A second screen can feel like a superpower—if it’s placed correctly. Here’s how pros arrange two displays and the settings that make them sing.
1) Pick Your Layout
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Side-by-Side (same height): Best all-rounder; center the bezel joint to your nose.
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Main + Portrait: Horizontal main screen + vertical side screen for code/docs/chat.
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Stacked: Save depth on shallow desks; use a tall pole for comfortable eye line.
JAKEKO picks:
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Dual gas-spring arm — View product (ASIN: B0F7X88TH9)
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Single + accessory arm (for mixed sizes) — View product
2) OS Settings That Matter
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Windows: Settings → Display → “Identify” → Arrange → Scale 100–125%, enable Snap layouts (Win + Z).
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macOS: System Settings → Displays → Arrange → Night Shift / True Tone to reduce eye fatigue.
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Color match: Set both panels to 6500K and similar brightness for design work.
3) App Workflow Templates
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Creator: Main = timeline/canvas; Side = assets/preview/notes.
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Analyst: Main = dashboard; Side = SQL/Sheets/Docs.
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Dev: Main = IDE; Side = terminal/logs/Docs in portrait.
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Streamer: Main = game/app; Side = chat/mixer/OBS controls.
4) Ergonomics You’ll Feel in 24 Hours
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Keep the primary screen dead-center; the secondary at 10–30° angle.
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Chair height so your elbows are 90–100°; monitor top bezel ≈ eye level.
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Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, 20 seconds, look 20 feet away.
5) Cable & Power Tips
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Daisy-chain with USB-C/DP MST where possible; keep HDMI lengths short.
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A 100 W USB-C hub cleans up power bricks; route cables through the arm channels.
