How to set up your monitor for correct color reproduction. How to calibrate and set up a monitor at home

To check color reproduction, color calibration is used - this is a series of tests and settings to check the brightness and contrast on a display device: TV, monitor or projector. This check will help you ensure that the device displays colors without distortion, that is, has correct color reproduction. You need to adjust all the color settings to suit your requirements. The purpose of monitor calibration is the most natural display of colors according to their natural spectral characteristics.

Users who work with photography use calibration methods based on third-party programs or settings built into the Photoshop graphics editor. Professionals use special device - calibrator, which is applied to the monitor screen to accurately determine the displayed color. All this is done so that when editing the photograph on the screen looks exactly the same as its future typographical print.

But, since individual calibrator devices are quite expensive and comparable to the cost good smartphone or a camera, they are not suitable for most users. Therefore, in this article we will tell you how you can configure your monitor using built-in calibration utilityWindows and third-party programs, as well as online testers.

Monitor calibration using built-in Windows tools

First, let's look at the color calibrator in the Windows operating system. For operating version Windows systems 7 you need to go to Control Panel - Screen, and find the Color Calibration tool. In Windows 10 you need to go to Start - Settings (gear icon), System - Screen - Additional options screen, and click on Color Calibration.

After you have launched the utility, you should definitely sit down comfortably and turn on exactly that lighting in which you will work with a computer. Your workplace should be sufficiently lit. Make sure the monitor is at eye level, generally as you would use it for normal work. Expand the calibration window to full screen for more precise settings. Color calibration in Windows is very rich in settings, so it is divided into six steps, which are given below:

First step

You can use the built-in image settings on your monitor or laptop (a separate utility for working with images may be useful for a laptop - it usually comes with drivers). You need to select the default settings for your monitor, or, if possible, enable the automatic settings. For example, for many Asus monitors there is a Splendid utility that uses color settings templates for each individual mode of use of the monitor, according to the type of content being displayed.

Second step

More important for laptop computers. Laptop matrices are more sensitive to color changes. Select the item “Adjust gamma”. In the middle in front of you there will be a gray square with nine dots, and on the left there is a slider that can be adjusted so that the dots on the square become invisible, that is, match the brightness against the general background.

Third step

You need to go to the “Power Options” settings, you can find them in the Panel Windows management. Here we need a brightness control. But you can also use the + - keys in your monitor's brightness settings or the individual function keys on your laptop. An example of the setting will be an image with a man in a shirt. You need to adjust the brightness so that the suit and shirt are clearly visible on the screen, and the X mark, which is in the background, is almost invisible.

Fourth step

Adjust image contrast. Use the contrast sliders so that the folds and buttons on a white shirt do not blend into the background (wall).

Fifth step

Adjusting the balance according to the RGB scheme. You need to move the red, green and blue color sliders so that the stripes become completely gray and do not cast shades of the corresponding color.

Sixth step

This is the final step in saving the calibration settings into a separate profile. After this, you will be asked to compare the previous calibration option with the new one. If you are completely satisfied with the results, you should move on to the text display settings, so be sure to check the “Run ClearType tool” checkbox.

The ClearType setting includes displaying multiple passages (pangrams) that are read most clearly. In general, we can say that the standard calibrator in Windows is quite sufficient for ordinary users who do not work with graphics and photographs. To evaluate the new calibration profile, you can also use an example photo from the website Realcolor.ru. Choose an image that fits your screen resolution so that the picture is displayed at 100% scale as much as possible.

Color calibration for designers and photographers

The following calibration methods are suitable for those people who work in graphic editors and work with design and photography. For many designers, mid-level and high-level photographers, the image quality transmitted through the monitor is very important. Therefore for professional use Modern LCD monitors with IPS (P-IPS) matrix are suitable, where the image is almost not distorted when the screen is rotated (does not invert, does not darken, does not turn green). The image must be the same as the real color - white must be white, black must be black.

Alas, this quality cannot be achieved on budget monitors with TN+Film matrices. On screens based on this technology, when viewed even from a slight angle, visible colors already begin to distort and fade, which negatively affects the work with photographic materials and graphics. The difference is so noticeable that even points in the center of the screen and on the periphery are seen differently. In order to set up a monitor for professional use, you need to follow several points:

• - the monitor should be located in a place convenient for you;
• - the premises must have sufficient lighting. Calibration should be carried out under the lighting in which you will be working with images. If, in addition to natural color, you also use artificial color in the form of table lamps or others, it would be advisable to create several calibration profiles;
• - before you start calibrating the monitor, it must work on it for a while. For an LCD monitor - 30 minutes, for a CRT - about an hour;
• - It is best to set the image on your desktop with soft, neutral colors. Ideally, a photograph in gray tones.

