Having the correct tools and equipment for graphic design greatly influences your creativity and productivity. Designers need a large screen. Although, many people question whether 13 inches is too small for graphic design.
The answer is No, 13 inches is not too small for graphic design. It’s adequate. The usefulness of 13-inch screens is affected by several factors. Increased screen size can enhance productivity and creativity by increasing workspace.
This post will examine the benefits and drawbacks of working on a 13-inch screen. We will present information to help you decide if it suits your graphic design needs.
Let’s get started!
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The Importance of Screen Size
Screen size plays a vital role in producing and editing visual material. As more, the workspace has better creativity in graphic design. A broader screen can contain more design components, tools, and windows, allowing for improved multitasking and workflow efficiency.
However, depending on your unique needs and tastes, a 13-inch screen may still be a reasonable option.
The Benefits of a 13-Inch Screen:
- Mobility: A 13 inches screen’s mobility has a huge advantage. A small laptop or tablet lets you work on the fly and effortlessly transport your creative projects. This adaptability is valuable for freelancers, students, and designers who regularly travel or work remotely.
- Cost-effectiveness: 13-inch laptops or tablets are cheaper than bigger displays. If you are on a tight budget or just starting as a graphic designer, a 13-inch tablet may be a more cost-effective option. It motivates you to dedicate your resources to other necessary tools and software.
- Focus and concentration: Some designers believe a smaller screen might improve focus and concentration. Unnecessary distractions are reduced with minimal screen, allowing you to concentrate on your creative work.
Graphic Design Considerations for a 13-Inch Screen

As a graphic designer, you should always consider a few things while using a 13-inch screen.
- Screen Resolution: A high-resolution monitor is essential for graphic creation regardless of screen size. Check that the 13-inch device you select has a resolution that allows clear and accurate color representation. An enhanced pixel density, such as Full HD, will preserve the details and clarity required for more precise and accurate work.
- External Display Option: You can always connect your 13-inch laptop or tablet to an external display for extra space. This enables you to expand your workspace as needed and reap the benefits of wider screen sizes without sacrificing mobility.
- Workflow and Organization: Effective workflow practices and an effective design. Organization becomes even more critical on a smaller screen. Use design software features such as configurable workspaces, shortcuts, and panels to improve efficiency. A table or grid system can help you organize your design pieces successfully.
Pros and Cons of a 13-Inch Screen for Graphic Design
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Portability | Limited screen real estate |
Cost-effectiveness | The potential need for an external monitor |
Focus and concentration | The potential strain on the eyes |
Protecting Creative Works with Graphic Design
Graphic design is a dynamic field that entails designing visual assets and branding aspects to transmit messages effectively. Graphic designers must safeguard their creative works from unauthorized use or infringement in this highly competitive market.
Patents and trademarks are two aforementioned types of legal protection available to graphic artists.
Let’s look at what they are and how they protect your design assets.
Graphic Design Patents:
Patents are legal rights awarded to innovators, including original and original designs. Patents generally apply to functional and decorative designs that are distinctive and non-obvious in graphic design.
While most graphic designs are unlikely to be eligible for utility patents (which cover functional features), they may be eligible for design patents.
What are design patents?
Design patents protect a design’s original and attractive aesthetic appearance rather than its functional characteristics. They prevent others from duplicating, producing, or selling designs significantly similar to the original design.
Design patents provide designers with exclusive rights for a short time, often 15 years from the date of issuance. This prevents others from earning from their distinctive visual works.
To get a design patent, designers must submit a complete application, including drawings, photos, or representations of their work. It is necessary to define and illustrate it to convey design distinctiveness properly.

Graphic Design Trademarks:
On the other hand, Trademarks represent brands, logos, emblems, and other distinguishing features linked to goods or services. Graphic designers contribute significantly to visual brand identities, such as logos, package designs, and trade dresses.
Registering these aspects as trademarks establish legal rights and ban others from utilizing identical designs in ways that may create consumer confusion. Several conditions must be met to secure trademark protection for a graphic design.
It must be distinguishable and identify the origin of products or services. Generic or purely descriptive designs may face difficulties in securing trademark protection.
How to register a trademark?
To register a trademark,
- First of all, you’ll need to apply to the relevant intellectual property agency.
- Then, provide a thorough design description, and pay the applicable fees.
- When a trademark is registered, the owner acquires exclusive rights to use the design in connection with certain goods or services.
- Trademarks can be renewed forever as long as they are used and properly maintained.
Other reliable sources, such as market research firms, industry groups, or specialized research magazines, might be better suited to obtaining market research studies on the size of the graphic design sector.
These sources do extensive research and offer insights into the market size, trends, and forecasts for various sectors, including graphic design.
Graphic Design Industries
The following are some well-known market research companies that handle the creative and design industries:
- IBIS World
- MarketResearch.com
- Statista
- Research and markets
- Grand View Research
These companies provide paid studies, including thorough information on market size, growth rates, significant players, and other industry statistics.
Furthermore, industry organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the Graphic Artists Guild may produce studies or publications on the scale and breadth of the graphic design sector.
It should be noted that obtaining these reports may require a subscription or payment. However, they may better give useful insights and data to comprehend the graphic design market scale and dynamics.

FAQ
Can I work on graphic design tasks on a 13-inch screen effectively?
Yes, a 13-inch screen may be used to work on sophisticated graphic design tasks. Although the larger screen may provide more space for complicated drawings, you can make detailed designs on a 13-inch screen with effective workflow tactics and smart use of tools and panels.
What are the benefits of a 13-inch screen for graphic design?
Mobility, cost-effectiveness, and attention and concentration capacity are all advantages of a 13-inch screen for graphic design. 13-inch displays are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for designers who travel frequently or work remotely.
Is there any restriction or disadvantage to a 13-inch screen for graphic design?
The biggest disadvantage of a 13-inch screen is the lack of workspace compared to higher-sized panels. Working on big projects with various design aspects and multitasking may be harder. Additionally, prolonged screen usage could result in eye strain.
Should I consider a larger screen size for graphic design to have more workspace?
If you frequently work on complicated tasks, need extra room for multitasking, or like a wider visual area, a larger screen size is worth considering.
On the other hand, A 13-inch screen can be adequate for many graphic design projects, especially when paired with effective workflow practices.
Want to know about the best graphic designing laptop of 2023? Watch the video below:
Conclusion
To conclude, I’d like to say that,
- Screen size is subjective in graphic design. While a 13-inch screen may seem small compared to larger options, it can still be acceptable for many graphic artists, especially when paired with effective workflow practices.
- A 13-inch gadget may appeal due to mobility, cost-effectiveness, and attention-holding ability. However, you must evaluate the complexity of your design tasks and tastes. Larger screen sizes may be preferable if you regularly work on elaborate designs or need more screen real estate for multitasking.
- Finding the right screen size for graphic design ultimately comes down to balancing usefulness, mobility, and your individual needs as a designer.
- I’ve shared the importance and usefulness of a 13″ screen for graphic design. Read the article again for a better understanding.
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