Last Updated on May 13, 2022
The Best monitor for CAD is a must have for every engineer. Because, you will design and learn to design new projects with the right stream line and accurate colors. So, choosing the right monitor is the most important thing to do. In this article, we will guide you about some important features you must lookup for while buying a monitor. And also will present you with one of the best monitors for CAD.
Firstly, amongst the most important features, color and visual accuracy are of utmost importance to view your designs accurately. Your monitor also supports different operating systems, and has a decent response time and refresh rate. So it doesn’t cause any trouble while working on your projects.
So here comes the best part, where I will present you with the best monitors for CAD.
Our Quick List Of Best Monitors For AutoCAD
Here is a list of the top 6 computer monitors for Autocad
- BenQ PD2700Q – Best Monitor For Solidworks
- LG 29WK600-W – Best Budget Monitor For CAD
- Samsung UR59 Series – Best 4k Monitor For Autocad
- Philips 276E8VJSB – Best Affordable Monitor For CAD
- BenQ PD3200U – Best 4k Monitor For Engineers
- ViewSonic VP2771 – CAD Choice
Comparison Of Best Monitors For CAD
See this comparison chart of best monitors for AutoCAD to differentiate between all the models available








These details include the materials used in the product’s manufacturing, its processes, and dimensions. CAD can be used for producing both 2D and 3D diagrams, which can be rotated and viewed from different angles. When designers use CAD, they can view a product from the inside as well, looking.
If the design has to be printed, then a particular printer or plotter is used. Finding the Best monitor for CAD can be a tough job, this guide will help you find a good monitor and learn about CAD.
Review Of Best Monitors For AutoCAD/Engineers 2021
1. BenQ PD2700Q – Best Monitor For Solidworks
Specially designed for CAD and CAM users, photo editors, and content creators, the BenQ PD2700Q is a budget-friendly 27-inch monitor that uses In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology to deliver solid grayscale as well as viewing angle performance.
This is a 27-inch monitor, and it is perfect for Solidworks software. The resolution of this monitor is 2650×1440. It gives the designer more screen real estate compared to what an FHD monitor gives. It has a high-quality IPS panel, which can cover a 100% sRGB color gamut. The IPS panel can cover REC 709 color space, and it shows very realistic colors.
If the designer is working in a dark room, then this monitor adjusts the color. It is one of the Best monitor for CAD. The monitor allows Dual View, which means that the designer can enable two views of the same image, on the same screen, side by side.
The BenQ BL2710PT monitor offers incredible resolution at 27-inch. Its 1440p display has 109 pixels per inch, which means that graphics and images are pixel-free and text is crystal clear. This clarity makes the screen great for CAD/CAM applications, video editing software as well as everyday use.
Small problems such as adjusting your monitor or even finding the right lighting can be solved with ease when working on the BenQ PD2700Q. Easily able to change the height, tilt, pivot, and swivel, you have no less than 10 different ways to adjust your monitor, and with an included stand, it can move in eight different directions for an almost unlimited amount of possibilities.
One thing to note is that the monitor does not include a VESA mount that would allow for mounting the monitor on a wall easily for those interested in trying this out. All things considered, these are small concerns one has to well look over before making a choice between competing monitors with smaller screen dimensions and higher price tags.
If a designer wants to have a CAD file view on one side, and simulation on the other, this is also possible. The connectivity ports that this monitor has are HDMI, Display Port v1.2, and USB Hub. There are built-in speakers on the monitor, of 2×1 Watts.
Benefits
- The resolution of the monitor is good for the eyes
- There are no dead pixels on the monitor, and it shows great colors
- The construction of the monitor and the base are very appropriate
- The power indicator light is at the right side of the panel, and it is a nice touch to the monitor
Drawbacks
- There is a vertical brightness imbalance in the monitor
- It doesn’t work well with Mac
- The monitor has a scanning issue when the user connects an HDMI cable or a DisplayPort
2. LG 29WK600-W – Best Budget Monitor For CAD
This is a 29-inch monitor, and it is recommended for those who are on a budget. The monitor offers about 30% more pixels than the FHD monitor offers. The resolution of the monitor’s display is 2560×1080. The user has the option of on-screen control with a screen split.
