> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/buying/choosing-display-resolution.md).

# Choosing the right display resolution for a pen display

## Overview

You want to be thoughtful about picking the right resolution. Higher resolution is not automatically better. It depends on the size of the display.

## Summary

* In general, as a tablet gets bigger, it is useful to have a higher resolution.
* At small sizes, a very high resolution does not help much.
* Some resolutions require extra work to use well with macOS.

## My experience

Based on my experience, here's what I think works. Overall, I think 140 to 180 PPI works best.

<table><thead><tr><th width="126.20001220703125">Diagonal Size</th><th>Full HD (1920x1080)</th><th width="207">2.5K (2560x1440)</th><th>4K (3840x2160)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>13"</td><td><p>~169ppi</p><p>GREAT</p></td><td><p>~226ppi</p><p>EXCELLENT</p></td><td><p>~339ppi</p><p>NOT NEEDED</p></td></tr><tr><td>16"</td><td><p>~138ppi</p><p>GOOD</p></td><td><p>~184ppi</p><p>GREAT</p></td><td><p>~275ppi</p><p>NOT NEEDED</p></td></tr><tr><td>19"</td><td><p>~115ppi</p><p>OK</p></td><td><p>~155ppi</p><p>GREAT</p></td><td><p>~231ppi</p><p>EXCELLENT</p></td></tr><tr><td>22"</td><td><p>~100ppi</p><p>NOT ENOUGH</p></td><td><p>~133ppi</p><p>GREAT</p></td><td><p>~220ppi</p><p>EXCELLENT</p></td></tr><tr><td>24"</td><td><p>~92ppi</p><p>NOT ENOUGH</p></td><td><p>~122ppi</p><p>GOOD</p></td><td><p>~184ppi</p><p>EXCELLENT</p></td></tr><tr><td>27"</td><td><p>~82ppi</p><p>NOT ENOUGH</p></td><td><p>~109ppi</p><p>OK</p></td><td><p>~163ppi</p><p>EXCELLENT</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

## MacOS

macOS handles resolution differently than Windows. In particular, it renders text differently, and this can make text look a little fuzzy at certain resolutions. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the problem. See: [Fuzzy text on displays with macOS](/drawtab/guides/platforms/macos/display-resolution.md)

## **Picking between 2.5K vs 4K resolution**

People often ask about choosing between these two resolutions. Overall, I think 2.5K is the best value for your money.

Especially at the 13" and 16" sizes, a 2.5K display delivers a massive increase over 2K. At these sizes, higher resolutions provide only incremental benefits.


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