Character Heights & Fonts

Standard Fonts

DMS messages are almost always displayed in capital letters. DMS fonts define what pixels will be turned on to form each character. In many cases, multiple fonts are used to either add emphasis to information or to fit more information onto a sign.

For example, a bold or larger font could be used to highlight key words in a message. Or a smaller font (Down to 10.6 inches, according to the MUTCD) may be used to fit more information onto a DMS.

Font Types

The following examples are just a few of the font types that can be used on dynamic message signs.

NEMA A Series font	MUTCD D Series font	MUTCD E Series font

Standard Character Heights

ITS displays use a standard 18-inch character height, although that can deviate depending on the display's resolution. Some Daktronics DMS are available in character sizes such as 12 inch, 9 inch, or 6 inch. Any character, however, can be doubled (or more) in size.

For example, 9-inch characters can be doubled in height to produce 18-inch characters; that character would contain more pixels and thus be clearer than a standard 18-inch character.

18"/66 mm	12"/46 mm	9"/34 mm	6"/20 mm

It's possible to read most Daktronics LED displays with 18-inch characters at more than 1,000 feet away; visit the Viewing Distance web page to learn more.