The best part of this monitor is that it offers a virtually borderless display and makes designing a fun task. When it comes to sRGB, there is a 99% color gamut, and it is not only Best monitor for CAD designers, but for photographers, and graphic designers.
Moreover, there are 10 picture modes, the default being ‘Custom,’ and the most accurate being ‘Cinema.’ You can change your screen’s colour temperature in each mode by using the monitor’s onboard RGB (Red-Green-Blue) color sensor.
For example, if you change ‘HDMI Black Level’ to 60 in the ‘Game’ mode, it will not only look darker but it will also be easier on your eyes. You can save different combinations of settings as presets and then easily switch between them using a custom button on your keyboard.
More importantly, I also measured the colour accuracy or Delta E (ΔE) of the monitor. Delta E is a metric for understanding how the human eye perceives colour difference with a value of less than 1 being not perceptible to the human eye. And a value between 1 and 2 being barely perceptible.
When designers work for a long time, they feel tired. However, this monitor has an ergonomic stand, which adjusts the LGpremium monitors smoothly. The user won’t feel soreness in their neck, because it is designed for providing them with ultimate comfort.
Benefits
- It has a good pixel density and a small footprint
- It has a small bezel
- The colors on the monitor are great, which is why it is perfect for both 2D and 3D CAD software
- The user won’t feel a strain to their eyes, when they use this monitor, because it gives the HDR effect
Drawbacks
- The stand of the monitor is made of aluminum, but it contains plastic parts as well
- There is no USB port
3. Samsung UR59 Series – Best 4k Monitor For Autocad
This is a 32-inch monitor, which can be used for 4K CAD. This means that the monitor offers more real estate as compared to an FHD monitor. It is a very productive monitor and is reasonably priced as well. This is perfect for engineering because the monitor offers many colors.
If someone is a designer, while being a casual gamer on the side, this monitor can serve two purposes. This makes it one of the Best monitor for CAD.
The ultrawide monitor has a user-centric design, meaning you will get a 1500R curvature that allows you to view the screen from any angle without neck strain. The brand includes Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light technology for comfort and health. These help to eliminate flicker, minimize UV rays to deliver a fatigue-free and eye strain-free experience.
When it comes to technical specifications of these best monitors, this monitor consists of 13ppi pixel density with a native 60Hz refresh rate, that’s quite impressive according to the price. And, a ~4ms response time makes it the best monitor for work, gaming, home, I mean literally any task.
With a wide range of color accuracy features, you will experience great details and color depth in games. Also, its HDR10 makes dark colors darker and bright colors even brighter. In simple words, it allows the monitor to display realistic images with vivid colors.
This monitor has a PBP (Picture-By-Picture) feature. These features allow the monitors to create an interface with many sources. For example, the user can have a PC connected to one input, and another PC connected to the second input. The monitor will display both inputs, save the engineer’s time, and the hassle of switching back and forth between two screens.
Benefits
- The colors on the monitor are pretty good which makes it one of the Best monitor for CAD.
- Users can easily adjust the settings of the color brightness and sharpness
- It has a fast refresh rate
- The setup is pretty easy
- It reduces the strain most people feel on their eyes when they work for a longer duration
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t have an ergonomic stand. The monitor can’t tilt, pivot, or even swivel
- The user can’t adjust the height of the monitor
- The recommended resolution of this monitor is 16:9 ratios, but the screen physically is not of that ratio; this means that the images might stretch on the monitor
4. Philips 276E8VJSB – Best Affordable Monitor For CAD
It is one of the Best cad monitor as it’s affordable, and carries many colors (You cannot guess, how much). This is a 27-inch affordable monitor, with 16:9 ratio options. The resolution of this monitor is 4K/UHD, and it offers high-end features for users.
This is a 10-bit IPS panel monitor, and it offers an 8bit-FRC TN panel, which can produce (hold your breath), 1.07 billion colors! The monitor has good interface with many devices at the same time. It has an ergonomic stand and comes with quality built-in features.
