Provided are methods and systems for simulating context-dependent electronic content on a separate digital sign. A user creates context-dependent electronic content for a separate digital sign, and associates the electronic content with context rules for displaying the content. The context-dependent electronic content is then displayed on a digital sign, such as in a normal display mode. To simulate the electronic content, a user selects simulation parameters for the simulation. An electronic content management system then configures the simulation parameters into a simulation protocol. When the simulation protocol is executed at the digital sign, digital sign displays the electronic content based on the simulation protocol, irrespective of the context associated with the sign. The simulation can continue, for example, until the user terminates the simulation.