Choose the Best

Type of Monitor
for CAD
When you consistently spend long hours working at a computer
monitor, the details matter: adjustability, size, and resolution can
affect your comfort and productivity. But with new technologies
increasing the number of options available, it can be difficult to
determine what would suit you best. To help you select the right
monitor for your needs, representatives from four manufacturers
discuss the most important considerations for CAD users.
Choose the Best Type of
Monitor for CAD
When selecting a new monitor, you may quickly become overwhelmed
by options. Experts from four vendors share their knowledge to
simplify your search.

I
t’s an essential part of your workday, and you spend long hours
staring at it — and no, it’s not the doughnut box in the break-
room. We’re talking about the window to your work: your
computer monitor.
The importance of a good monitor is obvious. Whether you’re
looking at 2D or 3D CAD designs, complex simulation results, pho-
torealistic renderings, or a simple spreadsheet, it’s crucial that you
can see details clearly, multitask as needed, and make it through
the day without exhausting your eyes.
But deciding on a particular model is not as clear-cut. Although
some elements are nearly universal now — you’ll very likely be buy-
ing a liquid-crystal display (LCD) monitor with an in-plane switch-
ing (IPS) panel and light-emitting diode (LED) backlighting — some
are not. Viewing technology is changing rapidly; for example, it
seems like there’s a new level of definition, and corresponding
acronym, every time you turn around. To help you choose the right
monitor for your needs, representatives from four monitor manu-
facturers — BenQ, Lenovo, NEC Display Solutions, and ViewSonic
— shared their perspectives on the most important considerations
for CAD users.

The Magic Number: How Many Monitors?

Although single-monitor setups are common, many professional
users increase their digital desktop size by turning to two moni-
tors — or more. Some split a single CAD or other application across
multiple screens; others prefer to use one screen for CAD, and oth-
ers for office applications, simulation software, etc. But what’s the
right number for you?
From the editors of
“This can depend on each user’s own preference,” said Kenneth
Mau, senior product marketing manager for displays/monitors at
ViewSonic. “A multi-display setup is getting more and more popu-
lar for the [increased] productivity.”
For more than 30 years, Chris Wang, product marketing manager for BenQ, said, “It’s better
Cadalyst has delivered to have two monitors to boost productivity. A high-resolution mon-
insight and advice to help itor for the user interface (UI) gives CAD professionals more work
our readers optimize the space so that they can arrange more tools on the panel and draw
software and hardware that lines with more precision. The second option to consider is [adding]
power the CAD workflow. a high–color accuracy monitor for rendering previews, and [being]
 Choose the Best Type of Monitor for CAD  3

able to modify the artwork with greater ease on another screen at

the same time.”
Wang continued, “The user can save by purchasing a QHD [quad-
HD] display as a second monitor. Although color decays on LEDs,
”There’s
CAD professionals can still keep these displays for UI or drawing,
no need to and spend a bit more on a color-accurate monitor for applications
spend on two that require more precision. So there’s no need to spend on two
higher-priced higher-priced displays.”
displays”
Not all users are moving to multi-monitor setups; some are choos-
ing bigger instead of more. The increasing affordability of larger
monitors may be affecting this decision. “Lately, the display trend
has been shifting from dual 24" displays toward larger, single
panels like 27" or larger,” observed Rodrigo Mancilla, ThinkStation
product manager for Lenovo.

Selecting Size and Shape

Monitor size is measured diagonally, from one corner of the view-
ing area to the opposite corner. Aspect ratio is the relationship
between the horizontal and vertical dimensions, expressed as h:v.
The combination of these two factors dictates how much visual real
estate you have to work with.
“I would recommend 27" or larger,” said Mau. “Generally, 16:9 is a
great aspect ratio; however, some users might prefer the ultra-wide
21:9 aspect ratio for their monitors.”
Wang also recommended at least a 27" screen size. “The 0.2331-
mm pixel pitch and 27" monitor size fit a general desktop space.
However, if users have larger real state, they can choose a 32"
display, perhaps even at 4K resolution,” said Wang.
Art Marshall, senior product manager for desktop displays at NEC
Display Solutions, pointed out that orientation matters as well:
“Displays with pivot functions [that allow users to rotate them 90°]

»» A 27” screen size

and 16:9 aspect ratio,
demonstrated here by the
Lenovo ThinkVision P27
($579), are dimensions that
will meet the needs of
many CAD users.
 Choose the Best Type of Monitor for CAD  4

