Graphic design is a profession where color accuracy, resolution, and screen real estate are extremely important. Choosing the right monitor can significantly impact your creative process, transforming how visuals come to life. With various options available, this guide is about helping graphic designers find a monitor that not only meets but exceeds their design needs, ensuring every hue and pixel is exactly as intended. Whether you are a budding amateur or a seasoned professional designer, there will be a monitor on this list that works perfectly for you.
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Updated on May 18, 2024, by Sarfraz Khan: 4K resolution is highly popular among professional graphic designers because it provides richer details than 1080p or 1440p. That said, it's also important to have extremely accurate color reproduction to satisfy the clients. The updated list has newer and better 4K displays in the budget and mid-range categories.
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ViewSonic VP2756-4K
The ViewSonic VP2756-4K brings sharp details through UHD resolution on a 27-inch screen. It uses an IPS panel that comes with ultra-thin bezels for an immersive view and is ideal for color grading or watching movies. With modern connectivity ports and an ergonomic stand, the VP2756-4K is a top-notch choice for day-to-day use.
- Brand
- ViewSonic
- Screen Size
- 27-inch
- Display Technology
- IPS
- HDR
- No
- Resolution
- 3840x2160p
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- Variable Refresh
- No
- Response Time
- 4ms
- Screen Brightness
- 350 Nits
- Pantone Validated and 100% sRGB color space coverage
- Pre-factory calibrated colors
- USB-C with Power Delivery
- The on-screen menus are finicky
- The included stand gets scratched easily
Designed for creative professionals from the ground up, the ViewSonic VP2756-4K is easily one of the best monitors for graphic designers currently available. At just $400, this monitor is accessible to designers just getting started, but it also has features and performance that can attract even more experienced designers who are used to more premium monitors.
While it's not on the same level as something like the Apple Studio Display or the Asus ProArt PA32UCG, this monitor holds its own pretty well for graphic designers. With 100% coverage of the sRGB space and Pantone-validated colors, designers can feel confident using this display regardless of whether their work will end up in print or digital. For those who don't know, Pantone is famous for its color-matching system, which is standard for industries like graphic design, product design, and printing.
27 inches might seem small for some designers, but the pixel density you get out of this monitor with a 4K resolution is incredible. Using this monitor day to day, it is hard to see the individual pixels, unlike some monitors. And even when zoomed into designs by 200%, the VP2756-4K allows you to clearly see what you are working on.
ASUS ProArt PA32UCG-K
The Asus ProArt PA32UCG-K is the first of its kind. This monitor is certified for HDR 1600 and supports up to 120Hz max refresh rate. Its mini-LED backlight provides 1600 nits peak brightness and 1000 nits of sustained brightness without partial patch limitation and industry-leading Delta E < 1 color difference. With tons of connectivity options and easy hardware color calibration, this monitor is a perfect choice for most content creators.
- Screen Size
- 32
- Display Technology
- IPS with Mini LED Backlight
- HDR
- HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Response Time
- 5ms
- Outstanding image quality
- Includes light hood and color meter
- Accurate out of the box in all color modes
- Very expensive
While OLED panels tend to be the go-to premium choice for photographers and video editors looking for accurate colors, for designers, OLEDs can provide unreliable results unless you specifically design for other OLED displays. Thankfully, mini-LED monitors fill that void. Using an IPS panel and mini-LED backlight, the Asus ProArt PA32UCG displays accurate colors that are incredibly bright. This monitor is an excellent choice for any designers looking for a high-end upgrade for their setup that they can easily rely on for years to come.
Being close to the bleeding edge of display technology, the PA32UCG is not the most affordable monitor out there, but it is well worth the investment for designers who need a workhorse. The PA32UCG supports every major color gamut and every HDR format with pinpoint accuracy. Not to mention, it also supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, which is not super fast compared to gaming monitors, but when looking at other productivity monitors, this is relatively unheard of.
