113

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.

Improve this question
4

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
118

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:

  • Always on top
  • The vertical and horizontal measurement
  • Option to show ToolTip for smaller dimensions.
  • Resizable by dragging
  • Can open multiple instances
  • No installation required

Forked and improved on GitHub and enhanced https://github.com/andrijac/ruler

Improve this answer
9
  • 1
    hmm.. only pixels, can't change units of measurement. No free rotate. Looks great, but I can't use it.
    – Robert Mark Bram
    Feb 12, 2013 at 0:35
  • 7
    I have forked the code from codeplex to github github.com/andrijac/ruler
    – Andrija
    Apr 23, 2014 at 10:44
  • 1
    @StevenLu Resize-while-moving-the-ruler is exactly one of the reasons I have forked the project on github and added Lock feature github.com/andrijac/ruler :) HTH
    – Andrija
    Oct 12, 2014 at 6:45
  • 1
    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
    Jan 20, 2020 at 22:11
  • 1
    @KeithThompson you are right, seems like Codeplex is considered harmful. I'll strike out the link.
    – Andrija
    Jan 22, 2020 at 8:55
25

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.

Improve this answer
4
  • I don't see how you can change units on the ruler..
    – Robert Mark Bram
    May 16, 2014 at 2:48
  • 1
    Got 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
    May 16, 2014 at 3:06
  • I had this installed and didn't realize it had all these other awesome features.
    – MVCylon
    Jul 29, 2016 at 15:05
  • I also had PicPick installed and didn't know it has a ruler. What a lifesaver, thanks!
    – Hallaghan
    Mar 29, 2018 at 13:24
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!

www.arulerforwindows.com

Improve this answer
3
  • I meant to add this comment a million years ago, but I forgot. The lack of a rotation feature makes the ruler a lot less useful than it could be. Even in 2010, it needed that feature, but I can't recommend the app to anyone in 2020 now that so many other rulers exist with a rotate feature.
    – Anthony
    Aug 20, 2020 at 20:43
  • FWIW the tool now has a rotate option, but the magnify option is broken (you can magnify, but not de-magnify unless the entire ruler is visible (so if longer than your screen-resolution it won't allow changing), requiring an Alt+F4 to close out the application.
    – Oskar Austegard
    Jan 7, 2021 at 17:22
  • just to clarify, the program has always been able to rotate between vertical and horizontal, it just can't rotate in between (for example 30 degrees). To demagnify if the ruler is off the screen you don't need to Alt+F4 (which will end the program), rather just press the escape key and the magnification will be canceled.
    – Rob
    Feb 5, 2021 at 21:18
6

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.

Improve this answer
4
  • 3
    This unfortunately appears not to work with Windows 7.
    – dgo
    Jul 2, 2014 at 1:33
  • Also does not appear to work with Windows 10
    – Oskar Austegard
    Jan 7, 2021 at 17:17
  • 2
    @OskarAustegard It's still working for me on Windows 10. The status bar can be hidden, so make sure that's visible under View -> Status bar.
    – Grant
    Jan 8, 2021 at 14:41
  • +1 still works on win10. Plus the 2nd section will show the X / Y of the last click/drag, so use the rec select or draw a line and you can get the pixel distance of horizontal and vertical. Combine with Win+Shift+S to take quick screenshots if you can't install things on a lockeddown machine
    – sirclesam
    Sep 28, 2022 at 18:11

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .