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The VESA standard

What it is and how to choose the right VESA mount

VESA, the acronym for 'Video Electronics Standards Association,' defines the mounting hole patterns on the back of virtually every monitor, TV, and commercial display. Many 'universal' (ead: non proprietary) point of sale or point of service devices, too. A VESA mount, VESA monitor arm, or VESA bracket is any mounting product engineered to connect to those holes. Because the standard is near-universal, a VESA monitor mount from one manufacturer will generally attach to a display from another, provided the hole pattern and weight rating match.
Atdec VESA monitor arms mounted on a desk with 34-inch curved monitors attached

How VESA patterns work

The four threaded holes on the back of a display are spaced to a defined pattern, measured in millimetres (including in USA) - horizontal distance first, then vertical. A 100x100mm pattern has its holes 100mm apart in both directions. A 200x100mm pattern is rectangular. These measurements are the only numbers that matter when confirming whether a VESA bracket or VESA monitor arm will fit your display.


VESA pattern specifications on a monitor arm or device may or may not state the unit of measure as 'mm'. Atdec typically leaves it out, showing a monitor arm VESA specification as 'VESA 75x75 or 100x100.' 


The formal name for the standard is the Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI), also called the Mounting Interface Standard (MIS). You may see these terms in display specifications; they refer to the same thing.

VESA mounting plate with cover removed on rear of 34-inch ultrawide curved display
VESA mount with Atdec VESA plate affixed

Left shows monitor with VESA mount cover removed. Right with Atdec VESA plate. 

Video queued to 2:35 for VESA mount demonstration

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Common VESA patterns

Three patterns cover the large majority of monitors and displays in commercial use:


MIS-D: 75x75 or 100x100. This is the standard for computer monitors, POS devices, and small commercial displays. Most VESA monitor arms for workspace, including Atdec's desk mount range, are designed for this pattern. If you are mounting a standard office monitor, this is almost certainly the pattern you need.


MIS-E: 200x100. This is used for mid-size commercial displays. The most popular retail and some digital signage applications use mid-sized commercial displays, making this a popularly offered VESA pattern for wall mounts, ceiling mounts, menu boards, mobile carts, and so on. 


MIS-F: 200x200 and larger. This generally covers medium and larger commercial displays and TVs, with patterns scaling in 200 increments - 400x200, 400x400, 600x400 - as display size and weight increase. Atdec's wall mount range and floor stand range (available in Australia and N America) cover the full MIS-F spectrum, including large-format video wall applications.


Outside of the VESA standard, 'universal' VESA patterns are found where a sliding VESA bar can be positioned at any point eg 'VESA: universal to 600.' This is primarily found on digital signage mounts. 

Wall bracket and VESA brackets for a commercial display, to demonstrate the meaning of universal VESA

Digital signage mounts after have mounting options that expand beyond the VESA standard, called 'Universal VESA'

How to find the VESA pattern on your display

Check the display's technical specifications first - the pattern is typically listed in the manual or on the manufacturer's product page. If it isn't, remove the display from its stand and measure the distance between the mounting holes, horizontal first, then vertical. That pair of numbers, in metric millimetres, is your VESA pattern.

Choosing the right VESA mount

Hole pattern is the starting point, not the finish line. The display's weight - measured without its stand - must fall within the mount's rated capacity. Atdec publishes load ratings for every product, with special 'curved capacity' ratings for monitors. 


There is no need to leave a safety margin on a selected Atdec mount - if Atdec says the capacity is 8kg or 17.6lb, use it for monitors that are that weight (without stand). This is worth mentioning as your mileage may vary with other less reputable manufacturers. 


Beyond pattern and weight, the mounting attachment point determines which product category applies:


  • Desk: a VESA monitor arm or desk mount clamps, grommets, or bolts to the work surface, freeing the desk and enabling height and angle adjustment. See Atdec desk mounts
  • Wall: a VESA wall mount bracket fixes the display to a wall surface, in fixed-tilt or articulating configurations. See Atdec wall mounts
  • Point of Service and Point of Sale: tend to have 75x75 or 100x100 VESA patterns, and a blend of countertop and wall attachment points. Atdec retail POS mounts
  • Floor: a VESA floor stand suits locations where wall or ceiling attachment isn't possible - retail floors, open-plan spaces, temporary installations. Atdec floor stands in Australia. Atdec floor stands in North America. Stock not carried in UK. 
  • Ceiling: a VESA ceiling mount suspends the display overhead, commonly used in digital signage, hospitality, and transport environments. Atdec ceiling mounts in Australia. Atdec ceiling mounts in North America. Stock not carried in UK.

Displays without standard VESA holes

A small number of all-in-one and consumer monitors, and proprietary point of sale devices, do not include a standard VESA pattern. A display-specific adapter bracket is sometimes available from the display manufacturer. Contact Atdec to discuss options for non-standard displays.

Weight, recesses, and other compatibility details

Some displays have mounting holes set into a deep recess, or a rear housing that curves away from the mounting surface. These conditions can affect screw length or require a spacer - details worth checking before installation. Atdec's technical team can confirm compatibility; contact us with your display model before ordering if you are unsure.

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