»» A curved form factor

can make it easier to take
in the entirety of a large,
wide screen, such as the 34"
MultiSync EX341R ($999) from
NEC Display Solutions, which
has a 21:9 aspect ratio.

work well for designers who work on architecture and other verti-
cal designs, so that the largest resolution can be vertical.”
When deciding on the number and size of monitors, keep in mind
the limitations of your workspace. Will your monitor need space on
your desk or be wall-mounted? How close do you sit to the screen?
Factor in form factor. For units larger than 27", a curved screen can
help you take in the full width of the screen without constantly
moving your head side-to-side like someone watching a tennis
match. It can also limit the viewing angle, however, and some users
who are used to flat screens find it annoying. In an ideal world,
you would always evaluate a monitor in person before you buy,
but doing so is especially important if you’re considering a curved
model.

Angling for a Good View

In normal use, the monitor surface and the user are arranged
perpendicularly. The viewing angle indicates how far you can stray
before the image becomes too dark, blurry, faint, etc. to see.
“Wide viewing angles are desirable, especially in environments
where a CAD designer may want to share work with a colleague,”
Marshall pointed out. Although the primary user will usually sit
directly in front of the monitor, additional collaborators will have
”Wide viewing to sit off to the side, or stand over the owner’s shoulder and look
angles are a must, down on the monitor.
so users have a
“Wide viewing angles (typically 178°/178°) are a must, so users have
strong preference a strong preference toward IPS panels, which becomes even more
toward IPS relevant the larger the size of the display,” explained Mancilla.
panels”
“A wide viewing angle is ideal for previewing and reviewing ren-
derings without color shift,” Wang noted.
Mau observed, “A wider viewing angle (178°/178°) is always pre-
ferred, and is also a relatively common spec in the segment.”
 Choose the Best Type of Monitor for CAD  5

Don’t spend time on response time. This is the amount of time it

takes for pixels in the display to change in response to input, mea-
sured in milliseconds (ms). Long response times can cause blurring
of images, but speeds on modern monitors are fast enough that
“response time is not a real concern,” as Wang put it.
Mancilla confirmed, “Response time is not as relevant as before
since all new displays have very good performance for static and
”Response time video applications.”
is not the most Mau believes, “Response time between 4ms and 7ms should be
critical spec/feature fine for most users, as response time is not the most critical spec/
for CAD/CAM feature for CAD/CAM applications.”
applications”
Curb Your Resolution Enthusiasm
Resolution describes how many columns and rows of pixels make
up the display, typically written as width (number of lines of pixels
counted from side to side) x height (counted top to bottom). The
technology has moved far beyond high definition (HD); quad-HD
(QHD) and even ultra-high-definition (UHD; also called 4K) models
are widely available.
QHD, defined as 2,560x1,440 pixels at a 16x9 aspect ratio, has four
times the pixels of HD. This standard is often recommended over
higher resolutions such as UHD, because when it comes to CAD,
the increases that are supposed to make things clearer can actually
make them harder to see. Greater pixel density increases sharp-
ness, but it can also make icons, menus, and other essentials appear
”The excitement smaller.
about high pixel “The excitement about high pixel density has clearly decelerated,
density has clearly as more users … realize that 4K resolution makes readability very
decelerated” difficult when workflows are intensive in text as well as images
(e.g., control panels and menus). There is no doubt that this is not
an issue when using a very large display (over 32"), but the new
sweet spot has moved from 24" class Full HD (1920x1080) to 27"
class QHD (2,560x1,440), since it offers a great balance between
panel cost, display real estate, pixel density, and readability,” said
Mancilla.
“For CAD users, there seems to be a clear agreement on 4K panels
not making sense for displays smaller than 32" due to text read-
ability issues. Even though there have been major improvements in
resolution scaling, it is still not ideal for most users,” he continued.
Some CAD software developers have made adjustments enabling
the UI to scale appropriately for higher monitor resolutions. Others
haven’t, so check the details of your particular applications.

