> 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/guides/customizing/pen-display-as-monitor.md). # Using a pen display as a monitor ## Overview You can use a pen display like a regular monitor. However, there are a few things you should be aware of. ## Safety **It's completely safe. It's safe for your pen display, your computer, and the cables connecting them.** ## Leaving them on continuously ### Pen displays that use LCD display panels The VAST majority of pen displays use LCD display panels. Just like any monitor or TV that uses LCD panels you can just keep them on all the time. I've used multiple pen displays as a second display and left them on 24/7. My computers are set to never sleep, so they are always showing something. With some LCD panels, if they show the same thing on the screen, you may encounter a phenomenon called [**Image Persistence**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_persistence). This is normal. It is not a permanent change and is not screen burn-in (). Specific pen displays I have used this way (each has been continuously turned on and showing something for several months at least): * Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 DTH-167 * Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 DTH-271 * XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 GEN2 MD160QH * Wacom One GEN1 (DTC-133) * Wacom One 13 GEN2 (DTH-134) * Wacom One 12 GEN2 (DTC-121) * Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202) * Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331) * Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus 4k (GT1562) * Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K (GT2401) * Xencelabs Pen Display 24 (LPH2412U-A) ### Pen displays that use OLED display panels OLED panels are relatively new to pen displays. They only started appearing in 2024 with the arrival of the Wacom Movink. How long OLED panels can last without issues like burn-in is unknown, but it is widely understood that their lifetime is less than that of an IPS panel. For now, my recommendation is to turn off OLED pen displays if you are not actively using them. ## Refresh Rate Pen displays typically only go up to 60 Hz. Higher refresh rates are EXTREMELY rare. More here: [Pen display refresh rate](/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/refresh-rate.md) ## Display inputs and cabling A monitor often has a variety of inputs. For example, most of the monitors I have support display inputs such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. Some pen displays have a variety of inputs. The Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 DTH-271 is a great example. It supports all of the inputs mentioned above. But most modern pen displays now have only USB-C ports - usually two. One for a display signal & data and one for additional power if needed. See: [Connecting a pen display](/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display.md) ## Aspect ratio Typically, monitors have two common aspect ratios: 16:9 and 16:10. There are also a variety of widescreen and ultra-widescreen monitors that support many other aspect ratios. Pen displays have much less diversity of aspect ratios. The vast majority of modern pen displays are exactly 16:9. A very small number are 16:10. Learn more: [Active area aspect ratio](/drawtab/core/active-area/active-area-aspect-ratio.md) ## Display panel technology Monitors and pen displays use various panel technologies, such as: * IPS * TN * VA * OLED OLED is a recent addition to pen displays. Starting around May 2024, we've seen the introduction of a few pen displays with OLED panels. The first pen display to use OLED was the Wacom Movink 13 (DTH-135), and the second was the Xencelabs Pen Display 16. ## Display panel brightness Pen displays aren't especially bright. Most are around 250 nits. Only a few are >= 300 nits. More here: [Brightness](/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/brightness.md) ## VESA-mounting Most often monitors support VESA mounting so you can attach them to a stand or an arm. Many pen displays support VESA mounting as well. However, pen displays that are 16" or smaller often do not support VESA mounting. Likely, these sizes of pen displays are too thin to do so. More here: * [Monitor arms](/drawtab/catalog/accessories/arms.md) * [VESA](/drawtab/tech/vesa.md) ## Power cabling Monitors tend to have the normal power cables and adapters. Modern pen displays may also use normal power adapters. But some support getting power via their USB-C ports. ## Anti-glare sparkle It varies quite a bit among pen displays, but often they exhibit more Anti-Glare sparkle than monitors. Sometimes it is quite noticeable. Some people are very irritated by the visual effect of this anti-glare sparkle. More here: [Anti-glare sparkle](/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/ag-sparkle.md) ## Speakers Many monitors come with built-in speakers. They usually sound terrible, but they can be useful. As far as I am aware, no pen displays have speakers. ## Picture-by-picture & Picture-in-picture One of the benefits of supporting multiple display input ports is that it makes it possible to display two or more inputs simultaneously. Many monitors allow this now and it is very useful for very wide monitors. Pen displays do not support this feature. ## Heat It's a common question whether pen displays would get too hot if they are used continuously. Pen displays don't get any hotter than a normal monitor. More here: [Heat](/drawtab/guides/ergonomics/heat.md) ## Noise Monitors are almost always completely silent and don't even have fans. However, some pen displays, notably some Wacom Cintiq Pro models, have fans and are known for fan noise. If you are sensitive to noise, research this first. ## Using the pen display with a laptop A pen display can certainly be used as a secondary display for your laptop. But make sure you are clear on * How it will connect * That the display inside the tablet will need power. Your laptop may not be enough. You may need to use a power adapter. Even if your laptop is capable of supplying power, it may drain your battery faster than you expect. ## Drivers If you are just planning on using the pen display as a monitor, the computer you connect it to does not need any tablet driver installed. You only need the tablet driver if you intend to draw on the tablet.