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If you ever move or want to validate the color accuracy of this monitor, the high price tag does include an i1Display color meter. A color meter is kind of unnecessary for a monitor that's this accurate, but for professionals who will probably be using this display for at least five years, it is a very nice perk.
BenQ PD2725U Thunderbolt 3 Monitor
The BenQ PD2725U's versatility and beautiful design will inspire whoever uses it. With 95% coverage of DCI-P3,100% coverage of the sRGB color space, and a Delta E ≤ 3, this monitor produces accurate colors whether you want to create for online use or print.
- Screen Size
- 27 Inches
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160 Pixels
- Brand
- BenQ
- Response Time
- 4m/s
- Display Technology
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Dual view function allows users to "split" the screen
- ICC Sync for simplifying color mapping
- Sleek design that can fit on most desks
- Refresh rate could be better
- A bit higher price compared to similar 4K monitors on the market
The BenQ PD2725U monitor has many great features that make it an excellent pick for graphic design. This 27-inch monitor produces a vibrant 4K image with pixel density, making it easy to pick out the most minor details. For designers who want a bit of an upgrade over their first monitor, the BenQ PD2725U is a great way to upgrade color accuracy and image quality without spending too much.
The PD2725U covers a similar range to the ProArt PA32UCG-K, but it's not as bright because it uses a traditional IPS panel. That can be a downside for designers who work in brighter rooms. Even though the contrast ratio is not as high, the PD2725U does a great job of handling reflections and displaying accurate color regardless of the lighting.
Besides the excellent image quality, this monitor also has a picture-in-picture mode that is super useful for designing. This can easily allow you to have your design software of choice open on one part of the screen and a reference image on the other. Depending on your workflow, this can be an absolute game changer; there is no need to alt+tab through windows until you find the one with the reference you were looking for or a list of notes to work on.
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV
The ProArt Display PA279CRV is a 27-inch 4K HDR monitor designed specifically for professional video editors and graphic designers. This display boasts a wide color gamut with 99% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB coverage and is factory pre-calibrated to Delta E < 2 for exceptional color accuracy. Plus, with the USB-C that offers DisplayPort support and power delivery of up to 96 watts, this monitor works well for laptop editors as well.
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Response Time
- 5ms
- Display Technology
- IPS
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- HDR
- HDR10
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Variable Refresh
- No
- Screen Brightness
- 400 nits
- Highly color accurate
- 4K resolution for sharper image quality
- Single USB C for several things
- Boasts standard 60Hz refresh rate
- Lackluster speakers
Asus's ProArt series has multiple monitors to choose from. Whether you have a budget of $200 or over $500, there is an option for everyone. In the mid-range category, the PA279CRV is a competitive professional monitor that has it all to redefine your graphic design career. This ProArt 27-inch IPS display not only delivers accurate colors but also has outstanding connectivity. A single USB Type C port is provided for those who want to simplify their workflow. You can either use it for the display of your laptop or you can use it for data transfer. Furthermore, this USB-C port provides up to 96 watts of power delivery for fast-charging capable devices.
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As for the picture quality, the monitor provides a 10-bit color depth to enable over one billion colors for smoother gradients and subtle color variations. The color accuracy is also incredible, with Delta E being less than two, making the color reproduction almost identical to the reference one. With plenty of ProArt Presets, there is nothing the monitor can't do to help you in your graphic designing journey.
Apple Studio Display
The Apple 27-inch monitor features a 5K Retina display with 5120 x 2880 resolution, 600 nits brightness, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and a 1 ms response time. It includes a 12MP camera, a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, and connectivity options like Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.
