IMAGE] │ │ [IMAGE] │ │ [IMAGE] │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Product 1 │ │ Product 2 │ │ Product 3 │ │
│ │ $XX.XX │ │ $XX.XX │ │ $XX.XX │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ [IMAGE] │ │ [IMAGE] │ │ [IMAGE] │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Product 4 │ │ Product 5 │ │ Product 6 │ │
│ │ $XX.XX │ │ $XX.XX │ │ $XX.XX │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ │
│ [LOGO] [CTA: SHOP NOW] │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Key Elements:
- Consistent product card sizing
- Aligned pricing
- Category header
- Easy-to-scan grid layout
Menu Board Templates
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [RESTAURANT LOGO] [TIME] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ COMBOS │ │ SIDES │ │
│ ├─────────────────────┤ ├─────────────────────┤ │
│ │ Combo #1 $8.99 │ │ Fries $2.99 │ │
│ │ Combo #2 $9.99 │ │ Onion Rings $3.49 │ │
│ │ Combo #3 $10.99 │ │ Salad $4.99 │ │
│ │ Combo #4 $11.99 │ │ │ │
│ └─────────────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ BEVERAGES │ │ DESSERTS │ │
│ ├─────────────────────┤ ├─────────────────────┤ │
│ │ Soft Drink $2.49 │ │ Sundae $3.99 │ │
│ │ Shake $4.99 │ │ Pie $2.99 │ │
│ │ Coffee $1.99 │ │ Cookie $1.49 │ │
│ └─────────────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ TODAY'S SPECIAL: [ITEM] - $X.XX │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Coffee Shop Menu
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [CAFE LOGO] │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ HOT DRINKS SM MD LG │ │
│ │ ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── │ │
│ │ Espresso $2.50 — — │ │
│ │ Americano $3.00 $3.50 $4.00 │ │
│ │ Latte $4.00 $4.50 $5.00 │ │
│ │ Cappuccino $4.00 $4.50 $5.00 │ │
│ │ Mocha $4.50 $5.00 $5.50 │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ COLD DRINKS │ │
│ │ ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── │ │
│ │ Iced Coffee $3.50 $4.00 $4.50 │ │
│ │ Cold Brew $4.00 $4.50 $5.00 │ │
│ │ Iced Latte $4.50 $5.00 $5.50 │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ [IMAGE: Coffee Cup] │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ADD-ONS: Extra Shot $0.75 | Flavor $0.50 | Alt Milk $0.75 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Corporate Templates
Meeting Room Display
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [COMPANY LOGO] CONFERENCE ROOM A [TIME] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ CURRENT MEETING │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Q4 Planning Session │ │
│ │ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Organizer: Sarah Johnson │ │
│ │ Attendees: 8 │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ ████████████████████░░░░░░░░░░ 67% complete │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ UPCOMING │
│ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── │
│ 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: AI in Marketing [M. Chen] │
│ 2:00 PM Product Review [T. Williams]│
│ 4:00 PM Available │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Corporate Announcements
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [LOGO] COMPANY NEWS [DATE] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ [EMPLOYEE PHOTO] │ │ EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ Congratulations to │ │
│ │ │ │ Maria Rodriguez │ │
│ │ │ │ 10 Years of Service! │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ └────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ UPCOMING EVENTS │ │
│ │ • Feb 5: Town Hall Meeting - 2:00 PM Auditorium │ │
│ │ • Feb 12: Benefits Enrollment Deadline │ │
│ │ • Feb 14: Company Valentine's Celebration │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ TICKER: Q3 results exceeded expectations... │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Healthcare Templates
Waiting Room Display
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [HOSPITAL LOGO] PATIENT INFORMATION [TIME] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ CURRENT WAIT TIME: ~15 minutes │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ HEALTH TIP │ │ NOW SERVING │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Get Your Flu Shot! │ │ A-127 │ │
│ │ │ │ Window 3 │ │
│ │ Available now at │ │ │ │
│ │ our pharmacy │ │ NEXT: A-128, A-129 │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ └────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Questions? Text HELP to 55555 or visit the help desk │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Education Templates
School Announcements
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [SCHOOL LOGO] DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS [DATE] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ TODAY'S SCHEDULE │ │
│ │ ────────────────────────────────────────────────────── │ │
│ │ 8:00 AM First Period │ │
│ │ 9:00 AM Second Period │ │
│ │ 10:00 AM Assembly (All Students - Gymnasium) │ │
│ │ 11:30 AM Lunch │ │
│ │ 12:30 PM Third Period │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ SPORTS TODAY │ │ CAFETERIA MENU │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Basketball vs. │ │ Pizza Day! │ │
│ │ Lincoln High │ │ Pepperoni or Cheese │ │
│ │ 4:00 PM - Home │ │ Salad Bar Available │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ └────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ REMINDER: Science Fair projects due Friday! │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Template Customization
Branding Your Templates
Essential Brand Elements
| Element | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Logo | Place in header/footer, maintain clear space |
| Colors | Apply to backgrounds, accents, buttons |
| Fonts | Replace default with brand typography |
| Photography | Use brand-approved imagery style |
| Tone | Match copy to brand voice |
Color Customization
Original Template Colors:
Primary: #1a1a2e (Dark blue)
Secondary: #00d4ff (Cyan)
Accent: #f4c430 (Gold)