The Philips 276E8VJSB boasts an IPS display panel packed in a 27” 4K UHD display. Also, 10-bit color depth that can deliver up to 1 Billion+ colors and a ~109% sRGB color gamut helps you read the highlighted text without zooming.
Its extended sRGB color gamut and HDR deliver realistic and saturated colors, which makes them look more lifelike. In fact, you can limit the gamut to produce less vibrant colors while reading plain documents to gain access to wide viewing angles and read from anywhere.
Furthermore, the screen’s 178-degree viewing angle ensures that viewing angles do not affect color, contrast, and brightness. Likewise, a luminance of 350 nits is more than sufficient for comfortable viewing in a well-lit environment.
As the customer watches HD designs or videos on the monitor, they all come to life with the monitor’s digital sound. This HDMI-ready device has all the required hardware to allow high-definition multimedia interface input.
Benefits
- The image on the monitor is perfect which makes it one of the Best monitor for AutoCAD.
- The built-in speakers work very well
- At the bottom left of the monitor, the manufacturers have installed a touch sensor and not buttons, which gives the monitor a very modern feeling
- The user can easily change the refresh rate of the monitor
Drawbacks
- The monitor didn’t work for some customers, probably because they got a defective piece
- It can be too bright for some people
- There is no video input
5. BenQ PD3200U – Best 4k Monitor For Engineers
This is a 32-inch professional-grade monitor and is perfect for engineering and CAD purposes. If someone is working with a 4K resolution, then it will only make sense to use such a large monitor. It has an IPS panel, which covers 100% sRGB AND Rec. 709 color space.
It is perfect for CAD, because when a designer is viewing a diagram from all angles, then this monitor will provide him with the widest viewing. This can be the Best monitor for CAD for use.
BenQ’s PD3200U is a 32-inch LCD monitor that supports 4K resolution and HDR. This ultra-wide display has a matte IPS panel with a 3840×1600 resolution, a brightness of 400 nits, and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The screen can reproduce 99% of the sRGB color gamut, 80% of the DCI-P3 gamut, and fully supports HDR10.
It has the darkroom mode, CAD/CAM modem, and KVM switch functionality. This allows the user to control the content of 2 PCs at the same time. In CAM, most engineers have to do animation, and this monitor adds that very feature with Animation Modes name.
The monitor comes with a separate device called Hotkey Puck, which helps the user easily switch between different modes. It has 2×5 Watts built-in speakers as well. The best monitor for AutoCAD will need these specifications and this monitor has it all.
Furthermore, it includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one USB-C port (for connecting to other devices), two USB 3.0 ports (one upstream, one downstream), an audio jack and integrated speakers (2 x 3W). There are also built-in 5W speakers that support DTS sound technology.
Benefits
- It has a dual view, which means that a user can view two files side by side, like design and a simulation
- It has an ergonomic design, so if the user views the screen in a vertical orientation, then the smart screen will detect and adjust itself
- It is a perfect monitor for photographers, who want screen colors to be perfect
- It has a built-in KVM, and users can easily switch between computers
Drawbacks
- After some time, the monitor starts to flicker
- Some customers feel that it has a firmware issue
6. ViewSonic VP2771 – CAD Choice
ViewSonic VP2771 with 27 inches of screen and 2560 x 1440 Pixels is one of the best choices for CAD. It has some amazing features like its unmatched color accuracy will display your work with vivid and lifelike colors, its quick and easy hardware calibration ensures that the color displayed perfectly matches the original file.
This best monitor for CAD is also available with the optional ViewSonic coloration kit, which is used for content creation, photography, and other color critical applications.
3D table produces 4.39 trillion colors accurate for image reproduction, it has an excellent screen uniformity which is critical in achieving the most accurate viewing and editing of the image – without which any work performed on a monitor will have incorrect color adjustments.
View Sonic VP2771 is loaded with the latest and powerful connectivity, the USB 3.1 Type C input delivers audio, video, and charging power over a single connector. Also, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI inputs, and high-speed USB ports give you the freedom to connect to different devices.
