Sign frame installation using tape or Velcro is fast and easy with these step-by-step instructions.

This short video shows how easy it is to prep and mount your sign frame with double-sided, very high bond (VHB) tape however, you’d follow the same process in mounting your sign frames with either double-sided foam tape (mild adhesive) or Velcro (hook and loop).  In addition, this process would be used across the entire line of Vista System products including directory signs, door signs, office signs and poster frames.

Here’ are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Apply the tape or Velcro to the back of the sign frame
2. Remove the vinyl backing from the tape or Velcro strip
3. Level and mount your sign

Please make sure to test your surface prior to installation.  The tape is ideal for installing your sign frames on smooth surfaces and is intended to be permanent.  The VHB tape has more aggressive adhesive than its foam counterpart yet both are sufficient to install both office and directory signs.  Also, please consult your local building codes for mounting height specifications prior to installation.

Small office signs, cubicle signs or sign frames that might move frequently are better suited for Velcro.  All sign frames can be ordered with the tape or Velcro already cut and applied to the frame to expedite the installation process. However, if you’d prefer to do it yourself, especially if you’re installing a large number of office signs at once, you can purchase the tape or Velcro at your local hardware store, office superstore or online to save some money.

We hope you enjoyed the video.  If you would like additional product information or alternatives to tape or Velcro sign frame installation please visit our video channel.  We welcome your comments so please share or subscribe to our blog.

Sign frame installation for Vista System products is fast and easy and just one of the reasons why sign professionals around the world choose them.  This video clip illustrates how to install one of our 8.5 x 11 letter-size office signs using wall anchors and screws but the same method holds for directory signs, door signs and poster frames.  Take a look.

As you can see, installing your sign frames can be done in a matter of minutes and only requires a level and an electric drill.  Here’s a quick recap of the process:

Step 1: Level Your Sign Frame
Step 2: Mark Your Holes
Step 3: Set the Wall Anchors and Screws
Step 4: Add the Paper Insert and Acrylic Lens

Keep in mind that installing your sign frames with wall anchors and screws is meant to be permanent.  So, if you intend to move your office signs or directory signs frequently, or at all, other mounting options should be considered.  Also, consult your local building codes and regulations for mounting height requirements before installing your sign frames.

Because of the various surfaces in which you can mount your sign frame, the frames are not shipped with the mounting hardware.  Common wall anchors and screws can be purchased at your local hardware store based on your specific mounting needs.

One other point to note.  The WFP84U office sign used in this video illustrates the use of a paper insert with a clear acrylic lens.  By far, paper inserts are the preferred choice from a maintenance perspective from a cost and turnaround standpoint since you can do it yourself.  However, Vista System office signs support a variety of materials in addition to paper including acrylic, ADA, vinyl, photopolymer and many others.

Please comment on our video or visit our channel for more information on Vista System products.

It’s easy to create high-quality paper inserts for your table sign or desk sign.  Designing and printing paper inserts yourself will also save you time and money.  All you need is a desktop printer and MS-Word and you’re all set to print paper insert signs.

Since Microsoft Word is common to most businesses we will provide step-by-step instructions, complete with illustrations, as to how you can do paper insert signs yourself in the comfort of your office. We understand that a desk sign or table sign insert can be designed in any number of ways but for purposes of this post we’ll keep the desk sign design simple. If you are interested in other design alternatives for your desk sign check out our How To section of the site for different options in creating your paper inserts.

For this exercise we will use the T22 table sign to illustrate the process of creating paper insert signs.  The instructions listed below may vary depending on the version of MS-Word you have installed.

Creating Paper Inserts for a Table Sign or Desk Sign using MS-Word

Step 1: Open MS-Word and create a new document by clicking New (Ctrl + N), select the “Office” button in the upper left-hand corner of the screen and click the “New” icon or click the “New” shortcut icon to create a new document. Any of these three options will work.