Now let's move directly to third-party calibration utilities that are popular among users.

AdobeGamma- small program, which is included with graphic editor Adobe Photoshop and allows you to adjust image settings for subsequent work with the program. The program also allows you to create profiles, which can then be used in the editor itself; they are displayed in a separate menu and the user can select any of them. The utility can also be downloaded separately, but for this you will have to use third-party resources. It does not require installation, just run the executable EXE file.

If you are faced with calibration for the first time, you can use setup wizard, to do this, select this item when starting the program. Then you need to indicate the name of the calibration profile (necessarily in Latin letters). Then we move on to adjusting the image; several steps will be available to us at once.

The first one is brightness and contrast settings. They need to be adjusted so that the gray square in the middle merges with the black as much as possible, but is noticeable, and the frame itself should be white. The next step allows us to select the type of glow of our screen (phosphor type). Factory settings can be found in the monitor drivers, if available. If it is not there, the default setting will be used. If you don't know what type of glow is right for you, select "Custom"

After that we go to the settings RGB colors, or rather - to gamma adjustment. There will be three sliders in front of you - Red, Green, Blue. They need to be adjusted so that the brightness of the gray square can be equalized against the background of the black and white stripes that flicker. Using one of the sliders, you can remove excess color from the screen, or remove one of the three colors altogether. But if there are no extra colors, then it is best to leave the default settings.

The next step is color temperature setting. It is measured in Kelvin. So, for example, the range from 5500 to 6500 K corresponds to daylight, with artificial warm lighting (incandescent lamps, table lamp) 5000 K is suitable, with fluorescent lighting the highest value of 9300 K is suitable. In order to determine the color temperature, press the button “Edit” and you will see an image in the form of three light squares. You need to choose one that is neutral gray.

The final stage consists of white point determination and saving your settings in a separate profile. Saved profiles can be easily changed using the control panel in Adobe program Gamma, all settings are located as conveniently as possible and are in one window.

Except third party utilities, there are also calibrators who work online and you can find them on the Internet. Their advantage is that you do not need to install any programs on your computer; they work in your Internet browser. But you can also use them as an addition to the same AdobeGamma or Windows calibrator. There are several web services that can adjust not only the contrast, brightness and color of your monitor, but also adjust the sharpness, geometry, and flicker level. This is important if you use a professional monitor for graphics and photo processing. Another advantage of online calibrators is checking for dead and incorrectly working pixels, with which you can easily diagnose defects with the matrix in one click.

Web resources for image verification

1. Monteon.ru allows you to determine the quality of color rendering, the presence dead pixels, gradient settings, flicker level, sharpness, brightness and contrast settings. You can appreciate the geometry and grid, which is used mainly on widescreen screens.
2. Online Monitor Test allows for calibration using several profiles. Suitable for SMARTTV TVs and monitors with 1080p resolution. Moreover, it can work both in a browser window and as a separate application. All versions, except the simplified version for TV, include the entire set of tests. But main feature This calibrator is to check the image delay Input lag. This useful feature, if you have two or more monitors. Its only drawback is, perhaps, that the interface is in English.

Now you know what it is and why it is needed. To carry out this operation, it is absolutely not necessary to call computer specialists; you can do it yourself. To ensure that image quality and color do not deviate from the norm, monitor manufacturers recommend recalibration every three to four months. If calibration cannot be done, then you may need to use the services offered in the section "

Almost all users computer systems while working, they want to see a clear, rich picture on the screen. Color is one of the components that greatly influences the image and also does not tire the eyes. But not everyone knows how to properly set up a monitor for correct color reproduction and check the settings made. Of course, in each specific case it all depends on personal preferences, but some general advice can still be given. Let's look at some basic tools. Setting color rendition: related parameters and factors So, the user was faced with the problem of how to set up the monitor for correct color rendition and check the set parameters. What to do first? First, you need to clearly understand that adjusting just these parameters may not give much improvement. The fact is that in this case many related factors play a role. For example, before calibrating colors, you need to decide on the place where the monitor itself is constantly located, what the illumination is in this place, whether it changes during the day, whether direct sunlight or electric light falls on the screen, etc. Depending on this, the settings can be completely different. In addition, it is worth considering that brightness, contrast, color depth and many other factors have a great influence on color settings. In addition to all this, the question of how to set up a monitor for correct color reproduction on a laptop or perform similar actions on a desktop device or television panel to which a computer terminal may be connected may have completely different solutions. More on this later. Dependence on the type of matrix and graphics adapter Another problem in deciding how to configure the monitor for correct color reproduction is the variety of modern types of matrices. Setting the same parameters on monitors with CRT, TN or IPS matrices is not the same in terms of the resulting image.

