So, you have a network of screens ready to inform your staff or dazzle your customers. You have the hardware, the mounting brackets are secure, and the Wi-Fi is connected. But now comes the tricky part: creating the content.

Do you need to hire a graphic designer? Do you need to learn complicated professional design software?

Absolutely not. You probably already have one of the most powerful digital signage content creation tools installed on your computer right now. Yes, we are talking about Microsoft PowerPoint.

While most people associate it with boardroom presentations and quarterly reports, PowerPoint is actually a secret weapon for creating stunning, animated digital signage content. It’s accessible, you already know how to use it, and best of all? It won’t cost you an extra dime.

Let’s explore how you can transform simple slides into dynamic digital displays that grab attention and get results.

Why PowerPoint is Your New Best Friend for Signage

You might be asking, “Can a presentation tool really handle digital signage?” The answer is a resounding yes. Here is why savvy business owners and facility managers are using it:

• Zero Learning Curve: You don’t need to spend weeks learning Photoshop or After Effects. If you can drag and drop a text box, you can design digital signage.
• Cost-Effective: Why pay for expensive monthly subscriptions for design tools when you already own the license for PowerPoint?
• Built-in Animation: Digital signage needs movement to catch the eye. PowerPoint comes loaded with transitions and animations that are incredibly easy to apply.
• Template Friendly: There are thousands of free and premium templates available online. You never have to start from a blank slate.

Step-by-Step: Designing Killer Content in PowerPoint

Ready to start creating? Designing for a TV screen is a little different than designing for a projector or a printed handout. Follow these steps to ensure your content looks professional and crisp.

1. Set Your Slide Size Correctly

Before you type a single word, you must ensure your canvas matches your screen. most modern TVs and digital displays use a 16:9 aspect ratio.

• Go to the Design tab.
• Click Slide Size.
• Select Widescreen (16:9).
• Pro Tip: If your screen is mounted vertically (portrait mode), select Custom Slide Size and swap the width and height measurements.

2. Keep It Bold and Brief

Remember, your audience is walking by, not sitting in a chair. They won’t stop to read a paragraph.

• The 3-Second Rule: Can the viewer understand the message in three seconds? If not, cut the text.
• Font Size Matters: Use large, sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Calibri) that are easy to read from a distance. Aim for a font size of 60pt or larger for headlines.
• High Contrast: Use light text on dark backgrounds or vice versa. Low contrast text is invisible on a screen under bright office lights.

3. Add Motion with Purpose

Static images are fine, but moving images are better. Use animations to guide the viewer’s eye.

• Entrance Animations: Use “Fade” or “Fly In” to introduce text and images sequentially. This keeps the viewer watching to see what appears next.
• Transitions: Use the “Morph” transition for smooth, professional-looking movements between slides.
• Don’t Overdo It: Avoid “Bouncing” or “Spinning” text unless it fits a fun, informal message. It can look unprofessional if used incorrectly.

Exporting Your Masterpiece

Once your slides look perfect, you need to get them out of PowerPoint and onto your screens. You generally have two options, depending on how you plan to use them.

Option A: Export as Video

This is the best method if you have used animations or transitions.

1. Go to File > Export.
2. Select Create a Video.
3. Choose your quality. Full HD (1080p) is usually the standard for digital signage. Ultra HD (4K) is great if you have high-end screens.
4. Set “Seconds spent on each slide” (only applies if you didn’t set specific timings).
5. Click Create Video to save an MP4 file.

Option B: Export as Images

If your content is static (like a cafeteria menu or a “Welcome” sign), images work perfectly and load quickly.

1. Go to File > Save As.
2. Change the file type to JPEG or PNG.
3. Select All Slides to save each slide as a separate image.

Seamless Integration with SignageTube

So you have your MP4 video or your folder of JPEGs. How do you get them onto the TV in your lobby, the monitor in the cafeteria, and the screen in the warehouse, all at the same time?

This is where a cloud-based platform like SignageTube shines. It acts as the bridge between your computer and your screens.

Why use a cloud platform?

If you just stick a USB drive into a TV, you have to physically walk to every screen to update it. With SignageTube, you get remote access. You can sit in your office (or at home) and update screens across multiple locations instantly.

How to Upload Your PowerPoint Content:

1. Log in to your SignageTube dashboard.
2. Upload your exported PowerPoint video or images directly to your media library.
3. Create a Playlist: Drag and drop your new content into a playlist. You can mix your PowerPoint video with other content, like live weather widgets or news feeds.
4. Schedule: Do you want the lunch menu to show only between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM? Use the smart scheduling feature to automate when your content plays.
5. Deploy: Assign the playlist to your player (the device connected to your TV). The content will download automatically and start playing.

3 Design Tips for Visually Engaging Signage

To make your PowerPoint digital signage truly stand out, keep these design principles in mind:

1. Quality Over Quantity

Avoid using low-resolution images from Google Images. They will look pixelated and blurry on a large 55-inch TV. Use high-quality stock photos or your own high-resolution brand assets.

2. Use Brand Colors

Consistency builds trust. Use your company’s specific color palette for backgrounds and accents. PowerPoint allows you to enter specific RGB or Hex codes, ensuring your digital signage matches your website and brochures perfectly.

3. Leave “White Space”

Don’t clutter the slide. Empty space (or negative space) helps frame your content and makes it easier to digest. If a slide feels crowded, split the information across two slides instead of squeezing it all onto one.

Ready to Go Live?

Using PowerPoint for digital signage is a smart, scalable way to communicate. It combines the tools you already know with the power of digital display technology. Whether you are updating safety protocols in a factory or promoting a sale in a retail store, the process is simple: Design, Export, and Upload.

Are you ready to see your slides on the big screen?

Stop struggling with complicated software and start using the tools you already have. Pair your PowerPoint skills with the hassle-free updates and effortless management of SignageTube.

Create your free SignageTube account today and turn your presentations into powerful digital experiences.