Button copy

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A distance sign using button copy
A distance sign 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.

Button copy on a letter, arrow, and route marker from a sign in Los Angeles Button copy on a letter, arrow, and route marker from a sign in Los Angeles Button copy on a letter, arrow, and route marker from a sign in Los Angeles
Button copy on a letter, arrow, and route marker from a sign in Los Angeles

Near the end of the 20th century, newer retroreflective designs were invented, and were both lower in cost (due to the ability to be laid out with a computer) and provided 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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