The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for forming a channel letter box using a profile. The method can include determining an incision position on one surface of the profile where at least one surface incision is to be made. The profile can be surface incised at the determined position. The profile can be folded at the incision position to form the channel letter box. The profile can have at least one rib on one surface. The method can also include cutting and attaching a top plate to the channel letter box, wherein a thickness of the top plate is substantially close to a distance from the top of the profile to the top of a top rib of the at least one rib.