Step 2: Click the Insert Tab. Then click the Text Box icon in the Toolbar. At the bottom of the window click Draw Text Box.Move your cursor to the document (you will see a “+” sign appear) and drag it diagonally across the drawing surface while holding down the left-click button on the mouse.

Release the left-click button and your text box will appear.

Step 3: To size the text box enter the height and width of the insert you wish to create. The T22 table sign has an insert that measures 2 1/4″ x 5 7/8″ so we will enter the dimensions accordingly as shown below.

Step 4: Once the size is set you can now choose your background color. Click “Shape Fill” in the toolbar and choose a background color. Rolling your cursor over the color palette will change the color on the background insert until you find the one that best complements your interior design color scheme.

Step 5: Now you can add your text. Add one or more text boxes to your template by clicking the Insert tab and selecting “Draw Text Box” like you did in Step 2. Position the text boxes on the background and choose the font, font color and font size that you desire. In order to eliminate the text box outline click the Format tab -> Shape Outline -> No Outline and now you have just the text. To blend in your text box with the background you’ve chosen, highlight the text box -> right click the text box -> select Format Text Box from the drop down menu -> under Colors and Lines set Transparency to 100%. You can also use the Color drop down and select the color, texture or pattern to match the background you’ve already selected.Here is the header insert that we’ve created.

Simply print the page and cut out the frame insert. Below is the sign frame complete with insert. I also modified the layout by simply adding a gradient background and logo to illustrate the power and flexibility in creating paper inserts.  Please send us your designs at [email protected] so we can share them with our readers.

Creating professional-looking paper inserts for you office directory sign is quick and easy. Choosing a sign system that allows you to independently create your own paper inserts will also save you time and money. All you need in place to create your office directory sign yourself is an inkjet or laser printer and a word processor such as Microsoft Word.

Maintaining an office directory sign can get expensive and may take weeks to get the frame inserts from your local sign company. Creating frame inserts yourself also ensures signage consistency which may be problematic if either the sign company experiences turnover or cannot find your templates from the previous order.

Since Microsoft Word is common to most businesses we will provide step-by-step instructions, complete with illustrations, as to how you can do paper inserts yourself without leaving the office. There are numerous variations you can use to create your paper inserts but we’ll keep it simple with the instructions set in this article. If you would like to see other variations in design visit our How To section of the site for more information. I’m using a sample sign similar to the DF39U for illustrative purposes, however the process is the same whether designing office signs or office directories. The instructions listed below may vary depending on the version of MS-Word you have installed.

Creating Paper Inserts for an Office Directory Sign using MS-Word

Step 1: Open MS-Word and create a new document by clicking New (Ctrl + N), select the “Office” button in the upper left-hand corner of the screen and click the “New” icon or click the “New” shortcut icon to create a new document. Any of these three options will work.

Step 2: Click the Insert Tab. Then click the Text Box icon in the Toolbar. At the bottom of the window click Draw Text Box.Move your cursor to the document (you will see a “+” sign appear) and drag it diagonally across the drawing surface while holding down the left-click button on the mouse.

Release the left-click button and your text box will appear.

Step 3: To size the text box enter the height and width of the insert you wish to create. Our sample sign happens to have (1) 2” x 5 7/8” header and (5) 1” x 5 7/8” panels. Below is the header.

Step 4:  Once the size is set you can now choose your background color.  Click “Shape Fill” in the toolbar and choose a background color.  Rolling your cursor over the color palette will change the color on the background insert until you find the one that best complements your interior design color scheme.

Step 5:  Now you can add your text.  Add one or more text boxes to your template by clicking the Insert tab and selecting “Draw Text Box” like you did in Step 2.  Position the text boxes on the background and choose the font, font color and font size that you desire.  In order to eliminate the text box outline click the Format tab -> Shape Outline -> No Outline and now you have just the text.  To blend in your text box with the background you’ve chosen, highlight the text box -> right click the text box -> select Format Text Box from the drop down menu -> under Colors and Lines set Transparency to 100%.  You can also use the Color dropdown and select the color, texture or pattern to match the background you’ve already selected.Here is the header insert that we’ve created.

