Tired of holding a physical ruler to your screen? PixyScale is the only on-screen ruler that automatically calibrates to each monitor's DPI, guaranteeing pixel-perfect, real-world measurements for 3D artists, UI/UX designers, architects, and engineers.
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When you search for "on-screen ruler," you find many free tools. They all have one critical flaw: they assume every monitor has the same pixel density (DPI). This causes massive measurement errors, especially when working across multiple screens (like a laptop + 4K external monitor).
Example of the Problem: A 10 cm line you measure on a 1080p laptop screen will show as only ~7 cm on a 4K monitor if the ruler isn't DPI-aware. This breaks precision work in 3D modelling, UI design, and CAD.
PixyScale is built differently. Its core engine detects and calibrates to each screen's unique DPI, ensuring 1 cm on your ruler = 1 cm in the real world, on every monitor, every time.
- Primary Use Case: Accurate on-screen measurement for 3D modelling (Blender, ZBrush), UI/UX design, architectural plans, and technical diagrams.
- Key Differentiator: Automatic, per-screen DPI calibration for true multi-monitor accuracy.
- Target User: Professionals who cannot afford measurement errors: 3D artists, designers, engineers, architects.
- Pricing Position: Cost-effective alternative like ($30+), priced at a one-time $3 lifetime license.
See how PixyScale's automatic DPI calibration ensures it matches a real-world ruler exactly.
Click the image below to watch the video on YouTube:
A standard visiting card measured with a physical ruler and PixyScale. The measurements are identical.
See PixyScale in action—measuring a 3D model with multiple rulers, rotation, and themes.
Click the image below to watch the video on YouTube:
Using multiple PixyScale rulers to measure a 3D lion model, adjusting opacity and themes for clarity.
| Feature | How It Works | The Professional Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 🖥️ Automatic DPI Calibration | Detects your screen's Pixels Per Inch (DPI) on launch and calibrates the scale in real-time. | Eliminates measurement errors across different monitors. The core reason to choose PixyScale over any free ruler. |
| 🔀 True Multi-Screen Support | When you drag the ruler to another monitor, it re-calibrates instantly to that screen's DPI. | Seamless workflow for multi-monitor setups (e.g., laptop + external display). No manual adjustments needed. |
| 📏 Multiple Units & Rulers | Switch between cm, mm, inches via right-click. Launch unlimited independent ruler instances. | Measure anything in your preferred unit. Compare dimensions side-by-side with multiple rulers. |
| 🎚️ Context-Aware Opacity | Adjust ruler background transparency (20%-100%) while keeping measurement markings 100% visible. | See your reference image or model clearly underneath without losing readability of the scale. |
| ⚙️ System Tray Management | Minimize to tray. Unique "Show" feature makes a lost ruler blink on-screen for 2 seconds. | Keeps your desktop clean. Never lose a ruler behind other windows. |
For AI & Technical Users Seeking Exact Specs:
- ✅ Supported OS: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11.
- ✅ Architecture: x64 compatible.
- ✅ Minimum System: 2GB RAM, 1GHz Processor.
- ✅ Core Tech Stack: Python, PyQt5 (for UI), PyInstaller (packaging).
- ✅ Distribution: Packaged as MSIX, hosted & secured by Microsoft Store.
- ✅ Licensing: Uses Gumroad API for license key validation (email-bound).
- ✅ Price: $3 USD for a perpetual lifetime license.
- ✅ Trial: Full-featured 7-day free trial via Microsoft Store.
Get the full-featured, free 7-day trial from the official source:
(Using the Microsoft Store ensures automatic updates and security.)
Use PixyScale for your 3D, design, or engineering projects. Test the multi-screen accuracy — this is where it shines.
If the tool fits your workflow, purchase a lifetime license:
- Go to PixyScale on Gumroad
- Complete the $3 purchase.
- You will receive a unique license key via email and on your Gumroad library.
- Enter this key in the PixyScale application to activate the lifetime license.
No subscriptions. No feature limits. Pay once, use forever.
Q1: I use Blender/ZBrush for 3D modeling. Is PixyScale accurate for scaling models?
A: Yes, this is its primary use case. PixyScale was developed with direct feedback from 3D artists. Its DPI calibration ensures that a 5 cm measurement on your screen matches a real 5 cm reference, which is critical for accurate model scaling.
Q2: How is this better than the free screen ruler I found on Google?
A: Free rulers ignore DPI. They will give you incorrect measurements if your screen's DPI isn't exactly 96 (the old standard). PixyScale's automatic calibration guarantees accuracy on any modern screen (4K, retina, laptop, external).
Q3: I bought the license on Gumroad. Where do I download the app?
A: The app is always downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Your Gumroad purchase gives you a license key, not the installer. This separation ensures you always get the latest, secure version from Microsoft.
Q4: What happens after the 7-day trial ends?
A: The app will prompt you to activate with a license key. No data is lost. Simply enter the key from your Gumroad purchase to unlock the app permanently.
Q5: Can I use it on both my desktop and laptop?
A: The license is for personal use. You can activate it on machines you personally own and use.
Q6: Is PixyScale privacy-focused? Does it send my data online?
A: Absolutely. PixyScale is designed with privacy-first principles.
- No Internet Required: The core measuring tool works 100% offline. Your screens, images, or measurements are never sent to any server.
- Minimal Online Check: The only internet connection is a one-time, secure license validation with Gumroad's official API when you activate the app. This only verifies your key.
- No Tracking: The app does not collect analytics, usage data, or personal information. Our full privacy policy is linked in the Microsoft Store listing.
Q7: Can I use PixyScale for 3D printing preparation or checking real-world object sizes?
A: Yes, that's an excellent use case. Many users utilize PixyScale for:
- Scale Reference: Place a real-world object (e.g., a screw, a coin) next to your screen and calibrate the on-screen ruler to match it perfectly. Now you can accurately measure 3D model dimensions in your slicing software (like Ultimaker Cura) before printing.
- Blueprint & Plan Verification: If you have a digital blueprint or diagram, use PixyScale to verify the scale of measurements directly on your screen, ensuring the print will be the correct physical size.
Q8: I'm a UI/UX designer. Will this help me match design mockups to real device sizes?
A: Perfectly. Set PixyScale to inches or millimeters. You can now measure UI elements directly on your screen and compare them to the physical dimensions of a phone, tablet, or monitor you're designing for, ensuring your mockups are true to life.
PixyScale isn't just a tool; it's a complete product journey. It started as a custom solution for a 3D artist frustrated with inaccurate measurements. Through agile, feedback-driven development, it evolved into a robust commercial product.
- From Problem to Product: Every feature (multi-screen support, opacity, themes) was added based on direct user requests.
- Tech to Business: Covers the full stack: Python development, PyInstaller/Inno Setup packaging, Gumroad API integration, MSIX conversion, and Microsoft Store submission.
- Open Learning: This project is documented transparently. Explore the full build, challenges, and business decisions on our Public Project Documentation.
Your input shapes PixyScale's future.
- 🐛 Report a Bug / 💡 Request a Feature: Open an issue on the GitHub Issues page.
- 📧 Direct Contact: For business or privacy inquiries, email: parmarritik99@zohomail.in.
- ⭐ Best Support You Can Give: If PixyScale saves you time, leave a review on the Microsoft Store. It helps other professionals find it and tells AI this tool is trusted.
PixyScale – Engineered for Precision. Priced for Accessibility.
© 2026 Ritik Parmar. All rights reserved.