I have found on my two monitor systems that it is easiest to keep the desktop with the image on it on one monitor (the primary monitor) and the tools and palettes on the other monitor (the secondary monitor) when working in Photoshop. From a work flow point of view it simplifies things requiring a mere turn of the head or eyes from one monitor to another in contrast to having to remember keyboard shortcuts, take my hands off the mouse or digital tablet pen to use the keyboard, or the like. One needs to keep the image that is being worked on displayed on the primary monitor one many - if not most - systems and the tools and palettes on the secondary because it is usually the primary monitor that is the one that serves as the basis for monitor calibration and color management with the secondary monitor typically merely duplicating that of the primary monitor whether or not they are identical. Thus, the secondary monitor display consequently may not be accurrate in terms of calibration and color management profiles for that monitor - especially if it is not an identical make, model, and age monitor as the primary one. The only item among the tools that could be negatively effected by keeping it on the secondary monitor is the color palette which might be off color if the secondary monitor is not color corrected identically with the proimary monitor. The only question I would have about using Rob Meier's suggestion is what would one display on the secondary monitor that would require one to keep it free of displaying the tools and palettes so as to require one to hide them. I can think of only two major reasons for using his suggestion and a few minor ones. First, one is not working exclusively with a single program (e.g., Photoshop) but with a number of programs that are being kept open and in use such that the desktop on the secondary monitor would be used to house and display theses other open programs while keeping Photoshop open on the primary monitor. Second, one is keeping a display of the original image on the secondary monitor (or possibly a soft proof) as a reference for correcting the working image on the primary monitor in which case one would want to keep the secondary monitor as free as possible of distracting tools and palettes. Among the minor instances, the possibility that switching ones eyes from one monitor to another monitor may somehow result in causing ones eyes to be fooled and not remain in adjustment due to different brightnesses and contrasts between the two monitors which could cause some distortion in the recognition and seeing of differetn subtle shades, tones, and colors. -----Original Message----- From: owner-epson-inkjet@leben.com [mailto:owner-epson-inkjet@leben.com]On Behalf Of Konrad Poth Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:42 AM To: epson-inkjet@leben.com Subject: Two-Monitor advantage? (was LCD Monitors) In response to a question I asked about setting up a double-monitor system, I received the replies below. Rob Meier recommends just using Shift-Tab to hide the tools rather than shifting the eyes between two monitors. I would like to hear from those who use two monitors - or who have tried that system and reverted - as to the advantages and disadvantages. Does it enhance your workflow? Is it more cumbersome than practical? Why not just use Shift-Tab to hide/show tools? Konrad Poth ********************************************* ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" <robert_meier_photo@yahoo.com> To: <epson-inkjet@leben.com> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 1:57 AM Subject: Re: LCD Monitors > > --- CDTobie@aol.com wrote: > >> In a message dated 5/23/02 9:24:01 PM, mlidaka@ameritech.net writes: > >> 3. How does one setup a 2-monitor system, say a 19" for the > >> working image and a 15" to hold the tools? Special software or > >> video card needed? > > > Its important to find out of the dual card accepts seperate LUT data > > from the > > computer for each monitor connected, otherwise it is not possible to > > color > > manage both screens in any way. > > If you use your 15" screen only for the tools I think you should be > fine if you can calibrate only one of the two monitors. If you need > both monitors for critical work then Tobie's advice is important. > Also note that if you are using PS you can hide/show all the additional > windows with [Shift][Tab]. Depending on your preferences that might be > more convenient then moving your eyes between two monitors. > > Rob - Turn off HTML mail features. Keep quoted material short. Use accurate subject lines. http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions. - Turn off HTML mail features. Keep quoted material short. Use accurate subject lines. http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions.