General Information Signs: Colours, Symbols and Meaning Explained

What general information signs cover and where they’re used

General information signs identify places, facilities, services and procedures. They are not warning, prohibition, fire or mandatory safety signs under AS 1319. They tell people where to go, what a room or area is for, and how to access common services.

Because the goal is quick recognition, these signs use clear wording, high contrast and widely understood pictograms. They can be temporary or permanent, wall‑mounted, door‑mounted, suspended, freestanding or applied as decals.

For circulation routes, mount primary wayfinding at 1400–1600 mm to the sign centreline so it sits in the typical eye band. In open areas, ensure directional signs are visible from arrival points and decision points (e.g. lift lobbies, corridor tees) without obstruction by doors or furniture.

• Typical uses: reception and lobby directories, meeting room names, amenities, kitchens, lockers, first aid rooms, loading docks, parcel points and visitor check‑in.
• Formats: wall plaques, door plates, desk or counter stands, suspended blades, window decals, floor graphics and freestanding totems.

Colour conventions that people recognise

There’s no single mandated colour scheme for everyday facility information, but Australian users recognise certain patterns. Choosing familiar colours improves comprehension and reduces hesitation at decision points like corridor intersections and lift lobbies.

• Green and white: often used for access information and first aid rooms. Keep emergency exit signage formats for AS 2293‑compliant exit signs only.
• Blue and white: widely used for general amenities and services (toilets, showers, parents’ rooms, information desk) and neutral wayfinding that does not imply hazard.
• Black on white (or white on black): crisp, minimalist option for offices, retail and galleries where brand tone or architectural finish is important.
• Brand colours: acceptable for non‑safety messages provided legibility and contrast are maintained. Use brand palettes consistently across the site.

Prioritise strong contrast combinations (e.g. dark text on a light background) and avoid placing text over photos or patterns. If a symbol carries the main meaning, ensure the background colour does not reduce its silhouette clarity. Where information signage appears near safety signage, avoid colours that could be confused with AS 1319 safety colour classes. Do not style information signs to look like regulatory safety signs or emergency exit signs.

Symbols and pictograms

Symbols should be simple, high‑contrast and consistent in style. Default to recognised pictograms rather than bespoke artwork to speed recognition. Pairing a symbol with a short label (e.g. “Amenities”) increases accessibility for people unfamiliar with iconography or where English is a second language.

• Common symbols: information “i”, amenities, shower, change room, baby care, accessible access, lift, stairs, reception, meeting room, Wi‑Fi, parcel pickup, charging points.
• Keep line weights and corner radii consistent across all icons to avoid a mixed look.
• Use vectors for crisp edges at all sizes. Avoid low‑resolution raster icons that may pixellate on larger panels.

Test symbols at the smallest size they will appear on the finished sign. If recognition drops, simplify the icon or increase its size relative to the text. For mixed local/international audiences, ISO 7001 symbols are a solid starting point.

Text, contrast and legibility

Readable text is more than font choice. Consider viewing distance, lighting and the time a viewer has to interpret the message while walking or turning a corner. Sentence case often reads faster than ALL CAPS for multi‑word labels.

• Choose humanist sans‑serif fonts with open counters and clear letter shapes.
• Keep copy short. Room names and single‑action directions are faster to scan than paragraphs.
• Use adequate spacing around the word group and between lines. Tight spacing hurts readability at a distance.
• Avoid reflective glare on glossy finishes in bright areas; matte or satin can improve legibility.
• Letter height guide: approximate cap height (mm) ≈ viewing distance (m) × 1.5–2. For example, 10 m viewing distance → 15–20 mm letters; 25 m → 40–50 mm.
• Plan sizes from actual decision points, not room‑to‑room distances, so arrows and room labels read when they’re needed.
• Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between text/icon and background for reliable readability in varied lighting.
• If tactile/Braille is required, follow AS 1428.1 for character size, case and mounting heights; don’t mix tactile plates with non‑compliant decorative plates on the same door.

Best substrates and finishes for information signage

Material choice depends on placement (indoor vs outdoor), durability needs, cleaning regimes and mounting surfaces. Each substrate trades off rigidity, weight, edge profile and cost.

