AutoCAD is one of the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) software used by architects, engineers, drafters, and graphics professionals.
Having a good monitor can greatly improve your AutoCAD workflow and experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what you need to look for when choosing a monitor for AutoCAD and review the available top monitors.
What to Look for in a Monitor for AutoCAD
When choosing a monitor for AutoCAD, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Screen Size: A larger screen, such as 27” or 32” will provide more room to view and edit your designs. AutoCAD’s interface has a lot of toolbars and panels, so the extra screen real estate is useful.
- Resolution: A monitor with a higher resolution (2560 x 1440 or 4K) will render sharper and more detailed images. This helps you view small design details more clearly.
- Aspect Ratio: An ultra-wide or dual monitor setup with a 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio gives you expanded horizontal space for an extended canvas to work on.
- Color Accuracy: Look for a monitor that covers 100% of the sRGB color space if color-critical work is important. This ensures colors are displayed accurately.
- Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate of 144Hz or above results in smoother panning and zooming, which is essential in CAD work.
- Ergonomics: Adjustability features like tilt, swivel, height adjustment and VESA mounting ensure you can position the monitor for maximum comfort over extended use.
- Connectivity: AutoCAD is GPU-intensive so a monitor with DisplayPort is ideal. Other useful ports include HDMI, USB hub, and an SD card reader.
Best Monitors for AutoCAD
With the key buying considerations in mind, here are our top recommendations for AutoCAD monitors:
1. Dell U3219Q – Best 4K Monitor for AutoCAD
The Dell U3219Q is an excellent 4K monitor perfect for AutoCAD. It has a large 31.5” screen with a 3840 x 2160 resolution that displays visuals with stunning clarity and fine detail.
You can comfortably fit several toolbars on the spacious screen and see your designs come to life in superb 4K quality. The wider workspace also increases productivity.
In terms of color reproduction, this monitor covers 99% of the sRGB gamut and supports 10-bit color depth for accurate and vibrant colors. Whether viewing 3D models or 2D plans, designs look strikingly realistic.
The Dell U3219Q has excellent ergonomics that let you comfortably position the screen. It can swivel, tilt, pivot, and adjust the height. You can even rotate it to portrait orientation for viewing vertical plans.
The exceptional 4K visuals, large screen size, and flexible ergonomics make the Dell U3219Q the best 4K monitor for AutoCAD.
2. LG 34WK95U-W – Best Ultrawide Monitor for AutoCAD
The LG 34WK95U-W is a superb ultrawide monitor purpose-built for CAD, graphics work, and multitasking. The expansive 34-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio gives you the same workspace as two 27” monitors side-by-side.
The generous screen real estate allows you to easily run AutoCAD alongside reference images, web browsers, or other documents without tabbing between windows. The 3440 x 1440 resolution provides stunning detail and clarity.
The LG monitor covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for remarkably vivid and accurate colors. HDR support further enhances clarity and contrast. Overall, visuals look true to life.
With a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, panning and zooming is smooth. On-Screen Control puts monitor settings in a handy window for quick access. Connectivity options include USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
Ultimately, the LG 34WK95U-W combines an immersive ultrawide display with great color accuracy perfect for AutoCAD.
3. ASUS ProArt PA279CV – Best Ergonomic Monitor for AutoCAD
The highly-adjustable stand on the ASUS ProArt PA279CV makes it the best ergonomic monitor for AutoCAD. You can easily adjust the height, tilt, swivel, and pivot for a comfortable working position that reduces strain.
It has a 27-inch IPS panel with QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution that provides ample space and sharp details for CAD work. ASUS budgets color accuracy with a Delta E < 2 color difference and 100% sRGB coverage.
ASUS Eye Care technology reduces eye fatigue with a flicker-free backlight and blue light filter. Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes allow displaying two inputs side-by-side.
With superb ergonomics, accurate color, Eye Care technology, and productivity features, the ASUS ProArt PA279CV is the best monitor for comfort during lengthy CAD sessions.
4. ViewSonic VP2785-2K – Best Budget Monitor for AutoCAD
The ViewSonic VP2785-2K provides outstanding value as a budget monitor for AutoCAD. It delivers excellent color accuracy and ergonomics at a reasonable price point.
The 27-inch QHD screen provides sufficient resolution for clear CAD work. Coverage of 99% of AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces ensures colors are true to life. The stand offers -5 to 22-degrees tilt, 60-degrees swivel, 90-degree rotation, and 150mm height adjustment for ergonomic comfort.
With dual HDMI 2.0 and full-size DisplayPort 1.2, you can easily connect your CAD workstation. The monitor also has a USB 3.1 Type-C port, making it ready for modern laptops.
For an affordable price, the ViewSonic VP2785-2K provides the performance, features, and ergonomics essential for AutoCAD.
5. BenQ PD3200U – Best 32-inch 4K Monitor for AutoCAD
The BenQ PD3200U is the best 32-inch 4K monitor for AutoCAD available. The expansive 32-inch screen with 3840 x 2160 resolution provides ample workspace and razor-sharp visuals ideal for CAD.
BenQ AQCOLOR technology delivers 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 color accuracy for realistic colors. CAD/CAM, Animation, and Darkroom display modes optimize screen performance for specific applications.
The Hotkey Puck G2 gives you quick access to display settings and Microsoft Office-related functions. KVM connectivity allows controlling two PCs with one keyboard and mouse. Ergonomic flexibility is excellent with tilt, swivel, pivot, height adjustment, and VESA mounting.
Overall, the BenQ PD3200U packs in many premium features ideal for AutoCAD in an expansive 32-inch 4K screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about choosing monitors for AutoCAD:
Ques 1: What size monitor is best for AutoCAD?
Ans: 27-inch and 32-inch monitors are ideal sizes for AutoCAD. The larger screen provides enough room for toolbars while leaving ample space for designs. Ultrawide monitors 34-inch and up can further improve workflow.
Ques 2: Is 4K necessary for AutoCAD?
Ans: A QHD 2560 x 1440 monitor is sufficient for most CAD work. However, a 4K monitor allows seeing intricate details in designs more clearly. 4K becomes more beneficial for 3D modeling and rendering.
Ques 3: Is a curved monitor good for CAD?
Ans: A curved monitor is not necessary for CAD and offers no real benefit. The slight curve does not materially improve the viewing experience, while a flat screen allows better accuracy when drawing straight lines.
Ques 4: Should I get a vertical monitor for CAD?
Ans: A vertical monitor can be useful to display design plans that are taller than they are wide without having to zoom in and out. However, most CAD work is done on horizontal displays, so a vertical monitor is not essential.
Ques 5: Does refresh rate matter for AutoCAD?
Ans: AutoCAD’s interface is largely static, so a 60Hz refresh rate is fine in most cases. But higher refresh rates of 100-144Hz result in smoother panning and zooming of 3D models which some may find beneficial.
Ques 6: Is a touch screen monitor useful for AutoCAD?
Ans: Touch screens are not essential for AutoCAD and add cost. Since CAD relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts, a touchscreen does not boost productivity markedly. A regular monitor with an ergonomic stand offers better value.
Ques 7: Can I connect a laptop to an external monitor for AutoCAD?
Ans: Yes, you can connect your laptop to a larger external monitor via HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or using a docking station to obtain more screen space for AutoCAD.