We’re going to repeat the process for each of the (5) individual panels using the process outlined above.  Here’s what the layout looks like with the additional frame inserts.  Keep them on the same page to save paper during printing.

Simply print the page and cut out the frame inserts. Below is the final product complete with inserts. Please send us your designs at [email protected] so we can share them with our readers.

It’s a snap to make signs using paper inserts and transparencies and we’ll show you how you can do it while saving time and money in the process. This particular article describes how to combine paper signs, transparencies and acrylic covers into elegant office signs similar in size to the WFP1U. It also provides alternatives in creating paper insert signs depending on your needs and where you stand currently with your sign program. If you’re looking for detailed instructions on how to make these component parts check out the article Create Photo and Logo Paper Signs in our How To section.

The photo below illustrates two types of paper insert signs. The one on the left is composed of a paper insert, a printed transparency and an acrylic cover (217) with Braille and tactile letters. The one on the right consists of a paper insert and an acrylic cover (271) with Braille and tactile letters.

Here’s what the paper signs and transparencies look like when assembled and placed in sign frames.

As you can see, the paper inserts drive the look of the sign. As you can also see, it isn’t mandatory that you make signs that include transparencies since when you put the components together it isn’t discernible which is which. So why would one do it? Here are some tips on that front and some other considerations regarding paper inserts should you decide to make signs on your own.

Outsource Your Paper Inserts to a Local Printer

The answer to the above question regarding the use of transparencies may lie with the quality of paper inserts you desire, the amount of time you have to dedicate to printing paper signs and the number of employees you have. If you want high-quality paper insert signs and have a relatively large number of employees it is more cost effective to outsource the printing of your paper insert signs (with a few extra of course). That means that when an employee’s title or name changes or when new hires come on board all you do is print the transparency and insert it into the sign frame. In fact, depending on the pricing from your local print shop and the number of signs you need to print it may be to your advantage to outsource the initial printing of the transparencies too. In any case, maintaining your signs going forward will only entail printing the transparencies.

Forget the Paper Signs and Just Print on Transparencies

A number of clients, especially in the financial services and legal professions, preferred the natural beauty of the brushed silver and gold frame faces to accent their office interiors. They decided to forego the paper insert signs and chose to make signs using only the transparencies – and they looked great. Here’s an example so you can visualize the concept even though this particular layout was designed for use with a paper insert.

I simply removed the paper insert from the above example and just used the transparency with the clear cover. You can now see the elegant anodized, brushed silver face through the two overlays. The same holds true for the gold frames yet both finishes look exceptional adding a classic feel to any office or campus interior design.

Whether using paper, transparencies or some combination thereof, hopefully you can see that you can make signs just like the professionals in minutes. It’s fast, fun, cost effective and you can do it all yourself. Please send us your designs at [email protected] so our readers can benefit from your creativity.

Designing paper signs for your office or campus sign frames is fast, fun, economical and can even boost morale.  We’ve done a series of instructional posts on paper insert signs with textured backgrounds, specialty paper along with simple text and spot color backgrounds.  This one is primarily focused on adding photos and logos to your paper frame inserts.

If you’ve read the other posts in our how to section, you’ll notice the process of creating paper signs is basically the same until you get to the point of detailing the frame inserts to complement your interior design.  The fact is you can add textured backgrounds, colors, gradients, photos and logos to your paper insert signs in total or just add some simple text and perhaps a color background should that best fit your specifications.  That said, we’ve consciously broken them out at the risk of being redundant to illustrate the various options available in creating paper insert signs.  The process holds true for office signs, office directory signs, flag signs, table signs and more.  Whether it’s a WFP1U office sign or a D5U office directory sign, any sign system that accepts frame inserts can embrace the following process.

Since Microsoft Word is common to most businesses we will provide the step-by-step process, complete with illustrations, as to how you can make signs yourself without leaving the office.  We’ll also show you a few options you can use in creating your paper signs understanding that there are numerous variations in addition to what is shown here.  Please not that the instructions listed below may vary depending on the version of MS-Word you have installed.

