How to build a simple Raspberry Pi digital sign for a school or business

Good uses for a Raspberry Pi information screen

The simplest digital sign displays a web page designed for a television or monitor. Changing the page changes the information on the screen without somebody replacing a memory stick or editing a presentation locally.

• School reception notices and upcoming events.
• Visitor instructions and safeguarding reminders.
• Business opening hours and customer information.
• Workshop safety information and production targets.
• Meeting room schedules and internal announcements.
• Service status or monitoring dashboards that contain no sensitive data.

What you will need

Raspberry Pi's official kiosk tutorial requires a Raspberry Pi 3 or newer with at least 1 GB of memory because modern graphical browsers will not run on older models. For a new installation, a current Raspberry Pi with built in networking provides more comfortable performance and longer useful life.

• A suitable Raspberry Pi and case.
• The correct official or approved power supply.
• A reliable microSD card or supported storage device.
• An HDMI cable suitable for the Raspberry Pi and display.
• A monitor, television or commercial display.
• Wired Ethernet or reliable WiFi.
• A web page designed to be read from a distance.
• A separate computer with a card reader for the initial setup.

Install Raspberry Pi OS

Download Raspberry Pi Imager from the official Raspberry Pi website. Insert the microSD card into your computer, choose the current 64 bit Raspberry Pi OS for a compatible model and write it to the card. Writing an operating system erases the selected card, so check the target carefully.

During the Imager customisation stage, give the device a clear hostname such as reception sign, create a unique administrator username and strong password, and enter the correct network details. Enable SSH only if somebody will use it for managed remote support.

Connect the Raspberry Pi to the screen, insert the prepared card and power it on. Complete the first start process and confirm that the screen resolution, time zone and network connection are correct.

Update the operating system

Raspberry Pi recommends using APT for normal operating system, kernel and stable firmware updates. Open Terminal and run the following commands before configuring the kiosk, then repeat the update process regularly.

• sudo apt update
• sudo apt full-upgrade

Configure kiosk mode

Follow Raspberry Pi's current kiosk mode tutorial to make the device open the required web page automatically in a full screen browser. The official tutorial is maintained for the current Raspberry Pi OS and is safer than copying an old startup file from a forum post written for an earlier desktop system.

Use a page created specifically for the display. Make the text large, keep contrast high and avoid information that requires scrolling. If the page needs a sign in, do not embed an administrator password or expose confidential dashboards on a screen that visitors can see.

After setup, restart the Raspberry Pi several times and temporarily disconnect the network. Check that it returns to the display automatically and that a useful message appears when the content cannot be reached.

Secure and maintain the sign

An unattended Raspberry Pi is still a computer on the organisation's network. Give it a named owner, record its location and keep it on an appropriate network segment. Do not expose SSH or a remote control service directly to the internet.

Raspberry Pi recommends regular updates, secure remote access and sensible user permissions. Change default or shared credentials, remove services that are not needed and limit the web page account to read only access wherever possible.

• Record the device, serial number, location and purpose.
• Use a unique password and approved remote access method.
• Install updates on a planned schedule.
• Back up the configuration or keep a prepared replacement card.
• Prevent visitors reaching the power, storage card or network cable.
• Review displayed content for personal or sensitive information.
• Test recovery after a power or internet failure.

When a commercial signage system is better

A Raspberry Pi is well suited to one or a few straightforward screens. A commercial signage platform may be better where many sites, emergency messages, approval workflows, video scheduling, audit trails or guaranteed support are required.

The real cost includes setup, secure management, content design and ongoing maintenance, not only the Raspberry Pi itself. Decide who will update the information and support the device before installing it above a reception desk or in a remote building.

How Bury I.T. Support can help

Bury I.T. Support Ltd can build and secure small Raspberry Pi display projects, prepare the network connection, create a supportable replacement image and advise when a managed commercial signage system would be more appropriate.