When to Choose Special Format Displays Over Standard Screens 

In many industrial and commercial environments, standard display sizes simply don’t fit the application. Whether it’s limited installation space, unique viewing requirements, or the need for more engaging visual formats, traditional rectangular screens often fall short.

That’s where special format displays come in. Designed in unconventional shapes and aspect ratios, these displays provide flexible solutions for applications where standard screens cannot deliver the required impact or usability.

Why Standard Displays Aren’t Always Enough

Most off-the-shelf displays are designed for general-purpose use. While they work well in many environments, they can be limiting in specialized applications.

Common challenges with standard screens include:

• Insufficient space for installation
• Poor visibility in shared or wide viewing areas
• Inefficient use of available physical layout
• Limited design flexibility for unique applications

When these limitations appear, a more tailored display format becomes necessary.

What Are Special Format Displays?

Special format displays refer to TFT and industrial screens that deviate from standard 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios. These can include ultra-wide bar type displays, square formats, stretched panels, or custom-shaped solutions designed for specific environments.

By moving beyond standard dimensions, these displays allow for more creative and functional system integration.

Where Special Format Displays Are Used

Special format displays are widely used across industries where space and visibility requirements differ from conventional setups.

Typical applications include:

• Transportation systems and dashboard displays
• Retail signage and shelf-edge advertising
• Industrial control panels with limited space
• Elevators and public information systems
• Restaurant menu boards and ordering systems
• Machine interfaces in compact equipment

In each case, the display format is chosen to match the environment—not the other way around.

Benefits of Special Format Display Solutions

Choosing a non-standard display format offers several advantages beyond just fitting into tight spaces.

These benefits include:

• Better use of available installation space
• Improved visibility in horizontal or vertical viewing environments
• Enhanced user experience through tailored aspect ratios
• Increased design flexibility for system integrators
• Strong visual impact in public-facing applications

Special format displays can also help differentiate products and improve usability in customer-facing systems.

Partner with Fortec US for Specialized Display Technology

At Fortec US, we offer a wide range of special format display solutions designed to meet the needs of complex industrial, commercial, and embedded applications. From bar type displays to customized TFT solutions, we help customers find the right fit for even the most challenging environments.

Need a display solution that goes beyond standard formats? Contact Fortec US to explore our specialized display technologies.