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

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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

There are many reasons to choose Vista System sign frames but according to our customers the following four seem to always come to the surface.

1. Comprehensive Sign Frame Product Line – Vista offers a complete line of wayfinding sign frames including office signs, directory signs, table signs, flag signs and more.  Whether starting from scratch or already have an existing sign program in place Vista can accommodate your requirements.
2. Sign Frame Consistency – The Vista System way finding sign frames come in three classic anodized aluminum finishes; brushed silver, black and gold with metal and plastic end cap combinations.  From the D3U office directory to the WFP31U office sign, Vista provides a comprehensive line of products that provides consistency and aesthetic appeal to any setting.
3. Easy to Maintain – All wayfinding products accept a wide variety of materials for sign frame inserts including paper, vinyl graphics, engraved, photopolymer and more.  Print professional-looking paper sign frame inserts in minutes without leaving the office.  It’s fast, economical and you can do it yourself without having to call the local sign company.
4. Lifetime Warranty – Vista System provides a premium line of wayfinding sign frames and stands behind that quality with a lifetime warranty for their products.

Vista also offers custom sign frame sizes and colors to meet the most demanding project specifications.  With international presence, Vista is also well positioned to manage sign standards on a global scale for any business or campus setting.

An office directory sign is a great asset for any building or campus setting.  Directory signs manage traffic flow and enhance the interior wall space.  To ensure maximum flexibility and ease of maintenance in the future, take into account the following design considerations when putting together your office directory sign strategy.

1. Volatility – How often do you anticipate the copy changing on your signage directory?  If your tenants tend to turnover frequently you might consider using paper inserts for your office directory signs.  You can print signage directory inserts cheaper and faster without having to engage your local sign company.
2. Expandability – Office directory signs should be chosen with provision for future expandability.  Having extra panels on your directory sign is the most simple and straightforward way to handle it.  Rather than leaving blank panels on your directory sign, most manufacturers have sliding plastic dividers that allow you to modify the signage directory footprint with smaller panels in the event of unforeseen expansion.
3. Consistency – Whether you use a curved signage directory like the D1U or flat directory signs like the DF41U, you must ensure the panels are consistent.  If you do the paper inserts yourself save a copy of the template.  If you use a local sign company ask for the font type, size and panel colors.  Attrition and other factors may inhibit the sign company from keeping proper records of your signage standards.

Consider these factors when planning your office directory strategy and save tons of time and money.

Here’s a picture of a high-quality directory sign that was recently installed in Port Louis, Mauritius.  These directory sign frames and other way finding signage was  installed at the Le Caudan Water Front Mall which is a high-end luxury mall with over 120 stores offering products from sports equipment to jewelry. This collection of sign frames is comprised of five long directory panels similar to the D5U in addition to a poster frame along the top.  The product line allows seamless matching of the various sign frames.

The client wanted their directory sign and other way finding signage to complement the various store interiors and to manage visitor traffic throughout the mall.  The directory sign frame inserts were fabricated using substrates that enhanced the existing color schemes.  Due to the wide variety directory signs and way finding signage available, the mall successfully met their objectives.

Not only were these directory signs elegant but they were flexible too.  The copy on the directory signs changes often as does a number of the other way finding signs throughout the mall.  Updating directory signs is fast and cost effective using these sign frames because you aren’t dependent on the local sign company for maintenance.

Having sign consistency throughout the mall cannot be overstated.  Whether we’re talking directory sign, flag sign, room sign or other way finding types, having a common look and feel throughout adds a extra touch of elegance that can only be achieved with a comprehensive sign system such as this.