• Aluminium composite panel (ACP): rigid, dimensionally stable and suitable for indoor/outdoor plaques, directory boards and blades. Edges present cleanly when cut to shape. Typical thickness: 3 mm for wall plates, 4 mm for larger blades or totems. Specify rounded corners (3–6 mm radius) in high‑traffic corridors.
• Acrylic (PMMA): premium glass‑like look for offices and retail. Can be laser‑cut for polished edges and used with stand‑offs for a floating effect. Common thickness: 3–10 mm depending on size. Consider frosted reverse for glare control.
• Foam PVC: lightweight indoor option for short‑ to medium‑term wall plates and suspended signs. Choose fire‑retardant grades in public buildings.
• Polycarbonate: impact‑resistant for harsher environments like warehouses where knocks are likely. Good for machine guards and exposed blade signs.
• Vinyl decals: apply to windows, doors and walls where a panel is not desired. Options include removable (short‑term/leased spaces) and permanent (long‑term), plus frosted films for privacy with cut‑through icons.
• Magnetic or removable films: useful for temporary or frequently updated messages on metal surfaces.

Finishes include direct UV print, protective laminates (matte, satin, gloss), and anti‑graffiti overlaminates for high‑touch or public areas. For brand‑sensitive interiors, satin often avoids glare while keeping colours vibrant. For outdoor blades and totems, specify edge sealing of ACP cores and corrosion‑resistant fixings. In healthcare, anti‑microbial laminates can support frequent cleaning protocols.

Browse products most commonly used for information signage: ACP plaques, Acrylic plaques and Vinyl decals.

Popular products for information signage

• ACP plaques — robust, clean‑edged panels for directories, blades and outdoor identification.
• Acrylic plaques — premium, laser‑polished edges with the option of stand‑offs and back‑printed graphics.
• Vinyl decals — low‑profile wayfinding, door labels and window messaging, available in removable or permanent grades.

Key differences from safety‑critical signage

General information signs guide. Safety signs instruct to prevent harm. That difference drives colour limits, materials and placement priority.

Artwork supply and manufacturing

Supply vector artwork (PDF, EPS, AI or SVG) for crisp icons and text at any size. Outline fonts unless edits are expected; if so, include the font files. For colour‑critical branding, include Pantone references and a printed proof or brand style guide.

• Direct UV print to rigid sheets: Panels can be printed flat for excellent colour, then registered and cut to shape.
• Contour cutting: Rigid signs can be CNC‑routed to custom shapes; acrylic can be laser‑cut for polished edges and tight inside radii.
• Print‑to‑cut vinyl: Decals and wall graphics are printed and kiss‑cut to icons or text, ideal for glass and smooth walls.
• Finishing: Add protective laminates (including anti‑graffiti options) for high‑touch or outdoor areas.

How we manufacture at Sign Portal: colour‑managed RIP workflows, inline white ink where required for glass/acrylic, CNC registration accuracy typically within ±0.5 mm over panel, and laser‑polished acrylic edges for a premium presentation. We test adhesion on representative substrates and label each dispatch with job numbers for easy reorders.

• In‑house equipment highlights: industrial UV flatbed (2.5 × 1.3 m bed) with white ink, CNC router with optical registration and auto tool change, large‑format roll printer for vinyl and films, 1.6 m heat‑assist laminator, and a CO₂ laser for precision acrylic cutting.
• Colour proofing: spot‑colour targets verified with a spectrophotometer; we aim for brand criticals within ΔE00 ≤ 2 under D50 lighting.
• Edge quality: routered ACP with deburred, sealed edges; acrylic edges flame‑ or laser‑polished depending on thickness.
• File handling: we accept layered PDFs with cut layers named “CUT” or “KISS”; please embed or outline fonts and include a 3–5 mm bleed for full‑bleed designs.

Installation options

Match the fixing method to the substrate, wall surface and expected lifespan. Always clean the surface thoroughly and confirm paint cure times before using adhesives.

• VHB tape and adhesive: Low‑profile mounting for smooth walls and doors. Choose tapes rated for the environment. Surface prep with isopropyl alcohol; use adhesion promoters on low‑energy paints if recommended.
• Screws with stand‑offs: Premium look for acrylic and ACP plaques; allows easy removal if needed. Use 316 stainless fixings in coastal sites.
• Mechanical fixings: Rivets or screws for rough surfaces or high‑impact zones (warehouses, plant rooms).
• Suspended or blade mounts: Double‑sided visibility in corridors and open areas.
• Vinyl application: For glass or painted walls; consider removable vinyl for leased spaces.
• Temporary methods: Magnetic, suction or clamp‑on frames for events and short‑term changes.

Sign Portal install process: surfaces are degreased with 70% IPA; for adhesive installs we use high‑bond foam tapes (e.g. black, LSE‑compatible varieties) with primer on low‑energy paints; mechanical installs use marked jigs and laser alignment for consistent heights. Our crews work to SWMS on live sites and carry White Cards and EWP tickets for high work.

Australian conditions and durability

Australian UV, heat and coastal environments can be harsh on signage. For outdoors or sun‑exposed interiors, specify UV‑stable inks, durable substrates and appropriate laminates. In coastal areas, consider corrosion‑resistant fixings and regular rinsing to remove salt.

