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What's a good (preferably free) on-screen ruler for Windows? I just need to measure a few things in pixels on the screen. I need it to be flexible (easily resizable and able to measure both vertically and horizontally), and hopefully not look like crap. A quick Google search revealed a ton of different applications, and I don't want to try every single one.
Sasha Chedygov
Posted 2009-08-06T20:20:44.083
Reputation: 6 616
105
I have been using Ruler from Codeplex for ages now (I removed the old link because it was considered harmful by Chrome). Very easy to use, a simple program with simple options:
Forked and improved on GitHub and enhanced https://github.com/andrijac/ruler
Andrija
Posted 2009-08-06T20:20:44.083
Reputation: 2 206
This app is buggy because if you move it around quickly it handles the mouse events erroneously and either "lets go" or starts resizing itself. Aggravating! Otherwise very neat. Due to this, JR ruler is more functional – Steven Lu – 2014-10-10T02:54:25.807
1
@StevenLu Resize-while-moving-the-ruler is exactly one of the reasons I have forked the project on github and added Lock feature https://github.com/andrijac/ruler :) HTH
– Andrija – 2014-10-12T06:45:17.707Oh that's brilliant. Yes I do like this one because it has transparency and is not bright yellow. Though, now that i test it, you didn't actually fix the root bug, you just made a workaround to lock the size...it helps but the bug is still present, most noticeably where if you drag it from a spot near the edge, if you go fast in that direction, it will simply "drop" it. While it is an improvement in a certain sense it does require an extra step to lock after editing the size... – Steven Lu – 2014-10-12T06:59:58.603
Awesome. Just one exe, no install and special priviledges required. I was using another ruler before of which I forgot the name. But I think this one is better. – Rolf – 2015-05-20T01:05:38.423
Ah yeah, I forgot to mention transparency :) np. – Andrija – 2009-08-06T20:29:41.893
I just visited the URL for Ruler. The Chrome browser gave me a scary warning: "The site ahead contains harmful programs Attackers on archive.codeplex.com might attempt to trick you into installing programs that harm your browsing experience (for example, by changing your homepage or showing extra ads on sites you visit).". I have no further information about the site.
– Keith Thompson – 2020-01-20T22:11:38.8071@KeithThompson you are right, seems like Codeplex is considered harmful. I'll strike out the link. – Andrija – 2020-01-22T08:55:49.867
1hmm.. only pixels, can't change units of measurement. No free rotate. Looks great, but I can't use it. – Robert Mark Bram – 2013-02-12T00:35:46.393
7
I have forked the code from codeplex to github https://github.com/andrijac/ruler
– Andrija – 2014-04-23T10:44:49.59324
I recommend using PicPick.
It has a ruler (horizontal or vertical) with custom units, but also others very usefull tools like screencapture, colorpicker, magnifier, angular ruler and other tools.
RHaguiuda
Posted 2009-08-06T20:20:44.083
Reputation: 717
I had this installed and didn't realize it had all these other awesome features. – MVCylon – 2016-07-29T15:05:28.133
I also had PicPick installed and didn't know it has a ruler. What a lifesaver, thanks! – Hallaghan – 2018-03-29T13:24:42.993
I don't see how you can change units on the ruler.. – Robert Mark Bram – 2014-05-16T02:48:35.900
1Got it: (long) right click on the ruler - then when you release the mouse button you see the context menu with units on it. – Robert Mark Bram – 2014-05-16T03:06:37.603
17
I really like A Ruler for Windows (freeware) - why, well I wrote it! ;-)
Seriously, it: measures pixels, horizontal / vertical, maginifies your primary screen under the ruler up to 4x, has an automatic center line (which you can toggle on and off), allows you to put ticks on either long edge, you can resize by it dragging an end, comes with four skins (woodgrain, stainless steel, clear plastic see thru, yellow construction) and you can add your own skins, works across multiple screens.
Enjoy!
Rob
Posted 2009-08-06T20:20:44.083
Reputation: 436
3
I just use Paint.
When you move the mouse around, it displays the pixes of wherever the mouse is on the status bar, even if it's not in the foreground. With a 2000x2000 image you can resize the window to any shape.
Grant
Posted 2009-08-06T20:20:44.083
Reputation: 2 695
3This unfortunately appears not to work with Windows 7. – dgo – 2014-07-02T01:33:49.583
You could also try http://www.markus-bader.de/MB-Ruler/download.php
– giorgio79 – 2015-12-29T07:00:57.6132
Yet another option would be https://github.com/bluegrams/ScreenRuler
– alxnull – 2019-03-16T11:03:53.703https://sourceforge.net/projects/screenruler/ this one works well with a UHD 4K monitor – Juanma Menendez – 2019-07-19T21:22:04.040
2I used JR Screen ruler for ages, and just realised there are better alternatives. Thanks for the question. – wonea – 2012-07-03T10:16:49.963