Expert: Nick Putthoff - 2/28/2008

Question
Hi I'm a novice designer. I've set up the artboard to the actual size that I want to work in in Illustrator CS2 (2 in. x 3.5 in.) Using the rulers and guides it looks way too small to be 2 in x 3.5 on the computer screen. So is scale in my Illustrator not configured correctly or do I have to calculate the difference in upsizing the final design before printing?

Answer
Seth,
Depending on the size and resolution of your monitor "Actual Size" in Illustrator can be larger or smaller than the ruler suggests. I followed your description on my laptop and I am seeing exactly what your are describing. Be confident that if your document setup unit of measurement is inches and the artboard is set to 3 x 2.5 that your artwork will actually print the size you are specifying. You can adjust your monitor settings to achieve something a little closer but I believe you will be more comfortable working the artwork with the "Fit In window" view with the monitor settings as they are now. On my laptop, which is what I use at home, the page setup you describe actually looks square rather than rectangular. And this never bothered me much and I really didn't notice it - until you mentioned it and now I don't know if I can live with it.
I am not a designer and this sort of thing really doesn't bother me - but you are a designer and your work is how you see it - so I would tinker with your monitor settings or consult with a trustworthy computer geek on how best to get the views you can accept. A trustworthy computer geek that will only pull your leg a little before he addresses your concerns.

Good Luck

Nick