Setting up illustrator/monitor for accurate measurement

Paradiso · 17 Aug 2010 at 16:10

Hi,

Is it possible to setup Illustrator to show accurate mm measurement? So if I put a ruler up to the screen 10mm on the ruler matches illustrators rulers (or at least damn close). Currently 10mm on ruler is 8mm on illustrators rulers

I'm currently trying to design a large front panel for a project at the moment and its hard to gauge the output size, as its larger that a3. The only way I can do it currently is to keep printing 300dpi a4 sheets out to get the correct size.

I realise illustrator isnt a CAD program but its all I have, the final output will be on card then stuck to a piece of aluminium, then with a thin perspex layer over the card to protect it.

I'm running a Dell 2407 @ 1920x1200

Thanks

ichabod crane · 17 Aug 2010 at 16:13

You could try sketch up its free and you can draw and output to a scale

gord · 17 Aug 2010 at 16:30

I don't fully understand. You don't know the dimensions of the panel you are designing for?

Paradiso · 17 Aug 2010 at 16:33

yes of course, but my screen is showing it slightly smaller than in real life (at actual size settings in illustrator). I'd like to see an accurate size on screen, print size is accurate but i'd rather save the hassle of loads of print outs.

Paradiso · 17 Aug 2010 at 16:44

Hmm done some searching and it seems this kind of 1:1 ratio im after is in the realm of professional equipment and calibration.

Edit: Just realised there is a cheap way around this, set illustrator to 131% zoom on your document and it all matches up screen ruler mm now = 1mm on real ruler

your zoom maybe slightly different, depends on monitor.