This best 27-inch monitor for CAD has a frameless design that provides a seamless viewing experience. It also has an advanced ergonomic design with an in-built light sensor and a KVM switch which ultimately increases the productivity of the product.
The brand includes Delta E≤2 and 14-bit 3D look-up tables that generates precise and uniform colors and allows the monitor to retain color accuracy by generating a 4. 39 trillion color palette. You can also add the VP2771 to 6-axis color adjustment functionality while working with multiple monitors. In fact, the screen wide sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709, and DICOM-SIM color spaces color accuracy as well.
Another thing to notice is the 60 Hz perfect refresh rate for games, and the QHD (2560x1440p) screen keeps the game characters alive. You can experience high graphics fidelity with 350 cd/m² intelligent brightness control. It adjusts according to your surroundings to have the best viewing experience. And, the 178°/178° Viewing Angles helps you view all the colors of the rainbow from all angles.
The product box includes LCD Monitor, Power Cable, AC/DC Adapter, Mini DP to DP Cable, and USB 3.0 Cable. The perfect package from the pricing point as you can have all of this in just under $400. Whereas, an industry-leading Keyboard, Video, Mouse KVM switch Technology allows users to control peripherals on VP2771 from a single keyboard and mouse.
Benefits
- Best quality of the image with amazing color adjustments according to the surroundings.
- The USB-C connector works flawlessly, no need to purchase an extra charging/ data USB-C cable.
- Built-in ambient light looks so cool
- It comes with 3 years warranty
Drawbacks
- The screen is way too delicate. Must be careful or else it would result in LCD screen cracking
- It is not recommended to be a good gaming monitor.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Best CAD Monitor?
These are the best 5 Best monitors for CAD, from which customers can choose. When buying a monitor, a designer or an engineer should always look for the following things.
2D Displays and 3D displays
It is up to the engineer or the designer to decide whether they want a 2D display or a 3D display. This mainly depends on the designs they have to make, and which medium will be more appropriate for them.
Display Units
The display is a really important part of buying a monitor. First, the user needs to check the display resolution, and whether they need that kind of resolution. The display’s back end technology, like pixels and refresh rate determines user experience. If the back end technology is not right, then there will be no fast-moving colors, and playing animations on such displays would be useless.
Portrait OR Landscape Mode
The designer has to decide which viewing mode he wants. He might want a portrait or a landscape mode. They influence the picture or the visual that users see on display. While deciding which monitor to buy, the user should always set a budget and then look for monitors. There are good display and advance feature monitors available online at affordable rates.
However, if a person has a reasonable budget, then they should buy a large display, preferably 29 inches, as it will put less strain on their eyes. They will be able to do more, if they use a dual-view display, as they can edit a design, and view a simulation at the same time.
Background/History of CAD
For more than 2000 years, people have been using engineering drawings. However, orthographic projections were introduced by a French mathematician called Gaspard Mange in the 18th century. Visual images or objects don’t have any language barriers, so engineering drawings have become popular over the years. In the old times, people used to make engineering drawings by hand, and these designs were very complicated.
When engineers look for solutions to engineering problems, it requires them to consider different things like organization, analysis, and even problem-solving principles. However, the most important part of the problem-solving process is the graphical representation of the problem. When engineering problems are represented in drawings, then that technical drawing is called drafting. This represents the design or the specifications of a physical object, along with data relationships.
The technical drawing has to be exact and must communicate all the necessary information of the object, with clarity and precision. This is where CAD comes in and solves the accurate graphical representation problem.
CAD is used extensively in the current world, for designing tools and equipment, which are needed for a manufacturing process and for the construction domain as well. CAD enables engineers to create a layout, and develop it using a computer screen, instead of drawing it by hand.
They can create a design on the computer with the help of CAD, print it, share it with others, and then save the design for future use. You need to get one of the Best monitor for CAD if you’re a manufacturer or a designer.
When CAD was first introduced in the market, it wasn’t exactly an ideal solution.
This is because the machines were expensive at that time, and not every engineer or engineering company could afford them. However, as time passed and the power of computers increased, and the minicomputer entered the industry, CAD became more available to engineers. Engineers were then able to use CAD files so that they could accurately represent the dimension and properties of an object.
