Screen layouts for CAD: Landscape vs. Portrait

Are you looking for the best screen layouts for CAD?

The display is what I think of when setting up a new system. The display is what I will use to view the information that the system displays to me. The viewing area of my gear is crucial for this purpose. Because of advancements in graphics, GPUs can support multiple displays and different software packages making it easy to make your dream-setup a reality. You can read my thoughts on CAD as a hobbyist or professional, and also other cool screens.

But First – Viewing modes

Viewing modes are Landscape and Portrait. This means that your display’s orientation is set to be either more wide and taller (portrait), or less high (landscape). This is because a portrait of a person would need more height to cover the image. Landscapes that don’t require height can be created since the sky is usually on the top in landscape scenes. The aspect ratios used in both modes are the same, revit unless they have been specifically designed for a particular operation.

These aspect ratios are variations and multiples of the 4:3 ratio, which is 4 units in width and 3 units in height. These can be extended further to 16:9 with the squaring values straightening the gradient and shrinking the display vertically and stretching it horizontally.

The Setups are now complete

Portrait

Multiple monitors can be combined to achieve the desired setup, as portrait mode has a smaller width than its height. If the screen height is greater than 21 inches, two screens won’t be enough. In that case, you will need three screens or more. Landscape monitors can be added above or to the sides of the setup to enhance portrait. Any screen of roughly the same size will look great. You will need software to set up screens on the sides. Windows’ default monitor setup doesn’t support complex or extended configurations.

Landscape

This is the most popular option. Two or three horizontal screens look great on your desktop. Many rigs can have six displays. Some have three more than the others. You don’t have to tilt your head up because of the lack of height. These displays can be placed slightly higher than the top of your desk. This will allow you to place your laptop or mobile workstation in the middle, whether you want it to be connected to your rig or used by itself.

My Favorite

Personal preferences aside, here is a picture of my setup. The setup’s central screen is the Samsung LED 24″3 Series 300 screen. It faces front flat. The setup has two Dell 24″ flat screens, one on each side. They tilt slightly to the inside to give me a 360-degree view of the environment. My audio system input is also supported by the flatscreen Sony Bravia 45 inch Flatscreen TV. This setup allows me to view mechanical drawings and concept sketches on the large screen while focusing on the details on the smaller screen.

Conclusion

The portrait mode is a great option, but the landscape mode is very popular and appealing. Landscape screens allow you to fall in line with the market trend and industry standards, so support, resale, and other options are easy. Many people have created some really cool viewing arrangements using portrait screens, as evidenced by the numerous forums.