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Lit Signs, Light Boxes, Channel Letters, and Digital Boards: A Simple Guide for Bright, Eye-Catching Displays

Author: FASTSIGNS®

Lit signs and illuminated displays make sure your message stands out both day and night. From light boxes and channel letters to digital boards and electronic messaging centers, these options provide visibility, style, and versatility. In Tucker, Decatur, Chamblee, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Doraville, and Smoke Rise, illuminated signs are a top choice for businesses, schools, and community organizations that want to be noticed at all hours.

Why Use Illuminated Signs?

  • They provide visibility at night – Customers and visitors can find you easily.
  • They work in all weather – Rain, fog, and low light won’t hide your sign.
  • They enhance branding – Lighted designs create a polished, professional look.
  • They can be updated easily – Digital boards allow for quick message changes.

Common Types of Illuminated Signs

  • Light Boxes – Contain a light source behind a translucent face, perfect for store names or menus.
  • Channel Letters – 3D letters with built-in lighting for a bold storefront look.
  • Digital Boards/Electronic Messaging Centers – Allow you to change text, images, or animations instantly.
  • Backlit Panels – Provide even, bright illumination for a clean and modern look.

Common Uses for Lit Signs

  • Storefront branding and identification
  • Promoting sales and special events
  • Displaying menus for restaurants or cafés
  • Announcing schedules for schools, theaters, or sports facilities
  • Providing community alerts or safety messages

Illuminated signs help you communicate clearly, whether you need permanent branding or changing event information.

How Do You Install Illuminated Signs?

Installation varies by type, but common methods include:

  • Wall mounting for channel letters and light boxes
  • Freestanding poles or monument bases for digital boards
  • Suspended mounting for indoor lighted displays

Other Names for Illuminated Signs

These signs may also be called:

  • LED signs
  • Backlit signs
  • Neon signs (for traditional lit signage)
  • Electronic message boards

A Short History of Illuminated Signs

The first illuminated signs appeared in the early 1900s, using incandescent bulbs to draw attention. Neon signs became popular in the 1920s for their bright colors and ability to be shaped into letters. Modern technology has replaced neon with energy-efficient LEDs and digital displays, allowing for brighter, more flexible, and longer-lasting signage.

Why Illuminated Signs Are a Smart Choice

Lit signs, light boxes, channel letters, and digital boards make sure your message is always seen. Whether you’re running a shop in Lithonia, promoting an event in Chamblee, or providing community updates in Doraville, illuminated signs create impact day and night. Across Tucker, Decatur, Stone Mountain, and Smoke Rise, they’re one of the most effective ways to stand out in a busy world.