Best Monitor Size For Editing: How Big Is Too Big?

When it comes to editing, the monitor you use is an important piece of equipment. While you can use almost any display to edit your videos, getting a monitor that makes your content look life-like and realistic is beneficial. The size of a monitor is usually measured in inches and refers to the diagonal length of its display area. Monitor sizes typically range from 23 inches to 29 inches, with larger, 40+ monitors also available.

A larger monitor is beneficial for editing as it can accommodate more windows and toolbars when using editing software, improving working efficiency. Additionally, a monitor's resolution refers to the number of pixels it can display on the screen, with more pixels resulting in more precise details and realistic images. A 4K display, for example, has 3840 pixels in length and 2160 pixels in width, four times the detail of Full HD.

When choosing a monitor for editing, it is also important to consider the colour accuracy and colour gamut. IPS panels are commonly used for editing as they offer wider viewing angles and better colour ranges and accuracy than other panels such as TN or VA.

Monitor size and resolution

The resolution of a monitor refers to the number of pixels it can display, with higher resolutions resulting in more precise details and realistic images. A common misconception is that larger monitors have higher resolutions, but this is not always the case. For example, a 23-inch monitor with a 4K resolution will offer better image quality than a 25-inch monitor with a lower resolution.

When choosing a monitor for editing, it is recommended to opt for a resolution of at least 1440p (2K), with 4K being ideal for professional editing or audiovisual applications. A 2K resolution is sufficient for general use, while 4K provides more working space and better quality, allowing access to multiple applications simultaneously.

It is also important to consider the pixel density, or pixels per inch (PPI), as a higher PPI results in a sharper image. For photo editing, a monitor with a pixel density of at least 100 PPI is recommended.

In addition to size and resolution, other factors to consider when choosing a monitor for editing include the type of panel, colour accuracy, colour gamut, calibration, and ergonomic features such as height, tilt, swivel, and pivot control.

IPS panels

However, IPS panels do have some drawbacks. They have slower response times than TN panels, and they require up to 15% more power. They are also more expensive to produce, and are sometimes vulnerable to a defect called backlight bleeding.

Colour gamut

A colour gamut is usually expressed as a triangle on an xy chromaticity diagram, with the Y-axis representing the maximum colour luminance possible within the gamut, and the X and Z points indicating the complete range of chromaticity. The final result reflects a colour gamut's range of capabilities.

There are several standards that govern colour gamuts, including sRGB, Adobe RGB, and NTSC. These standards are depicted as triangles on the xy chromaticity diagram, with larger triangles representing a greater number of colours. LCD monitors capable of reproducing a wider range of colours will have a colour gamut associated with a larger triangle.

Adobe RGB has a broader colour spectrum compared to sRGB by 35%. Adobe RGB is also characterised by a broader range in the G domain, allowing for more vivid greens. Adobe RGB is the preferred option for photographers, while sRGB is often used when images are only posted online.

It's important to note that a wide colour gamut does not necessarily mean high image quality. The quality of the controls used to realise the full capabilities of an LCD panel with a wide colour gamut is crucial.

Monitor calibration

There are two types of calibration: software calibration and hardware calibration. Hardware calibration is more accurate as it stores data directly into the 3D-LUT inside the monitor, whereas software calibration only adjusts the RGB values in the graphics card.

• Enter Display settings by right-clicking on your screen or searching for it in your search bar.
• Go to Advanced display settings.
• Choose the recommended resolution.
• Choose Color calibration and then Next.
• Adjust your gamma, brightness, contrast, and colour balance according to the examples provided.
• Select Finish to complete the calibration.
• Select the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
• Go to System Preferences > Displays > Color.
• Choose Calibrate > Screen calibration assistant.
• Select a white point according to the example.
• Give your colour profile a name.

It is important to note that monitor calibration should be done regularly, ideally once a month or every two to six weeks if you are professionally working in video editing and colour correction. Additionally, your monitor should be allowed to warm up for at least 10-15 minutes before calibration to ensure that its brightness and colour balance have reached a steady state.

Monitor shading hoods

Monitor hoods are also useful if you work in a busy environment, as they can help to block out external distractions, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. They can also provide privacy, preventing people from seeing your screen if you work in a shared studio or office.

Monitor hoods are particularly useful if you have a glossy screen, but even with a matte-coated screen, light can still reflect off your display and cause colour discrepancies. If you're using a professional monitor for editing, you'll want to ensure that the colours you see on your screen are as accurate as possible, and a monitor hood can help with this.

Frequently asked questions