• UV and heat: Protect prints with suitable overlaminates where ongoing sun exposure is expected.
• Public and high‑touch areas: Anti‑graffiti laminates simplify cleaning and help extend service life.
• Cleaning: Use mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive pads that can dull finishes.
• Inspection: Check adhesives and fixings periodically, especially after heat waves or in high‑traffic corridors.
• Coastal sites: Rinse external plaques quarterly to remove salt deposits; specify 316 stainless hardware and sealed ACP edges.

Repair and refresh

Information signage often needs repair due to knocks, tenancy changes or cleaning damage. Plan for serviceability when you specify.

• Minor surface damage: Light scuffs on laminated prints can be buffed or re‑laminated in situ where practical. Deep scratches typically require a reprint of the face film only (keep the panel).
• Vinyl overlays: For room renames or rebrands, we can supply pre‑spaced vinyl overlays to update existing plaques without removing hardware.
• Modular swaps: With stand‑off or track systems, only the insert/name plate is replaced. Keep a small buffer stock for critical rooms.
• Adhesive failure: In hot or low‑VOC paint environments, replace with higher‑temperature VHB and primer. Clean off residues with citrus‑based removers then IPA before refit.
• Hardware wear: Replace scratched stand‑offs with like‑for‑like diameters. Use 316 stainless or anodised aluminium in coastal buildings.
• Graphics update packs: We can supply matched reprint kits (panel, laminate and fixings) referenced to your job number for fast change‑outs by facility teams.
• Lead times: Typical reprint lead time is 3–5 business days from approval. Quote faster if you reference our job number on the back of your existing sign.

Ordering and reordering

Clear specifications speed up quoting and production. Provide location lists, materials, sizes, colours, symbol set, copy text, mounting method and any brand guidelines. If you order regularly, a customer‑specific catalogue makes future reorders faster and more consistent.

• We manufacture in‑house with UV flatbed printing, wide‑format printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, laminating and custom fabrication.
• Repeat orders are streamlined via our Trade Portal and customer‑specific catalogues.
• Australia‑wide delivery is available, including regional and remote areas.
• As a Veteran‑Owned business with Local Buy credentials, we support public sector procurement requirements.

First‑party capability highlights: registered install teams with construction White Cards, elevated work platform tickets for high installs, and documented QA checkpoints (print approval, cut, assembly, pre‑dispatch review). We retain production files against your job number to simplify reorders and repairs. On request, we provide SWMS, toolbox talks and pre‑start photos for live‑site compliance.

Ready to specify or order? Choose a substrate to start your brief: ACP plaques, Acrylic plaques, or Vinyl decals.

Information signage specification checklist

• Locations list (with floor/zone and install height)
• Substrate and thickness (e.g. 3 mm ACP, 6 mm acrylic)
• Finish (direct print, laminate type, anti‑graffiti if required)
• Copy and pictograms (file names or codes; language variants if applicable)
• Colour references (Pantone/brand swatches) and contrast targets
• Text size by viewing distance (include any accessibility requirements)
• Mounting method (VHB, stand‑offs, screws, blade/suspended)
• Environment (indoor/outdoor, coastal, high‑touch, clinical cleaning)
• Wayfinding logic (decision points, directional arrows, sequencing)
• Numbering/naming conventions (rooms, levels, wings)
• Artwork supply format (PDF/EPS/SVG) and proof requirement
• Project constraints (lead time, access windows, hot works permits)
• Future updates plan (modular plates, vinyl overlays, spare inserts)
• Corner radius and edge detail (e.g. 3 mm R, chamfer; ACP edge sealing for outdoors)
• Fixing layout (hole centres, stand‑off diameters, VHB coverage, drilling templates)
• Blade/totem specifics (projection off wall, double‑sided artwork, height to underside)
• Separation from safety signage (avoid colour/form conflicts with AS 1319 categories)
• Handover requirements (as‑built sign schedule, photo record, maintenance notes)

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Low contrast: Prioritise legibility over brand colour purity when necessary.
• Inconsistent icons: Use a single cohesive pictogram set across the whole site.
• Overloaded panels: Split information across logical decision points instead of one dense directory.
• Gloss glare: Choose satin or matte near windows and strong artificial light.
• Unplanned updates: Design modular name plates or apply vinyl overlays for easy future changes.
• Weak fixings: Match adhesives and mechanical fixings to the surface and environment.

Related Sign Portal resources: General Information - Notice All Visitors Please Report Signs · General Information - Notice Please Keep This Area Clear Signs · General Information - Notice Please Keep This Walkway Clear Signs