Content submission guidelines

All content submitted to the digital signage network is reviewed before publication to ensure it meets university branding, accessibility, and quality standards. Our review process covers:

• Written content
• Image editing and formatting
• Video submissions

To get started, submit your request using the Project Initiation form.

Overview and requirements

Digital signage is designed for quick, high-impact communication. Each slide is displayed for 20 seconds, so your content should be clear, concise, and visually consistent.

Text (announcements, events, etc.)

• Keep messages short and direct.
• Include a brief, attention-grabbing title and a concise description.
• Use approved fonts, such as  Ubuntu,  ITC Franklin Gothic, or Arial.
• Minimum font sizes: 60 pt for titles and 42pt for body text to ensure readability from a distance.
• Position text so that it sits at least 100px above the bottom edge of the slide (to avoid overlap with the system’s date/time overlay).
• Avoid placing text over busy backgrounds unless a solid overlay is used.
• Follow university editorial guidelines for tone and consistency.

Images

• Submit finished images or editable files for review.
  
  • Finished images: .jpg
  • Editable files: .psd, .eps, or .ai.
• Finished images should be 1920px by 1080px.
• Ensure colour contrast complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act contrast using the colour-testing tool on snook.ca.
• Keep logos and critical visual elements at least 50px from all edges, plus the 100px bottom margin for the overlay.

Video

• Submit a video concept for approval before production.
• If requesting a custom video, use the Project Initiation form.
• Provide final videos in 1080p resolution (1920x1080px).
• Note: Digital signage has no audio—visual clarity is essential.

Important considerations

• Every piece of content should be as broadcast-ready as possible to minimize editing delays.
• Allow 3–5 business days for review and approval.
• Break complex or text-heavy information into multiple slides instead of cramming into one.
• The signage system automatically places a date and time overlay along the bottom of every screen. To ensure visibility, keep all text and images at least 100px above the bottom edge.

Date/time overlay example

The following example shows a digital sign that does not meet our guidelines. Too much text has been placed on a single slide, making it difficult to read within the 20-second display time. In addition, the content is positioned too close to the bottom of the screen. Because the signage system automatically displays a date and time bar along the bottom edge, part of the message is covered and becomes unreadable.