How to Make a Concert Sign: Ideas, Size and Etiquette
A good concert sign is short, readable from a distance and considerate of the people around you. Performers often say they love reading the crowd's signs, but they only see the ones they can read in a split second under bright lights.
This guide covers message ideas, how big to make the letters, colours that stand out in a dark venue, venue rules and etiquette, and the trade-offs between paper and screen signs. It ends with how to make one on your phone with Strings.
Message ideas that work
The best signs say one thing in a few words. Some reliable formats:
- A name: the band, the artist or a band member's name.
- A song request: just the title, in big letters.
- A milestone: "1st concert!", "10th show" or "Came from Osaka".
- A thank-you: "Thank you" in the performer's language often gets noticed.
- A cheer: a word or short phrase associated with the artist or fans.
Keep it kind. Signs asking a performer for something are fine, but avoid anything rude, sexual or targeting other people; it reflects on you and can get you asked to put it away.
How big the letters need to be
A common signage rule of thumb is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of letter height for every 10 feet (3 m) of viewing distance. From 30 feet (about 9 m), that means letters around 3 inches tall; from 50 feet (about 15 m), around 5 inches. Stage lights shining towards the audience make reading harder, so err on the larger side.
That is why very short messages win. On a phone screen held sideways, roughly 5.5 by 2.6 inches on a 6.1-inch phone, three or four letters can be shown far larger than a full sentence. A tablet gives you much more room.
Colours that stand out in a dark venue
In a dark room, a backlit screen with bright text on black is very visible. On paper, bold dark letters on a white or neon card read best, and reflective or neon colours catch stage lights. Whatever you choose, high contrast between letters and background matters more than the colour itself.
Avoid thin fonts, glitter that hides the letters, and dark colours on dark card.
Venue rules and etiquette
Many venues and tours set their own rules on signs: maximum size, no sticks or poles, no rigid boards, or no signs at all. Check the venue's or event's policy before you make one.
- Hold the sign up at moments when it makes sense, such as between songs, rather than all show long.
- Keep it at chest or head height, not stretched above your head, so you do not block the view of people behind you.
- Turn down a very bright screen when you are not showing it, and lower it if people nearby ask.
- Follow any staff instructions straight away.
This is general guidance. Each venue's rules apply and can change from event to event.
Paper sign or phone sign?
Paper or card
Can be larger than any phone and easy to decorate. It needs to fit venue size rules, can get crushed in a crowd, and you have to carry it all night.
Phone or tablet
Fits in your pocket, glows in the dark and can change between messages during the show. It is smaller than a big card and uses battery, so charge up before you go. Remember that turning down the brightness between uses saves battery and is kinder to people nearby.
For signs in daylight, such as at an airport, see how to make an airport pickup sign.
Making a concert sign with Strings
Strings turns your screen into a glowing sign with no setup.
- Tap the screen to show the controls and type your message in the Enter Text field.
- Raise the Text Size slider (20 to 500) until the message nearly fills the screen without wrapping.
- Choose a text colour: pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, teal, red or white.
- Choose a dark background such as black, deep grey, navy, dark red or dark purple.
- Tap the screen again to hide the controls, and turn the phone sideways for longer words.
- Between moments, tap to bring back the controls and change the message.
The text is still and centred; there is no scrolling or flashing effect. Nothing is saved or uploaded, so retype your message next time. Strings is also on iPhone and Android.
Frequently asked questions
What should I put on a concert sign?
One short message: a name, a song title, a milestone such as a first concert, or a thank-you.
How big should concert sign letters be?
A rule of thumb is about 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of distance, so the further back you are, the bigger and shorter the message should be.
Are signs allowed at concerts?
It depends on the venue and the event. Many limit size or ban sticks and rigid boards. Check the policy before you go.
Can I use my phone as a light-up concert sign?
Yes. Bright text on a dark background stands out well in a dark venue. Use a short message and keep the screen at head height or below.
Can Strings make my text scroll?
No. Strings shows still, centred text. Use a shorter message or a smaller size if it does not fit.