LCD VS LED Monitor for Graphic Design: What You Need to Know

When you are working in graphic design, it is crucial that you have a high-performing monitor. Businesses that utilize graphic design require it to market their products. It is such marketing strategies that eventually lead to sales. 

You may find yourself in need of a new monitor and are wondering which one to go for. The most popular monitors are the LCD and LED monitors. Below, we will cover these two monitors and which one you should buy. However, we first need to understand why graphic design is so important. 

Why is Graphic Design Vital?

First, the graphic design creates a lasting impression for a business. Once potential customers get into contact with a company’s brand, there is no changing their first image. Their first point of contact may be business cards, brochures, or leaflets. All these require the use of graphic design. 

Graphic design portrays credibility and professionalism in a business. As much as the failure of a company cannot be entirely attributed to its design, poor graphic design plays a significant role. Plain text with basic background images will not attract customers. People tend to remember a brand based on its uniqueness.

Graphic design is essential when passing crucial information. People have the tendency to skim over large volumes of information. This may lead to them missing the main point. However, with infographics, this information is summarized with the major issues highlighted. This is particularly useful in social media.

What is an LCD monitor and LED monitor?

Having discussed the importance of graphic design, it is only right that the monitor used is up to standard. There are several monitors in the market, with the main ones being LCD and LED monitors.  

An LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor is a display that makes use of LCD technology. This type of monitor doesn’t produce its own light. On the other hand, an LED (light-emitting diode) display is a monitor that produces its own light. 

What Factors Should You Consider When Buying Monitor for Graphic Design?

IPS display– IPS in full is in-plane switching. Monitors with this feature were created to overcome the limitations of twisted nematic panels and vertical alignment panels. They may be pricier than the panels, but they are worth the while. 

Not only do they have the best viewing angles, but they also have great colors. The liquid crystals they have, have shifting patterns. These shifting patterns create viewing angles that are better. The other monitors lack grey shades and accurate light. This display can be found on LED and LCD monitors.

Color accuracy-For graphic design work, the way colors appear on the screen is the exact same way they should appear when printed. This is why color spacing should be considered. Color spacing is specific color systems that transform colors to numbers. For this to happen, monitors with color consistency and accuracy are necessary. Fortunately, there are many monitors being sold that have hardware and software calibration tools. This includes LED and LCD monitors.

Resolution– The pixel resolution of your monitor is one of the main factors to check on. In graphic design, the greater the resolution, the better your output. When working on projects that are comprehensive and meticulous, it will prove very advantageous. 

When the pixels are up close when you are working, that means the monitor is below graphic design standards. Monitors with high resolution may be costly upfront but worth it in the long run. They are especially important because they draw the line between professionally-looking work and poorly designed work.

Ergonomics– As a graphic designer, it is highly likely that most of your time will be spent in front of the screen. You should, therefore, purpose to find one that makes adjusting a swivel panel and height possible. This ergonomic stand will improve the comfortability of your viewing position. 

Also, such stands assist when working on long documents or websites. You are likely to view the screen using portrait mode. Additionally, using a panel whose viewing angle is poor may lead to wrong interpretation when designing.

Screen size-The size of the screen matters mainly when working on images with high resolution. Granted, you have to consider how large or small your working area is. However, you should try to maximize it. 

It also depends on whether you work on several projects at the same time. There are individuals that opt for different monitors in the same working space. It is good to note that larger screens aren’t ultimately better. Sacrificing your monitor’s performance to purchase a larger screen is not worth it.

What is the Difference Between LCD and LED Monitors? 

Backlighting

When comparing LCD and LED monitors, backlighting is their main difference. Backlight displays are available in LED monitors but unavailable in LCD monitors. When looking for a monitor with less heat and a sharper picture, then displays with backlighting are the best. Lighting is provided from the back of the digital display, which makes the screen clearer. 

LEDs with backlighting tend to last longer compared to their electroluminescent counterparts. Additionally, this feature is environmentally friendly. It lacks harmful substances like lead and mercury. As much as this feature is not necessary, it’s preferable for graphic design monitors.  

Resolution

As previously mentioned, high-resolution matters in graphic design. In this category, the LCD monitors win as their resolution is higher than that of LEDs. 

Viewing Angles

When it comes to viewing angles, the LED monitor is superior. When working with the LCD monitor, it is essential that you stay in front of the display. If you move to either side, it will become harder to see. This is because instead of a clear display, you will have one that is blurred. 

This mostly occurs during the day. With the LED monitor, however, the display is clear with whichever angle you choose. Experiencing image distortion is highly unlikely.

Price

How much the two monitors cost is another distinguishing factor. LCD monitors are cheaper compared to the LED monitors of similar screen sizes. Features such as the use of older technology, bulkiness, larger pixels, and no backlighting contribute to this fact. Fortunately, LEDs have a longer lifespan. Additionally, they can be easily upgraded. 

Final Thoughts 

When it comes down to it, the decision to purchase either monitor is yours. Establish what matters most to you and decide based on that fact. If you’re trying to save up some money, you can go with the LCD monitor. If, however, you want a long-lasting monitor that will offer high-resolution images, you’re better off purchasing an LED monitor.