Uses of CAD
It is a misconception that CAD is only used by engineers. CAD can be used by anyone who wants to accomplish preliminary design and layouts. If someone wants to create design details and calculations, along with creating 3D models, then they can use CAD. It provides support to the manufacturing process because it transfers information about an object or a product in an automated form.
This automated form can be shared with others and can be universally interpreted by those who are trained personnel. This technology is so advanced and helpful that it can be used for designing 2D and 3D diagrams. The CAD software tools allow the designer to view his design from different angles.
Most people, when they want to design a product, prefer CAD because they can edit details easily. This is the major difference between designing designs by hand and using CAD; editing doesn’t take much time. Moreover, it reduces the wastage of time, because it lets the engineering test a prototype of a product, with the help of a precise simulation. This objective can be achieved if CAD is integrated with CAM, which is computer-aided manufacturing. This speeds up the development and manufacturing of a product and helps a company stay ahead of its competitors.
The current use of CAD is mostly in the industrial products industry. It is even used for animated movies and other applications. There are different types of CAD software available for use; the most prominent two are 2-Dimensional CAD and 3-Dimensional CAD software.
2D CAD software
This is the pioneer of CAD software, and it was launched for commercial use in the early 1970s. At that time, the industries which need this software were an automobile, aerospace, and engineering companies. They developed in-house tools to automate drafting requirements, which they had to change over and over.
2D CAD is all about basic geometric shapes, like rectangles, straight lines, and circles. They produced flat drawings, like the hand drawings which engineers made before CAD was launched. AutoDesk was the pioneer of 2D CAD software.
3D CAD Software
As the name suggests, this software is very different from 2D software. When the processing power and graphical display characteristics of computers improved, 3D CAD became a well know designing tool. This is because designers could now make designs that were very realistic. These images are called 3D models, because they can be viewed from any direction, and can be rotated in any direction as well.
A 3D design can be viewed from different perspectives, and 3D tools were first introduced in the 1980s. IBM and Dassault partnered together to create these tools, and 3D CAD became instantly popular because it provides more visualization to a designer.
As this software has rapidly advanced, it has helped in a turnaround for product design and has given birth to product lifecycle management. The leading 3D CAD software is SolidEdge and SolidWorks. However, even if a person downloads these tools or buys software, he still needs professional training to make sense of them and use them effectively.
Operating Parameters
Another way to classify CAD software is in terms of its operating parameters. When an individual is able to understand these parameters, then they can easily optimize CAD software; they should get a little training as well.
Single File Mode System
This CAD software allows a single user to work on a file; the user can’t work on multiple files at the same time.
References file mode systems
In this CAD software, users can work on their files and attach the files of other users in the background. This can be particularly helpful when a user has to develop a file, keeping in view the data provided in another file.
Collaborative mode system
Just like in Google Sheets, this CAD software allows groups to work with each other, at the same time. They can easily see the changes that the other person has made. This makes the product or the design development process pretty easy. AutoCAD is one such software, which can be used for a collaborative mode system.
Wire Frame models
This is a 3D CAD software, which creates skeleton-like models. The models have lines and arcs, and they look like they are made of wires. Everything that is in the background of the models is visible. However, they are not very popular.
FAQ’s
Is A Curved Monitor Good For AUTOCAD?
Curved monitors are getting popular day by day. So, it is one of the hottest questions in the market nowadays if they are good for CAD or not.
Well, I can’t 100% surely say if they are good or bad. It is completely up to you. Everything has its pros and cons but it has more pros than cons.
PROS
- They have more immersion powers. If CAD workers have more immersion in their work they can make it better and better.
- They have a wide field of view. CAD workers can view their work from different angles that mean you don’t have to work hard with flat screens to get those different views.
- They are certainly better for the eyes as they reduce stress.
CONS
- They are expensive.
- They can be time taking in getting used to them.
- They may not have an in-built camera but you can use a separate one.
Enjoyed this? Then be sure to check out our other guides on Vertical monitors and Color Grading Monitor.