Create Photo and Logo Paper Signs

You need not be a print or sign professional to create frame inserts that command attention.  In our “how to” series of articles on creating paper inserts for sign frames today’s article is dedicated to that of textured backgrounds.  You can make signs with textured backgrounds by using specialty paper stock or you can use the textures, patterns and gradients provided in Word.  Again, we’ll focus on the latter in this post but you can refer to our how to section for information on using specialty paper to achieve the same effect.

First, make sure you choose a sign system that accepts frame inserts.  This type of system will allow you to make signs without the assistance of a local printer or sign shop.  Designing paper inserts yourself will allow you to save time and money and most likely will get some level of satisfaction and enjoyment along the way.  All you need is an inkjet or laser printer and a word processor such as Microsoft Word and you’ll have designer-quality paper inserts in minutes.

Since Microsoft Word is common to most businesses we will provide the step-by-step process, complete with illustrations, as to how you can create office signs quickly and easily.  As an aside, the illustrations provided below can apply to the other way finding sign types such as office directory signs, flag signs, table signs and more.  Whether it’s the D9U or the WFP7U the process is the same.  Since designing frame inserts is quite easy as you will soon see, I created a few other paper inserts with text box and photo variations to complement the textured background example.

Once you understand the core concepts you will begin to make signs like the pros designing paper inserts for your sign frames.  You can make signs using Photoshop, Illustrator and numerous other software packages for frame inserts in addition to Microsoft Word.  For purposes of illustrating the flow we’ve selected MS-Word since it is readily available and easy to use.  The instructions listed below may vary depending on the version of MS-Word you have installed.

Designing DIY Frame Inserts with Textured Backgrounds

In order to make signs like the pros all you need is a desktop printer and a word processor such as Microsoft Word.  This particular post is specifically dedicated to making paper signs, or frame inserts if you will, using specialty paper.  You may also achieve the same effect with your paper signs by using the textured background effects within Word.  If, however, you need more than what the textured options in Word provides for your office signs specialty paper will give you significantly more options.

You can truly create professional-looking paper signs in a matter of minutes.  You don’t need to have a graphics design background to make signs that are elegant and aesthetically pleasing.  Designing frame inserts is fun, fast and economical too.

So what do you need to know in order to make signs with specialty paper?  Specialty paper can be purchased at all office superstores such as Staples and Office Depot, FedEx Kinko’s and local boutique shops.  Here are two samples of specialty paper sandwiched around a sheet of white bond paper to show the contrast.  I randomly picked these two but there are numerous styles and colors available at the above mentioned stores to complement any interior color scheme.

Creating professional-looking paper signs is both fun and easy.  Choosing a sign system that allows you to independently create your own paper inserts will also save you time and money.  All you need to do it yourself is an inkjet or laser printer and a word processor such as Microsoft Word and you’ll have office signs in no time!

Sign maintenance can be expensive especially if you have a large number of employees where titles change and people come and go.  Not only is it cost effective but it’s immediate.  You don’t have to wait days or weeks for the local sign company or printer to create your paper insert signs.  Creating paper signs yourself also ensures signage consistency which may be problematic if either the sign company experiences turnover or cannot find your templates or proofs from the previous paper insert signs they created.

Since Microsoft Word is common to most businesses we will provide the step-by-step process, complete with illustrations, as to how you can do paper inserts yourself without leaving the office.  We’ll also show you variations you can use in creating your paper inserts understanding that there are numerous variations in addition to what is shown here.  Once you understand the core concepts you can become as creative as you desire in creating paper insert signs tailored specifically to your organization or business.  Photoshop, Illustrator and numerous other software design packages and word processors can be used in creating paper signs in addition to Microsoft Word.  For purposes of illustrating the flow and we’ve selected MS-Word since it is readily available and easy to use and a sample sign frame similar to the WFP10U.  The instructions listed below may vary depending on the version of MS-Word you have installed.

Creating Paper Inserts with MS-Word