Colour Calibration Basics
Screen color calibration ensures your display shows colors accurately. This page covers the basics of calibrating your screen. Start with built-in calibration tools, then adjust settings for optimal color accuracy.
You can use the screen test to check for dead or stuck pixels.
Use Windows Color Calibration
Windows includes a built-in color calibration tool.
- Open Settings → System → Display
- Click "Advanced display settings"
- Select "Color calibration"
- Follow the on-screen wizard
- Adjust gamma, brightness, and contrast
- Save the calibration profile when finished
Use macOS Display Calibrator
macOS includes a Display Calibrator Assistant.
- Open System Preferences → Displays
- Click "Color" tab
- Click "Calibrate" button
- Follow the Display Calibrator Assistant
- Adjust gamma, white point, and brightness
- Save the calibration profile
Adjust Brightness
Proper brightness is essential for accurate color calibration.
- Set brightness to match your environment
- For dim rooms, lower brightness
- For bright rooms, increase brightness
- Avoid setting brightness too high or too low
- Use calibration tool's brightness test patterns
Adjust Contrast
Contrast affects the difference between light and dark areas.
- Use calibration tool's contrast test patterns
- Adjust until you can distinguish all shades
- Balance contrast with brightness
- Too high contrast can wash out colors
- Too low contrast reduces image depth
Adjust Gamma
Gamma affects mid-tone brightness and color accuracy.
- Use calibration tool's gamma test patterns
- Adjust until gray scale appears neutral
- Standard gamma is 2.2 for most displays
- Mac displays often use 1.8 gamma
- Test with the screen test to verify gamma
Adjust Color Balance
Color balance ensures whites appear neutral, not tinted.
- Use calibration tool's color balance test
- Adjust red, green, and blue sliders
- Aim for neutral white without color tint
- Test with white background to verify
- Save calibration when satisfied
Test Calibration Results
After calibrating, use the online screen test to verify color accuracy. The test displays solid colors that help you see if calibration improved color representation.
Open the screen test to confirm the issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is screen color calibration?
Screen color calibration adjusts your display's color, brightness, contrast, and gamma settings to ensure accurate color representation. Proper calibration ensures colors appear as intended and match what you see in print or on other devices.
How do I calibrate my screen?
Use Windows built-in color calibration tool (Settings → System → Display → Advanced display settings → Color calibration) or macOS Display Calibrator Assistant. Adjust brightness, contrast, gamma, and color balance using on-screen guides.
Use the online screen test to check your display for issues.