Whether you’re a graphic designer or an editor, or an artist of some sort, chances are you’ll be using a monitor for your work. But with so many options on the market that come in all different shapes and sizes, it can be hard to know which display is best for your projects. That’s why it’s important to find the right monitor that suits your workflow. If you’re in the market for a new monitor, be sure to view these monitors here. In addition, this article has compiled a list of five important things to consider if you’re looking to upgrade your monitor or replace an older display that doesn’t function optimally in today’s standards.
The Intended Use
There isn’t much better than a high-quality monitor when it comes to getting the most out of your creative projects. Whether you design graphic images, enjoy creating digital art, or just looking for a little extra wow when streaming videos to your computer, a great monitor can elevate your work and workflow to new heights. For instance, If you are a gamer, you can get a gaming monitor. If you do business work, then you can get a business monitor. But suppose you are creative, into graphic design and video editing. In that case, you need a pre-calibrated professional monitor to demonstrate accurate colors.
Monitor Screen Size
The size of the computer monitor you choose will depend on what tasks you will use it for. Monitors range from 17 inches to 50 inches. For instance, if you’re going to use it for gaming or video editing work, it must be large enough to fit your multi-tasking needs. For most creatives, monitors ranging between 27 inches and 32 inches will be sufficient in most cases. However, If you’re going to use it for general purposes, such as checking emails and surfing the internet, then a smaller monitor should do.
In addition, it’s prudent to measure your desk’s width before going out to buy a monitor to ensure the monitor will fit on your desk.
Screen Resolution
When shopping for a monitor, you might come across numbers like 1024 x 768 and wonder what they mean. The screen resolution tells the user how many pixels there are across and down the screen. Pixels are dots of color that make up the images you see on a monitor. Higher resolutions have more pixels, which display a better quality image.
However, higher resolutions often mean a higher cost, so it’s important to check the recommended minimum requirements for your projects before choosing a higher resolution. For instance, a common monitor size is 1920 x 1080. That means 1,920 pixels across the horizontal axis and 1,080 pixels along the vertical axis. For instance, a 4k monitor has 3840 x 3160 pixels and is ideal for tasks like video editing. However, if you want to do graphic design work, a 1920 x 1080 monitor is sufficient.
Budget
Like other things we buy for our computers, the cost of your monitor shouldn’t be overlooked. While basic monitors that feature 1920 x 1080 pixels on a 24-inch monitor can be had for around $150, more expensive displays may help you work faster and enjoy a better experience. The key factors determining the monitor’s cost are the resolution and size.
Therefore, a monitor with a 4k resolution and a 32-inch size will be comparatively more expensive than basic monitors and cost up to $500.
Monitor features
Monitors might look similar to the untrained eye, but some models’ added features can make a significant difference to your viewing experience. Some of the design features you should consider when choosing a computer monitor include.
- Touchscreen interface. In most cases, a touchscreen isn’t necessary for graphic designers or editors. However, if you spend a lot of time on the go, the touchscreen feature would come in handy to input commands without a mouse or keyboard.
- Curved Displays. The curve around the edges of a monitor makes viewing images and designs much more pleasurable. While such monitors tend to be pricey, they’re worth the cost if you’re looking to create a more immersive visual experience.
- Adjustable Height. You can adjust monitor height to fit your individual needs, and the added benefit of adjustable heights is that it makes image editing much easier and more precise.
- Picture In Picture. Display multiple screens of varying sizes on your desktop is a time-saver. This feature is mostly applicable for video editors and designers who work with multiple artboards.
If you’re in the market for a new computer monitor, many factors determine which one is right for your needs. The screen’s size and resolution determine how much space you have to work with, while your budget dictates what features it has or doesn’t have. From touchscreens to adjustable heights, monitors come equipped with different design features. By following the guide above, you’ll have an idea of what to look for that will best suit your needs.