Monitors for Graphic Design

When choosing a monitor for editing photographs and images, screen size and resolution are important factors to consider.

Screen Size and Resolution

The larger the diagonal and resolution you choose, the better working conditions the monitor will provide. With a higher resolution, you get a more detailed picture, whereas a larger diagonal means a larger workspace.

1 or 2 Monitors

When choosing the size of the monitor, also take into consideration how many monitors you plan to work with.

• 1 monitor - models with 27" or more provide a sufficiently clear and spacious workspace.
• 2 or more monitors - to work effectively on multiple simultaneous applications, 24" monitors are sufficient. If you plan to work using multiple monitors, we recommend selecting the same models to avoid differences in colour reproduction.

What else should I consider when selecting a monitor for editing photos and images?

Panel Type

• IPS/S-IPS monitors - excel in natural colours, low power consumption and wide viewing angles. The disadvantage is a higher purchase price.
• TN monitors - often characterised by low response times. Compared with IPS monitors they are cheaper, offer lower-quality colour reproduction and narrower viewing angles. While cheaper TN monitors are the sufficient for less demanding users, models with 4ms response times are popular with gamers.
• MVA/PVA monitors - in terms of price and picture quality, these are somewhere between IPS/S-IPS and TN monitors. They provide more realistic colour reproduction and wider viewing angles than TN monitors and are cheaper than IPS monitors.

Screen Surface

• Matte - reflects some ambient light; provides less-saturated colour reproduction.
• Glossy - provides vibrant and realistic colours but more ambient light is reflected, so the display can be hard to see in bright sunlight.
• Anti-glare - a compromise between glossy and matte screens; they are easier to view in direct sunlight than glossy screens but offer lower quality colour reproduction.

Connectors

Before buying, make sure the monitor has at the least one compatible port with your computer. If not, you will not be able to connect the monitor to it.

Useful Functions and Features

• Eyestrain-minimising technology - Flicker-free, Flicker-safe, etc.
• Adjustable height - allows you to adjust the monitor to a comfortable position.
• USB Hub - play data from portable drives; connect a keyboard or mouse.
• Pivot - allows the screen to rotate horizontally; suitable for office work and reading texts from your computer.
• Anti-glare shade