- Brand
- Apple
- Screen Size
- 27 inches
- Display Technology
- Retina Display
- HDR
- Yes
- Resolution
- 5120 x 2800 pixels
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Ports
- 1 Thunderbolt 3, 3 USB-C
- Surface Technology
- Nano-texture glass
- Screen Brightness
- 600 nits
- Sound
- Six-speaker system with Spatial Audio
- 5K Retina display offers unmatched resolution and clarity
- Nano-texture glass minimizes glare without compromising quality
- Comprehensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports
- Excellent color accuracy
- Some users have mixed feelings about the camera quality
- Stand design could limit adjustment options
The Apple Studio Display is the best choice for graphic designers seeking the ultimate high-end option in display technology. Its 27-inch 5K Retina display, boasting a resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels, ensures every detail is sharp and colors are accurate, making it ideal for high-end design work. The combination of 600 nits of brightness, HDR support, and nano-texture glass means that visuals not only pop but do so without annoying reflections, even in well-lit environments.
Beyond the stunning display, the Apple Studio Display integrates a 12MP camera and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, creating an immersive experience whether you're presenting designs or enjoying media. The array of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3 and three USB-C ports, ensures this monitor can be the hub of a professional creative setup. The exceptional performance and build quality of the Apple Studio Display make it the best high-end monitor for graphic designers who demand the best from their gear.
INNOCN 27 Inch 4K Monitor
INNOCN 27 Inch 4K Monitor is an affordable display for professionals who can't afford premium 4K displays. Despite its low price tag, the monitor comes with the latest connectivity ports, 10-bit color depth, HDR support, and built-in speakers. The monitor can be adjusted in various positions and angles through its ergonomic stand for comfortable usage.
- Screen Size
- 27-inch
- Resolution
- 3840x2160p
- Brand
- Innocn
- Display Technology
- IPS
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- HDR
- HDR400
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Sound
- Built-in speakers
- HDR support
- 10-bit color depth for more colors
- USB Type C with power delivery
- Lackluster HDR
- Average contrast
It's much easier to find a gaming monitor at a lower price than a professional one. Fortunately, this isn't the case with the Innocn 27-inch monitor, which is one of the handful of displays that are available for under $300. It's not a regular monitor with a standard color gamut or average connectivity, but it is incredibly accurate at color reproduction. With a 10-bit color depth and accuracy of Delta E< 2, it's as good as the Asus ProArt 27-inch display we listed earlier. Of course, there are a few drawbacks but it's hard to complain when the price difference is roughly $150.
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The monitor boasts 4K resolution on a 27-inch IPS panel for vivid and sharp image quality. HDR support is also present to enhance the pictures and the viewing angles are up to the mark. The monitor uses an ergonomic stand that allows various adjustments and has a small hole for better cable management. Except for the dull speakers and average HDR, it has all the bells and whistles for your graphic design work.
How to Select the Best Monitor for Graphic Design
Choosing the right monitor for graphic design is about finding the perfect balance between color accuracy, resolution, and ergonomic features. These factors are about enhancing your design experience and ensuring your work translates accurately across different media.
Color Reproduction
For graphic designers, color reproduction and accuracy are extremely important. Opt for monitors that cover a wide color gamut, such as 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB, to ensure your designs look consistent and true to life across various platforms. Make sure the accuracy is Delta E< 2 for identical color representation. Apart from that, having HDR support is highly beneficial for achieving vivid details.
High Resolution
A high resolution is essential for spotting fine details and delivering polished, professional work. Monitors with at least 2K resolution provide the clarity and pixel density necessary for complex design tasks. 4K resolution further elevates the experience, particularly when the screen size is 27-inch. It's best to avoid monitors that are too large when their resolution is low.
Ergonomic Design
Don't underestimate the importance of an ergonomic setup. Monitors with adjustable stands, tilt, swivel, and height adjustments can significantly reduce strain during long work hours, making your creative process more comfortable and sustainable.
FAQ
Q: How important is monitor size for graphic design?
Size matters as it provides more workspace and allows for detailed editing without constantly zooming in and out, enhancing productivity.
Q: Can I use a gaming monitor for graphic design?
Yes, gaming monitors, especially those with high resolution and color fidelity, can be excellent for graphic design due to their vibrant displays and fast refresh rates.
Q: What is the best resolution for a graphic design monitor?
The best resolution for graphic design is usually QHD (2560x1440) or higher, as it offers a detailed canvas for precision work.