For example, IPS matrices can be easily configured without the use of software methods, since they are made using such technology that when looking at the screen at an angle, the image practically does not change. But other screens may produce glare or change colors.

In the same way, screens can be configured differently depending on what video card is installed. Typically, manufacturers supply special configuration utilities for them in a pre-installed form, so it is better to perform color calibration with their help. In addition, it is precisely these utilities that allow you to change parameters in relation to normal operation or for playing computer games. As a rule, access to color settings and other parameters is carried out from a menu called up by clicking on the adapter icon in the system tray. And, I must say, they can make installations automatically. Visual determination of image quality Finally, before you begin to directly decide the question of how to configure the monitor for correct color rendering (use software or limit yourself to system tools), you need to evaluate how feasible this is. Visual determination of image quality Finally, before you begin to directly decide the question of how to configure the monitor for correct color rendering (use software or limit yourself to system tools), you need to evaluate how feasible this is.

The most important scourge of all screens is a change in color or contrast when viewed from the side. To begin with, you should move a few meters away from the screen and see how the image changes. Along the way, it is worth paying attention to the presence of horizontal stripes changing in the vertical direction. If they are visible too clearly, you will have to adjust the screen refresh rate (this can be done in the adapter properties on the “Monitor” tab). The higher the frequency, the better. As a rule, the default setting is initially set to the optimal setting, but a free-standing computer monitor or laptop screen may support higher settings. Therefore, you need to test each of them by selecting the appropriate frequencies in the drop-down menu. How to set up a monitor for correct color reproduction: stationary devices Now about the settings. As a rule, most modern computer monitors (not laptop screens) are already equipped at the time of manufacture with their own means for setting the necessary parameters.

To solve the question of how to configure the monitor for correct color reproduction, in the simplest case, you need to press a special menu button on the front panel or side to enter the corresponding menu. When you select the desired section using two buttons, you can adjust all parameters. But, as is already clear, such settings are primitive, and the monitors themselves are clearly limited in their ability to fine-tune all the necessary parameters. How to properly adjust monitor color rendering using Windows? Although you can access color adjustments on Windows systems through personalization or screen settings (both sections can be accessed from the right-click menu on an empty space of the Desktop), it is still better to use a special calibration tool. The easiest way to call it is through the search bar of the Start menu, where the word “calibration” is written. You can also access this tool, for example, in Windows 10 through the screen options, where you select additional settings. You should first set the optimal (recommended) screen resolution or use higher settings, if supported.

Next, you will need to follow the recommendations of the “Wizard,” changing certain settings along the way. Particular attention should be paid to setting the number of displayed colors and depth. You don’t have to experiment with the quantity, but the color depth for displayed graphic objects for almost all modern devices should be set to 32 bits. Testing and setting up using RealColor It is believed that one of the most optimal solutions to the problem of how to set up a monitor for correct color reproduction is to use special wallpapers called RealColor, which is somewhat reminiscent of the adjustment grid that was previously used on TVs. You just need to download the wallpaper with the resolution corresponding to that installed on your computer monitor or laptop screen, and then open it in full screen size. Next, you should look at the screen from a normal distance. But it is better to use a special picture, in which, with optimal color settings, a smooth gray gradient should be visible. If streaking is visible or other colors are mixed in, the monitor is not calibrated. A similar result should be observed for images with colored letters and circles on a gray background. In most cases, the result will not live up to your hopes, so you will have to use special utilities. One could, of course, recommend the special Atrise Lutcurve application, but the program is paid ($25), and most users simply cannot afford it. Image calibration in the Adobe Gamma program Thus, if you decide how to configure the monitor for correct color reproduction using software, you can use Adobe Gamma as a testing utility, however, this program is basically designed for color calibration when working in Photoshop ( so that the image on the screen does not differ from what will be printed).

monteon.ru, however, they do not have their own configuration tools, but in the test results they give enough detailed descriptions problems and recommendations for eliminating them. Conclusions As a conclusion, we can only note that fine tuning color rendering is a rather difficult matter, especially since these parameters depend on a huge number of third-party factors and conditions. Therefore, in different situations, the settings used may differ sharply from each other. But many will ask, what should I use? In the simplest case, you can limit yourself to Windows tools. Well, in software terms, it is better to configure it through the utilities supplied with the graphics adapters (if such programs exist). In most cases, they save the user from changing settings manually and can optimize all parameters based on the selected operating mode.

image source http://4k-monitor.ru

good and correct setting The display is not the last task in order to work comfortably and efficiently not only with images, but also simply at the computer. The factory settings of monitors are always too high for brightness and contrast; manufacturers do not make adjustments at all, and users themselves often simply do not know about it.

