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LUBS Display Screens

This page contains guidance for LUBS students and staff who want to submit a message to be displayed on our network of screens. We want to help ensure that your promotion is effective and meets quality standards, so please read through this information carefully.

Submitting an image for display

Before submitting your image for display on the LUBS screen network, please read through the information on this page carefully to make sure it meets the basic requirements.

When you are ready to submit your image, complete our short form via the link below:

Submit an image

Basic requirements checklist

You can read detailed information about each requirement below, but here is a short summary of everything needed to ensure your message is effective:

  • Ensure your image has an aspect ratio of 16:9 - so it correctly fills the display
  • Ensure there is good contrast between any text and the background - so your message is readable
  • Minimise the amount of text used - focus on an eye catching title and a clear call to action.
  • Use a sans serif font and large font size - to ensure good readability
  • Use only high resolution images which are not stretched or distorted
  • When completing the form, ensure you provide an editable link or file - so the team can make minor edits if required

Purpose and message

When creating content for our display screens, it's essential to have a clear purpose and message. Before creating your project, take a moment to reflect on the key information you want viewers to understand, and the action you want them to take.

Your image should be engaging and informative, capturing the attention of viewers and providing a very clear "call to action" (for example, asking them to scan a QR code to sign up to a competition).

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the description of the ratio between the width and height of an image. It is written as two numbers separated by a colon:

width:height.

A 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard for our screens and ensures your content will display correctly without being stretched or distorted. Expressed in pixels that is a standard image resolution of 1920 x 1080.

Contrast

Good contrast between text and background colours is essential for readability, particularly from a distance.

Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background is generally most effective. Avoid using similar colours that can blend together or cause strain on the eyes.

If you are unsure, there are many free tools on the internet to help you check contrast. Here is one to get you started.

Minimise use of text

For screens, as with PowerPoint presentations, less is more. The average viewer only has a few seconds to engage with your message, so keep text to a minimum.

Focus on a strong, eye-catching title, and a clear, concise call to action.

Avoid cluttering the image with unnecessary details – these can be provided via a link or QR code where viewers can find more information if needed.

Font choice and size

Always use a sans-serif font as these are easier to read on digital screens.

Your font size should be large enough to ensure readability from a distance, with titles and key information standing out.

Avoid intricate or script fonts, which may be difficult to read. Use simple, bold fonts that enhance the clarity of your message.

Good quality images

Images must be of high quality for large screens. Use high-resolution images, and avoid anything that looks pixelated, blurry, or stretched.

Poor image quality can reduce the impact of your message and make it appear unprofessional. If you're unsure of your image quality, it's worth seeking advice or using an image from a verified source.

Editable files and links

When submitting your image, always provide an editable file format such as a PowerPoint or Photoshop file. Alternatively, if you have used a browser-based tool such as Canva, please share an editable link to your project.

This allows our team to make minor adjustments if needed, and will speed up the time it takes to display your message. We may email you with suggested edits if your submission requires extensive changes before being usable.

Good example

Example 16:9 display message created to show good practice - clear and minimal text, high res image well placed, clear call to action

Bad example

example 16:9 display message created to show bad practice. Hard to read fonts, very poor contrast, low res and stretched image.

Help and questions

If you need further help or advice, or have other questions related to display screens, you can email Mark (student comms) and Shona (staff comms) at: lubsscreens@leeds.ac.uk 

Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it

Salvador Dali