1. General File Requirements
Print (static OOH)
- Color mode: CMYK
- Resolution: 300 dpi at final size or 300 dpi at 1:10 scale
- Formats: PDF (press ready), AI, EPS, high-res TIFF or JPEG
- Bleed: 3–6 inches (or 0.25–0.5 inches at 1:10 scale), depending on format
- Fonts: Outlined or embedded
- Safe area: Keep logos, text and key visuals at least 3–6 inches from trim and hardware areas
Digital (DOOH & digital trucks)
- Color mode: RGB
- Formats: JPG, PNG or MP4 (for motion, where allowed)
- Frame rate (video): Typically 24–30 fps
- Length (video): Usually 8–15 seconds, depending on network loop
- Safe area: Keep copy and logos away from edges to avoid cropping on different displays
2. Static Billboards (Bulletins & Posters)
These are the classic highway and major arterial units used across many of your Local OOH markets: large bulletins, 30-sheets and posters on key commuter routes.
| Format | Typical Live Area | Production Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulletin (Standard) | 14' x 48' | Print at 1:10 (16.8" x 57.6"), 300 dpi, 3–6" bleed all sides. |
| Bulletin (Other sizes) | 10.5' x 36', 10' x 40', etc. | Confirm exact size from location list; scale to 1:10, 300 dpi. |
| Poster (30-sheet) | 10' x 22' | Paper or vinyl depending on market; keep copy large and simple. |
| Junior Poster | 6' x 12' | Ideal for local directional and neighborhood coverage. |
For spectaculars or custom sizes (Times Square-style, Las Vegas Strip, sports arenas, etc.), Local OOH will provide unit-specific specs during planning.
3. Digital Billboards & DOOH Networks
Digital OOH uses fixed pixel dimensions per screen or network. Specs can vary by operator, but these are common baselines for highway and urban units.
| Format | Typical Pixel Size | File Type |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Bulletin (Landscape) | 400 x 140 px, 840 x 300 px, or 1080 x 360 px | JPG or PNG (RGB). MP4 allowed on some networks. |
| Digital Urban Panel | 1080 x 1920 px (vertical) | JPG/PNG; keep text centered and large. |
| Street-level DOOH Screens | Varies by network (e.g., 1080 x 1920, 1200 x 1800) | JPG/PNG, sometimes motion allowed in loops. |
Loop & duration
- Typical loop length: 60–120 seconds.
- Your ad duration: usually 8–15 seconds per play.
- File weight: keep optimized for quick playback and upload.
4. Transit Advertising (Bus & Rail)
Transit formats are key in many of the markets Local OOH covers: bus wraps, kings, queens, fullbacks and rail/metro interiors in states like New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas and beyond.
| Format | Usage | Spec Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus King | Large panel on curb side of bus. | Final size varies by fleet; design with simple message and strong logo. |
| Bus Queen | Panel on street side of bus. | Similar artwork approach as king; check exact dimensions per transit agency. |
| Super King / Ultra Super King | Extended curb-side panels. | Wide horizontals — keep key elements away from wheels, vents and doors. |
| Full Wrap / Transit Full Wrap | Full bus body coverage. | Production templates are vehicle-specific; Local OOH provides layouts. |
| Fullback / Bus Tail | Back of bus. | High dwell near traffic; prioritize branding and short CTA. |
| Rail Interior Cards | Inside metro/rail cars. | Static print; smaller text allowed but keep headlines punchy. |
Transit specs are highly system-specific. Once your markets (e.g., NYC, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Newark/Jersey City) are defined, Local OOH shares exact templates from each transit operator.
5. Street Furniture (Shelters, Benches & Urban Panels)
Street furniture places your creative at eye level in dense urban areas, often near cafés, retail and transit hubs.
| Format | Typical Use | Spec Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Shelter Poster | Sidewalk-level panel. | Backlit print or DOOH; keep copy centered and legible at short distance. |
| Advertising Bench | Bench back panels. | Wider horizontal; ensure logo is large and centered for passing traffic. |
| Street Kiosks / Urban Panels | Pedestrian-scale units in high-traffic zones. | Usually vertical; similar to 2:3 or 9:16 layout. Confirm live area & trim. |
6. Wallscapes & Hand-Painted Murals
For iconic placements (SoHo-style murals, large urban walls, stadium perimeters), wallscapes and hand-painted murals create impact far beyond standard OOH.
Artwork Approach
- Provide vector artwork when possible (AI, EPS, high-res PDF).
- For photo-heavy creatives, use the highest resolution available.
- Expect custom scaling — the painter or fabricator works from your master art.
- Keep composition simple; large walls can amplify small design choices.
Final wallscape sizes can vary dramatically (e.g., 20' x 60', 30' x 90' or larger). Local OOH will confirm exact specs and required scale for each location.
7. Digital Billboard Trucks
Digital truck campaigns add flexible, mobile impressions around events, stadiums, festivals and city centers in markets like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas, Las Vegas and more.
Typical Specs
- Format Three LED screens (two sides + rear)
- Color mode RGB
- File types JPG/PNG (static) or MP4 (motion)
- Duration 8–10 seconds per creative in loop (varies by operator)
Pixel sizes differ per truck fleet. Once your route and city are defined, we share exact screen resolutions and loop specifications for your chosen vendor.
8. File Delivery & Deadlines
To keep campaign timelines on track, we recommend the following delivery windows:
- Static billboards & print transit: Final art 10–12 business days before posting.
- Digital billboards & DOOH: Final art 3–5 business days before go-live (often faster).
- Murals & large wallscapes: 2–4 weeks before installation, depending on complexity.
Files can be delivered via email (for smaller sizes) or secure file share links. Your Local OOH contact will confirm the best method and naming conventions for each campaign.
9. Need help with specs or creative?
If you are unsure about a specific format, market or unit, share your artwork draft with Local OOH. Our team will review and adjust it for:
- Correct scaling and bleed
- Local operator templates and hardware
- Readable typography and contrast
- Consistency across multiple US markets
Contact us at contact@local-ooh.com or through the Contact page and we’ll align specs with your campaign plan.