A graphic designer has a peculiar set of work scope and deliverables which requires them to create, edit and build various graphic designs for clientele. Their work requires them to handle various technical tools and aspects. But one thing that’s ever-important for them is a good monitor. A good monitor allows them to review the work done and see their output before they finalize the work. This makes having a good monitor one of the major aspects of their work profile.
But how do you go about finding the best monitor for graphic designing? Thankfully there are a few criteria that allow us to find the right type of monitor. Let’s take a look at them:
9 factors to check if you are looking for a monitor for graphic design
Table of Contents
#1 Color accuracy and Gray Scale
Graphic designer’s work domain requires them to go through plenty of color combinations to find the right type. This requires them to overview the color accuracy and see the crispiness in the colors. For this, they need a good monitor that can portray good color accuracy for them. Various monitors are designed specifically to meet these needs by providing various functions like Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching and more. Along with that they also need to have at least 10-bit look-up tables with them. Always look for a professional-grade monitor if you want a good combination of color accuracy and calibration along with grayscale accuracy.
#2 Monitor Screen Resolution
Another them that matters quite a lot apart from the color and grayscale accuracy is the screen resolution. A good graphic designer always looks to find the best possible screen resolution equipped monitor for their work. Various monitors in the market come with varying levels of screen resolution right from the HD to the Ultra-High Definition that can go up to 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. Though the UHD has better screen resolution, they tend to come at a high cost. This is why you need to see the viability. You can even look at Quad HD editions with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
#3 Screen reflection
Screen reflection isn’t a thing that normal computer users think of while buying monitors. But it’s something that matters for a graphic designer or a video editor. There are various types of screens available in the market ranging from glossy types to matte types. The thing is though the polished reflective screens look posh and expensive they instead cause a hindrance for graphic designers. A professional workstation for graphic designers is well facilitated with the matte surfaces. These surfaces do not provide bounce off the surface and hence allow better picture quality and viewing for editors.
#4 Color Depth
Color depth is another factor that you need to keep an eye on during your search for a good monitor. Generally, when it comes to monitors there are two options readily available as 8-bit and 10-bit ones. These two options dominate the market and are the major two options for any video editor and graphic designer. The 8-bit monitors offer 256 color steps while the 10-bit monitors offer 1024 color steps. This puts the 10-bit monitors on the upper echelons when it comes to color depths and display. But the caveat is that we will also need the hardware support to run the 10-bit screen and performance. This is why putting a 10-bit monitor may cost loads of money. Select the one that suits your need and work.
#5 Type of Screen
The world of monitors has gone through numerous advancements over the years. The old flat screen types have changed course to become more visibly appealing and striking over the years. The trend hasn’t stopped just there with the launch of various curved screens and ultra-wide monitors. These all have their peculiar suitability and needs. The flat can be suited for single-person work while the ultra-wide or curved one can allow work on a high scale professional level. Many graphic designers and video editors even look at options like integrating multiple flat-screen monitors to make a large screen. This depends on the need and the work profile of the user. This is why you need to pick the right type of screen that suits your need and work.
#6 Size of the screen
We talked about the type of screen in the aforementioned point. Similarly, the screen size goes in tandem with it. The screen size varies from the smaller 11-inch to the larger 70-inches and more. Furthermore, you can also find various monitors with the aspect and the size that suits various projects. The size of the screen is totally up to the user as to their work profile and preference. Some may prefer an adequate 24-inch monitor while some may go for the larger 32 inches one. The aspect ratio changes accordingly to the screen size. Take a look at various options and see which one fits your profile before picking one of them.
#7 Connectivity
Merely having a monitor isn’t everything if you don’t have good connectivity options. And by connectivity, we’re not talking about just the networking. The connectivity represents the options like HDMI support, dual-link DVI ports, and more. You can also look for Thunderbolt in and out ports for connecting with other display monitors. These connections help the monitor to come into life and showcase the various graphics and designs that they are required to. They also affect the ability to generate the highest possible resolution for the monitor. Always look to see if the monitor has appropriate I/O connection options before you buy them. This will save you from the niggles and having to come back to pick another monitor.
#8 Ergonomics and Fit
For say you’re a graphic designer or a video editor based out of your home office which has narrow space and workstation. Will it be any good if you go out and buy the largest possible screen for yourself. That wouldn’t fit at all in your workstation. It is why you need to have a perspective on the ergonomics and the fit of the screen that you’re opting for. And since you’ll have to spend hours in front of the screen you also need to make sure that the screen is rightly fit for long viewing. Look to see if you can pivot the screen or can use it in different modes for long stretches of work. Also, see where the connectivity options are and can it be aligned with the connectivity options in your workstation. This allows you to maximize the full stretch of benefits from your display monitor.
#9 Price
Last but not the least, price factors marks an important role in the selection of the monitor. You cannot just go and splurge cash on the highest spec monitor that you see. If you have a budget predefined in your mind, then look to make your purchase within that range. Once you have highlighted your needs and your requirement, you can easily get multiple options within your budget range. This will help you to make rational purchases.
Wrapping Up
Monitors are an essential part of graphic designing or video editing and getting something this important needs a thorough thought process to help find the best options. The aforementioned nine factors help to make the best possible rational decision in finding the right monitor for your needs.