Identify the screen you use most
Begin with the main task and the screen you look at most often. Put that task in front of your normal seated position, then arrange secondary screens around it. If both screens get equal use, test a balanced arrangement rather than assigning one side by habit. Keep a short note of where you look during a typical session. Repeated turns toward a secondary screen may mean the task deserves the primary position.
Adjust from your normal posture
Sit as you would while using the keyboard and pointer. Adjust screen position from there, rather than stretching yourself to meet a chosen layout. OSHA’s overview suggests the top of the screen at or just below eye level. Its monitor guidance also emphasizes reducing glare and using a comfortable viewing arrangement. Source: OSHA workstation overview. Use the guidance as a starting point, and revisit the arrangement during real use.
Make text usable before moving closer
Open the applications you actually use and inspect their smallest frequent text. Adjust the operating system and application display settings where appropriate. A monitor arrangement should support readable content without relying on an awkward posture. Record the resolution and scaling settings so you can restore them after a device change. Test a document, browser, and the main creative or work application; a single attractive wallpaper tells you little about usability.
Check glare at different times
Inspect the screen with normal room lighting and at the times you use the desk. Notice windows, lamps, and bright objects reflected in dark content. Try changing the screen angle or the light source before buying another accessory. Take a seat in the working position for the test; reflections can look different when viewed from the side. Repeat the check after changing the monitor height, because the new angle may introduce a reflection.
Choose a mount by exact limits
Before using an arm, check the display’s mounting pattern, weight, and the arm’s stated limits, along with desk attachment requirements. Ergotron’s selection guide emphasizes checking monitor weight against the arm’s capacity. Source: Ergotron arm selection guide. Include accessories attached to the display where the manufacturer requires them in the calculation. Follow the arm and desk instructions instead of assuming any desktop is a suitable clamp surface.
Test movement and document the result
Move the display through the range you intend to use. Check cable slack, nearby objects, and the position of the keyboard and speakers. With multiple screens, test the actual application arrangement rather than only lining up the bezels. After a few days, make one small adjustment at a time. When sharing your setup, include screen sizes, arrangement, and the tasks assigned to each display; those details help readers understand why the layout works.