Dual monitor configurations

Issue

You want to know if AutoCAD® software supports dual screen (monitor) configurations.

Solution

AutoCAD® does not include any built-in support for dual monitors. You can use a dual monitor configuration with AutoCAD, but the way it works is dependent on the following:

• Operating system
• Graphics card
• Display driver

Functionality

The functionality of any dual monitor configuration is entirely dependent on the above factors. Before you purchase additional equipment, determine the functionality you require, and then verify that the proposed solution (operating system, graphics card, display driver) meets your requirements.

Note: Not all of the operating systems that are discussed below are supported with all versions of AutoCAD based products.  Please see the system requirements for your product for supported operating systems.

Windows® XP, Windows® Vista, and Windows® 7

Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are all designed to support primary and secondary monitors. You can drive the two monitors using graphics cards from different manufacturers. You can run the graphics cards at different resolutions, color depths, and refresh rates.

Note: Windows XP support a limited number of graphics cards for use with a secondary monitor. Before you install a graphics card for a secondary monitor, you should verify with the manufacturer that it is supported under the version of Windows you are using.