Chrome Sign Builder Alternative

Google Chrome Sign Builder

Chrome Sign Builder was a free Google digital signage scheduling application for managed ChromeOS kiosk devices, designed to turn ChromeOS hardware into media players for dynamic displays. It schedules web-based content by URL, but Google is now phasing the app out alongside legacy Chrome apps in kiosk mode.

What it does

Google Chrome Sign Builder worked like a simple digital signage platform. Its core concept is a calendar-based content schedule: administrators assign URLs to particular times, dates, or repeating periods and can specify a default URL for otherwise empty periods. Typical use cases included:

• Restaurant menus and promotional displays

• Corporate announcements and internal communications

• School notices and educational information

• Images, videos and YouTube playlists

• Google Slides presentations

• Information screens in reception areas and public spaces

However, Chrome Sign Builder was essentially a URL-based scheduling utility rather than a full digital signage content management system (CMS). For example, it did not offer the same content creation, design flexibility, integrations and advanced screen management capabilities that digital signage platforms offer.

Chrome Sign Builder End-of-Support Timeline: Important Dates

Google is retiring Google Chrome apps in stages. There are different deadlines depending on the ChromeOS version. Some of these dates have already passed, which makes it even more important to plan your migration if you are still using Chrome Sign Builder.

What Does the End Of Chrome Sign Builder Mean For Your Existing Setup?

1. You can use your existing ChromeOS hardware

   Your Chromeboxes and Chromebooks can keep working, as long as they are still supported and meet the requirements of the new software. You don’t have to replace your screens or other devices just because Chrome Sign Builder is being discontinued.
   
   

2. Chrome Sign Builder can no longer be relied upon

   Chrome Sign Builder is already no longer available to install. Once ChromeOS kiosk support ends, it can no longer launch your signage content automatically. Your schedules and settings won’t move to a new platform on their own, so it is recommended to start your migration process.
   
   

3. Alternative: digital signage software

   To keep showing your content automatically, switch to a web-based digital signage platform like Bizplay that works with your ChromeOS devices.
   
   

4. Migrating your content

   It sounds like a headache, but see it as an opportunity to review your existing content. Instead of recreating a basic URL-based setup, you can move to a platform that offers more flexibility in creating content and managing your screens.
   
   

5. Google Admin Console is still useful

   You can keep using Google Admin Console to manage your ChromeOS devices and deploy kiosk apps or web apps. Google lets you add a web app by its URL here:

   Devices → Chrome → Apps & extensions → Kiosks

   Google Admin Console can’t schedule content for a URL, so you need a digital signage platform for that. For example, with Bizplay you can add the Bizplay URL as your kiosk app, so your screens start playing automatically when powered on. You manage your devices in Google Admin Console, and your content and schedules in Bizplay.

What Should You Look For In A Chrome Sign Builder Alternative?

Not every digital signage platform is a good replacement for Chrome Sign Builder. Some apps only show a webpage in kiosk mode. Others give you a full system to manage your content and screens. A good replacement should do more than simply replace its functionality. It should be a versatile platform that can grow with your organization. Before you choose, look at the following features.

For the complete list, explore all Bizplay features.

Why Bizplay Is A Strong Chrome Sign Builder Alternative

Bizplay is a cloud-based digital signage platform that allows organisations to create, manage, schedule and display content across multiple screens. If you are looking to replace Chrome Sign Builder with a more comprehensive digital signage solution, then Bizplay is worth considering. Instead of relying on a basic application that schedules URLs, Bizplay combines content creation, playlist management, scheduling, integrations and device management in one platform.

1. Continue using ChromeOS devices

   One of the biggest advantages of choosing Bizplay is that you can continue using compatible ChromeOS hardware.
   
   

   Bizplay provides a dedicated ChromeOS kiosk app that allows your device to start automatically and display your digital signage channel in full-screen mode.

   This means you can potentially retain your existing Chromeboxes and avoid unnecessary hardware replacement costs.
   
   

   Bizplay also provides documentation explaining how to enrol ChromeOS devices and deploy its kiosk player.
   
