Engraved signs are available in two types. First is the traditional mechanical engraving. And second is laser engraving. Common uses of engraving include name badges, office signage like nameplates for the wall or desk and instructional types of signs. They can be used internally or externally.

While mechanical engraving can be on metal, it is usually done on two-colored plastic. The lettering is cut through the top color leaving the letters to show up in the bottom color. For example if you had a nameplate that had a brushed gold top and a black bottom layer, the engraved letters would be black and the background of the sign would be the brushed gold.

Laser engraving can be performed on all of the same types of materials as mechanical, however it has two distinct advantages. First, laser engraving is a digital process so it can engrave monotone photos and other digital output. Second, it can be used on a wide range of materials. It can "burn" into wood. Glass plate or even glass bottles can be engraved. Marble, tile and granite can be engraved for special effect in architectural signs.

Engraving is a process more than a type of sign. Engraving results in a two-color sign. Most of the types of signs that can be produced by engraving can also be produced by alternative methods for multi-color signs or even full color signs. This can include security name badges; awards of various types and nameplates just to name a few.