Should my digital signage screen be vertical or horizontal?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Match orientation to content

Portrait screens suit lists, menus, and schedules because people read from top to bottom. Landscape screens suit videos, photos, and wide messages. Choosing the orientation first makes the content design much easier.

Some setups use both, such as a vertical menu next to a horizontal promotion. Check that your media player supports the orientation you need. Changing orientation later can mean redesigning every slide.

• Vertical for menus and lists
• Horizontal for video and lobby displays
• Confirm the player supports rotation

Think about viewing position

Where people stand matters. A screen at eye level in a hallway reads differently than one mounted above a counter. Consider whether people will pass by quickly or stop to read.

Test your layout on a laptop or a printout at the same size and distance. Small text that is easy to read up close can be hard to see from across a room. Simple, large text usually wins. Check the brightness rating too, since a screen placed near a bright window may need more brightness to stay readable. Ask the seller for that rating in writing before you buy.

• Consider distance and height
• Use large text for quick reading
• Mock up the layout before installing

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