   

2. Easily create professional digital signage content

   

   Chrome Sign Builder was primarily designed to display existing web content.

   Bizplay goes further by providing a built-in drag-and-drop editor.

   You can create and customise your own digital signage pages without needing advanced design or programming skills. Supported content includes:

   • Images and videos

   • Text and announcements

   • YouTube videos and playlists.

   • Web pages

   • Social media content

   • News and RSS feeds

   • Weather information

   • Google and Microsoft Calendar

   You can also use ready-made templates to create professional-looking screens without starting from scratch.
   
   

3. Schedule content automatically

   

   Scheduling was one of the main reasons organisations used Chrome Sign Builder.

   Bizplay offers advanced content scheduling features that allow you to determine when specific messages, playlists and pages appear on your screens. For example, a restaurant could display breakfast menus in the morning, lunch promotions around midday and dinner menus in the evening.
   
   

4. Manage all screen content

   Bizplay provides a centralised environment for managing your digital signage content and playback devices. You can organise screens, distribute content and monitor player status remotely. This is useful for use cases such as:

   • Multiple offices

   • Retail locations

   • Schools and universities

   • Restaurants and hospitality venues

   • Manufacturing facilities

   • Reception and waiting areas

   Instead of manually updating each screen, you can manage your content centrally and distribute changes across your digital signage network. Bizplay also supports player monitoring and notifications to help identify screens that are no longer operating as expected.
   
   

5. Keep screens running with offline playback

   Internet connectivity is not always guaranteed. A digital signage solution should therefore be able to handle temporary network interruptions without unnecessarily interrupting playback. Bizplay supports local content caching, allowing supported content to continue playing when the internet connection is unavailable. Screens continue playing cached content offline, although an internet connection is required during startup.
   
   

6. Scale your digital signage

   Whether you have one screen or hundreds, your digital signage platform should meet your needs. With Bizplay, you can easily add screens to your existing setup. No matter how many screens you manage, the platform stays surprisingly easy to use.

How To Replace Chrome Sign Builder With Bizplay

Moving from Chrome Sign Builder to Bizplay does not require replacing your existing hardware. However, you will need to migrate your content and configure your ChromeOS device. This is how the migration process looks like:

Step 1: Review your existing Chrome Sign Builder setup

Start by reviewing your existing installation. Make a list that will help you recreate your existing setup in Bizplay:

• All Chromeboxes currently in use

• The URLs configured in Chrome Sign Builder

• Existing content schedules

• Google Slides presentations

• Images, videos and other media

• The locations of your digital signage screens

Step 2: Create a Bizplay account

Create your Bizplay account. From the dashboard you can add a page and start creating your content right away.

Step 3: Recreate your content

There are two options. The first is to save your Google Slides as images and upload them to Bizplay. The second is to recreate your content in Bizplay. This is a good chance to give your designs a fresh touch, instead of just copying your old Chrome Sign Builder setup. For example, you can add videos, social media feeds and other dynamic live information. After creating your content, add your new designs to a playlist and schedule your playlist on channels.

Step 4: Install and configure Chrome device

In our ChromeOS installation documentation we explain the device setup process. An important distinction: Google requires an appropriate ChromeOS kiosk licence for managed kiosk deployments. This is separate from your Bizplay subscription.

Step 5: Test your new digital signage setup

Check if the following things are working correctly:

• Bizplay launches automatically

• Your content displays correctly in full-screen mode

• Videos and images play as expected

• Your schedules work correctly

• The screen reconnects after a reboot

• Cached content continues playing during a temporary internet interruption

• Your device can be managed remotely

Once everything is working correctly, you can roll out Bizplay to the remaining screens.

Step 6: Decommission Chrome Sign Builder

After successfully migrating your digital signage network, remove the old Chrome Sign Builder application from the relevant organisational units in Google Admin Console.

Google provides instructions for deleting Chrome Sign Builder and its associated user data from managed devices.

Ready To Switch?

Replace Chrome Sign Builder before your screens go dark. Try Bizplay digital signage for free. No credit card needed.

Try for free

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Frequently Asked Questions About Chrome Sign Builder