Signage vs. Signboard — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 21, 2023
Signage refers to signs collectively or the practice of using signs, while a signboard is a specific flat surface displaying information or an advertisement.
Difference Between Signage and Signboard
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Signage is a term that encompasses the broad spectrum of signs, symbols, or designs used to convey information, direct, or advertise. It refers to the collective use or system of signs in a particular setting or to the practice of designing or using signs itself. On the other hand, a signboard is a specific type of signage. It is a flat piece, usually rectangular, on which information, directions, or advertisements are displayed.
In many commercial settings, signage is employed to guide customers, provide warnings, or promote products and services. This includes digital signs, neon lights, billboard advertisements, and more. A signboard, on the other hand, might be seen outside a store or business, indicating the name of the business or offering specific information or promotions.
While the purpose of both signage and signboard is to communicate, their scope differs. Signage is more general and can include any visual graphics created to display information to a particular audience. Conversely, the term signboard refers specifically to a physical board that showcases this information.
From a design perspective, signage encompasses a wider range of materials, technologies, and styles. It can be dynamic or static, digital or analog, illuminated or not. In contrast, a signboard usually has a more traditional and static design, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic with painted, printed, or engraved information.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to signs collectively or the practice of using signs.
A flat surface displaying information or advertisement.
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Scope
General term for all types of signs.
Specific type of signage.
Material Variety
Can be made of various materials, including digital displays.
Typically made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Dynamism
Can be static or dynamic.
Usually static.
Usage
Used for guidance, warnings, or promotions.
Specifically used for names or specific information.
Compare with Definitions
Signage
Signage refers to the design or use of signs and symbols to communicate a message.
Effective signage can boost a business's visibility.
Signboard
A signboard is a board on which signs or notices are posted.
The restaurant's signboard displayed today's specials.
Signage
Signage is the design or use of signs and symbols to communicate a message. A signage also means signs collectively or being considered as a group.
Signboard
Signboard refers to a flat panel or surface used for public notifications or advertisements.
The shop had a colorful signboard that attracted many customers.
Signage
Signage is the use or arrangement of signs or symbols.
The mall's signage helped me navigate to the right store.
Signboard
Signboard denotes a specific piece of signage, usually rectangular, indicating business names or details.
Every store in the alley had a uniquely designed signboard.
Signage
Signage denotes all sorts of sign systems, including digital displays, billboards, and banners.
The company invested in digital signage to engage more customers.
Signboard
A signboard is typically a stationary display with information or messages.
The signboard outside the school announced the annual function.
Signage
Signs considered as a group.
Signboard
A board bearing a sign.
Signage
Signage encompasses any kind of visual graphics meant to convey information to the public.
The signage at the airport ensures travelers find their way.
Signboard
A signboard can be a wooden, metal, or plastic board with painted, printed, or engraved info.
The rustic wooden signboard gave the cafe a vintage look.
Signage
Signage can be a collective term for signs used in public places.
The city's new signage system made streets more pedestrian-friendly.
Signboard
(US) A board carrying a sign, or on which signs may be posted.
Signage
The design or use of signs and symbols.
Signboard
A board, placed on or before a shop, office, etc., on which ssome notice is given, as the name of a firm, of a business, or the like.
Signage
(uncountable) Signs, particularly those imparting commercial, directional, or road traffic information, taken collectively.
The signage at the airport is designed to point the way clearly to important locations.
Signboard
Structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted;
The highway was lined with signboards
Signage
A sign, a signboard.
Signage
Signs collectively (especially commercial signs or posters);
There will be signage displayed at each post
Common Curiosities
Are billboards considered signboards?
While billboards are a form of signage, they aren't typically labeled as "signboards" because of their size and placement.
What is signage?
Signage is the practice or art of designing or using signs and symbols to communicate a message to a specific group, often for marketing or safety purposes.
What is a signboard?
A signboard is a specific type of signage, usually a flat panel, that displays information, directions, or advertisements.
Can a digital display be considered a signboard?
Typically, a digital display is a form of signage, but it's not traditionally referred to as a "signboard."
How does signage differ from a signboard?
While signage is a broad term that includes all types of signs used for various purposes, a signboard refers specifically to a physical board displaying information.
Is a signboard always made of wood?
No, signboards can be made of various materials including metal, plastic, and more.
What's the primary purpose of signage?
The primary purpose of signage is to communicate, guide, warn, or promote depending on its specific design and placement.
Do all businesses need a signboard?
While not mandatory, a signboard helps identify and promote businesses, making them more recognizable to potential customers.
Can signage be both indoor and outdoor?
Yes, signage can be used both indoors and outdoors depending on its design and purpose.
Can signage include symbols without text?
Yes, signage can consist of symbols, images, or a combination of both with or without accompanying text.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