Connections and Comfort

When you’re deciding on a monitor, it’s easy to get caught up in
specs and overlook the human factor. Be sure that your monitor is
comfortable for you to use, so you don’t suffer unnecessary eye-
strain, headaches, or neck pain. “Users should choose a monitor
that works for them ergonomically, ensuring the monitor fits with
their work style and desk setting,” said Mau.
 Choose the Best Type of Monitor for CAD  6

Mancilla advised, “Ergonomics are extremely important, since

a CAD user will likely spend several hours [per day] looking at
the screen. [Opt for] multiple adjustments of the monitor stand
(height, tilt, rotation, and pivot), as well as professional-grade
panels (wide viewing angles, brightness levels calibrated to office
use, etc.).”
If you ever use the monitor in dim or dark environments, look for
bias lighting to reduce contrast between the viewing area and the
darkened room. If your workspace is bright and glare is a concern,
you may prefer a matte screen to a glossy one. (There are also inex-
pensive aftermarket products that address these issues.)
Some users find the light from the monitor itself to be a source of
discomfort over time. Mau pointed out that some monitors feature
blue light–filtering technology, to help reduce eyestrain linked to
that particular wavelength.
Ports of importance. As Mancilla noted, “Connectivity is crucial, so
access to USB ports and multiple inputs (e.g., DisplayPort, HDMI,
”Most modern
etc.) would allow the user to take as much advantage as possible
computers include from the display.”
either DisplayPort
or HDMI outputs, Marshall confirmed, “Most modern computers include either
so designers should DisplayPort or HDMI outputs, so designers should look for that
connectivity to get the higher resolutions common in the current
look for that
market.”
connectivity”
Mau said, “Connectors are based on the preference of the users’
system, but we see that HDMI and DisplayPort (regular and/or mini)
are getting to be more standard. These are also considered ‘future-
proof’ connectors, as is USB 3.1 Type-C.”
Wang also recommended support for USB Type-C, especially for
professionals who use a laptop outside the office and connect it to
their desktop monitor when they return.

Specialized Visual Workflow Needs

What about those professionals involved in creating renderings of
CAD designs, printing product visualizations, or any similar tasks?
“If CAD professionals are working on product design or areas
where colors are important, [they need] a color-critical display with
high resolution,” said Marshall. “Monitors like this can more accu-
rately represent real-world colors than less expensive displays.”
Wang said, “For rendering, CAD professionals need a color-
accurate monitor that is calibrated in the factory and is equipped
with the hardware calibration tools that ensure color accuracy.”
Mancilla explained, “Color calibration will be certainly important
for printing requirements. This can be done by using industry-
standard external calibrators (e.g., X-Rite’s ColorMunki or i1Display
Pro), without the need to invest in very expensive displays with
integrated color calibration (required in some industries such as
medical imaging or graphic design). High color gamut is becoming
a desired feature, and certainly something that must be there if
color calibration is required.
 Choose the Best Type of Monitor for CAD  7

»» Be sure that the monitors

you’re considering support
the connection types
you use, and that the ports
are conveniently located
if you’ll be accessing them
frequently. The dock that
forms the base of the
BenQ PD2710QC ($599) has
ports on the side and back.

“For rendering workflows, it’s also important to understand what

the target media will be. For instance, web visualization is highly
compressed and designed to work on multiple types of mobile
devices; therefore color calibration might make zero difference
there,” Mancilla continued.

Lifespan Expectations
You may have heard that workstation manufacturers recommend
an upgrade every three years. When it comes to monitors, there is
more variation in recommendations; the unit may still be perfectly
functional after that amount of time, but technologies are evolv-
ing so rapidly that available performance improvements may call
for an upgrade.
“As technology continues to improve, customers should be look-
ing at 3–5 years for replacing monitors. Multiple factors impact this
decision, including native resolution, panel size, and energy con-
sumption. LED panels don’t suffer from the same color/brightness
degradation as the first LCD/TFT panels did, which allows users to
enjoy higher reliability for a longer period of time,” said Mancilla.
“Monitors do have a pretty long lifecycle, so [the amount of time
between upgrades] really depends on the requirements of the
”Displays CAD/CAM applications,” said Mau.
designed for CAD
“In terms of lifecycle, professional-grade displays are lasting longer,
environments
and displays designed for CAD environments should feature at
should feature least a 3-year warranty in order to safeguard the larger investment
at least a 3-year required for the necessary features,” Marshall said.
warranty”
Wang also noted the importance of warranty length: “Three years
is typically the lifecycle of a monitor. However, CAD users can buy
extra warranties to ensure a longer lifecycle.”
When comparing models, keep an eye on warranty details. Hope-
fully your new monitor will give you years of flawless service, but
know how the manufacturer will resolve issues, should they arise.

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