Button copy

A distance sign in Oklahoma using button copy

Button copy is a term describing the method of manufacture of older road signs in the United States. Button copy signs contain rows of embedded reflectors outlining the legend of the sign, for better visibility at night. The embedded reflectors would stand out against the non-reflective background of the sign, giving the legend better contrast and making it easier to read.

Near the end of the 20th century, newer Scotchlite retroreflective designs were invented, and provided both a lower cost (due to the ability to be laid out with a computer) and better reflectivity. Because of this, more and more states stopped installing new button copy signs, switching instead to the retroreflective-sheeting signs.

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  button copy overhead sign on I-270 in Ohio, including button copy shield outline and numerals
• 
  button copy overheads at I-71/I-76 interchange in Ohio, showing reflection of button reflectors in camera flash
• 
  button copy sign on US 30 in Ohio, showing reflection of buttons in letters, shield numerals and outline, and arrow

References

• Moeur, Richard. Sign Typefaces. Manual of Traffic Signs. 22 April 2005. URL accessed 28 May 2006.
• Moeur, Richard. "Farewell to Button Copy". Post to Usenet misc.transport.road 17 Dec 2000.