Text: #ffffff (White)
Your Brand Colors:
Primary: [Your primary color]
Secondary: [Your secondary color]
Accent: [Your accent color]
Text: [High contrast with primary]
Content Zones
Most templates include these editable zones:
| Zone | Purpose | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Logo, title, time/date | Keep minimal |
| Main | Primary content area | Largest, most important |
| Sidebar | Secondary information | Supporting content |
| Footer | Branding, CTA, ticker | Consistent across playlist |
Responsive Design
Good templates adapt to different orientations:
| Orientation | Typical Use | Template Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape (16:9) | Menu boards, video walls | Horizontal layouts |
| Portrait (9:16) | Directories, retail | Vertical stacking |
| Square (1:1) | Social media walls | Centered layouts |
Building Custom Templates
Template Structure
Template Package:
├── assets/
│ ├── backgrounds/
│ │ ├── bg-default.jpg
│ │ └── bg-alt.jpg
│ ├── icons/
│ │ └── [icon files]
│ └── fonts/
│ └── [font files]
├── template.html (or scene file)
├── styles.css
├── preview.jpg
└── metadata.json
Template Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use placeholders | Clear indicators for editable content |
| Define safe zones | Prevent content from being cut off |
| Include variations | Light/dark, with/without image |
| Document requirements | Image sizes, text limits |
| Test on hardware | Verify performance on actual players |
Template Management
Organizing Templates
| Category | Naming Convention | Example |
|---|---|---|
| By Industry | industry-purpose-variant | retail-promo-hero |
| By Purpose | purpose-style-version | menu-modern-v2 |
| By Location | location-type-zone | storefront-welcome-entrance |
Version Control
| Version | Changes | Status |
|---|---|---|
| v1.0 | Initial template | Archived |
| v1.1 | Updated fonts | Archived |
| v2.0 | New layout, rebrand | Current |
| v2.1-draft | Testing new elements | Draft |
SignageStudio Templates
SignageStudio includes a comprehensive template library:
Template Library Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Industry-specific | Retail, restaurant, corporate, healthcare |
| Fully customizable | Edit colors, fonts, images, layouts |
| Widget integration | Add weather, social, data feeds |
| Multi-zone layouts | Complex layouts made simple |
| Regular updates | New templates added monthly |
Using SignageStudio Templates
- Browse the template library
- Preview template in your resolution
- Select and add to your campaign
- Customize colors, fonts, content
- Publish to your displays
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use templates or create custom digital signage designs?
Templates are ideal for rapid deployment, consistent branding across locations, and when design expertise is limited. Custom designs are better for flagship locations, unique brand requirements, or when templates don't meet specific needs. Many organizations use templates for most content and custom designs for special campaigns.
How do I customize a digital signage template?
Most templates allow customization of colors (backgrounds, accents), fonts (headlines, body text), images (swap placeholder images), text content, and logo placement. Quality templates use placeholders and clear zones to indicate editable areas. Maintain brand consistency by using your official colors, fonts, and imagery.
What file formats are used for digital signage templates?
Digital signage templates come in various formats depending on the platform: HTML/CSS/JS for web-based systems, proprietary scene files for specific CMS platforms, or layered design files (PSD, AI) for manual customization. Most modern CMS platforms like SignageStudio use proprietary formats with built-in editing tools.
How many templates should I use for my digital signage network?
Use 3-5 core templates for consistency, covering main content types like promotions, announcements, menus, and information displays. Too few templates becomes repetitive; too many reduces brand cohesion. Create variations (color schemes, layouts) within your core templates for variety while maintaining consistency.
Can I create my own digital signage templates?
Yes, most digital signage platforms allow custom template creation. Start with platform documentation, design in the correct resolution, define editable zones with placeholders, include brand assets, and test on actual hardware. Consider hiring a designer for initial template creation, then train your team on customization.
Should I use templates or custom designs?
| Use Templates When: | Use Custom When: |
|---|---|
| Rapid deployment needed | Flagship locations |
| Limited design resources | Unique brand needs |
| Consistency is priority | Special campaigns |
| Frequent content updates | Complex integrations |
Most organizations use a hybrid approach: templates for 80% of content, custom for 20%.
How do I maintain brand consistency?
- Start with brand guidelines - colors, fonts, imagery rules
- Create master templates - 3-5 core layouts
- Lock brand elements - prevent unauthorized changes
- Distribute templates - central library for all users
- Regular audits - review content for consistency
Try it on your own screens, free
DigitalSignage.com, which publishes this guide, runs a permanent free plan: the first 3 screens are free forever (no credit card, no ads, no time limit), then from $3 per screen per month with volume pricing via a public calculator. The free SignPlayer runs on Windows, Mac, Android and Android TV, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, iPad or any modern web browser. Start free · 2026 pricing
Next Steps
- Motion Graphics - Adding animation to templates
- Data-Driven Content - Dynamic content in templates
- Best Practices - Design fundamentals
- SignageStudio Overview - Platform template library
Template resources maintained by MediaSignage, empowering digital signage professionals since 2006.