I note that we will talk about the simplest screen settings; professional calibration is much more complicated.

You can configure it either programmatically (if your display is connected to a PC with operating system, which has tools for such settings), and in hardware. Adjustment using the menu buttons is not much different from adjusting the picture on a modern TV.

Hardware setup

Start by learning the buttons on your monitor. If nothing is clear, then you will have to read the instructions, or use the “unscientific poking method” (not recommended). After you have figured out the control buttons of the device, you can go directly to the settings.

Important note: ensure proper lighting! If the sun or a 200 W light bulb hits the monitor directly, no adjustments will help. Well, this is a separate big topic, but now there are a few basic recommendations:

• The bright light source should not directly illuminate the monitor;
• The light should not hit the eyes;
• It is better to use uniform diffused lighting, for example, in the form of an LED strip.

Setting and assessing image quality

When working with a monitor with a low-quality matrix, errors often occur when choosing colors when processing images, photographs and on print layouts, when creating websites and resources.

The picture below will allow you to evaluate how well the monitor is configured. On each half of the picture there are numbers 1 2 3 4 5

If you see all the numbers on both bars, then the monitor is set up well. The average level will show you the numbers 3. With a very bad setting, only 1 and 2 are visible.

Remember how many numbers you can see. Using this, after configuration, you can evaluate the quality of the improvements made.

But, first, a small off-topic “with a beard”:
“...I downloaded the program “Cleaning the monitor from dust”, laughed, installed it, launched it. The monitor was filled with an even dirty gray color, the keyboard turned off, clicking the mouse did not help.
I took a napkin, wiped the dust off the monitor, and saw a barely visible “Thank you, you can exit the program” button. I went out and thought, looking at the blank monitor...”

Therefore, first we put the surface itself in order, after which we move directly to the settings.

Brightness

The brightness should be adjusted so that in the picture the black colors of the suit and shirt do not merge into a single whole and the cross in the background becomes visible. The brightness parameter is responsible for the difference between details and dark colors.

Contrast

Responsible for light colors and their details.

In the image, to adjust the contrast, you should select a quality such that the folds and buttons on a white shirt are clearly visible. Set the contrast to zero and gradually increase it. As soon as these details begin to disappear, it is worth going back a little.

Gamma

The next important parameter is gamma. The exact ideal setting cannot be performed on all monitors, but it is still worth getting closer to the ideal. A good gamma setting will be indicated by missing spots of light and dark shades in the center of the test image.

Gray setting

Eliminates unnecessary shades that distort the colors on the display. This is done either software or hardware by adjusting the 3 primary colors (red, green, blue). Ideally, a picture with gray stripes should not be interrupted by extraneous shades. Only shades of gray.

Ideal gray setting.

Software setup

We launch the calibration tools programmatically (described for Windows).

In Windows 7, click the “Start” button and write the word “calibration” in the search bar. Launch. You will be given a series of image adjustment tests. There are very few of them. Go through them.

In Windows 10, enter the command cttune in the search bar, ClearType will launch, turn it on and select the display that is most comfortable for your eyes. Then enter the dccw command. The calibration of screen colors, gamma, brightness and contrast will begin. Everything is described in the tests, read and follow the advice.

Checking the result

Now go back to the beginning of the article and look at the first image with numbers. At the very beginning, I asked them to remember. If you have improved the settings, you will see at least one more number.

Set it up correctly and in the end you will be pleasantly surprised at what your monitor can do!

Have you set up your monitor? Get to work: profession "".

The monitor does not always reproduce colors perfectly. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s expensive or cheap. The monitor needs to be configured like other devices that are display media. Regular the adjustment consists from standard settings brightness, contrast, clarity, saturation and so on. But there are also other parameters displays, more subtle. If the computer is used for simple tasks in the office, then this is not necessary. But if you need to constantly work with graphics, then the color rendition must match the source material. This is an important parameter and in this case it is necessary to calibrate the display.

• You need to calibrate your monitor in 20 minutes after switching on, that is, after complete warming up.
• Before you start, you need reset all monitor parameters are the same as those that were set at the factory. If such a function is not provided in the monitor, then you will need a program wini2cddc. It is a trial and 30 day trial. After the reset it is not needed and will be uninstalled.
• If there were parameters changed, then you need to re-calibrate;
• If there are automatic Contrast and brightness adjustments should be made disable their;
• If there is no calibrator and calibration using the program fails, when working with images, you should save them originals.

Settings and image quality assessment

If the display has a low-quality matrix, then it can often be errors when colors are selected when committing processing pictures, photographs and layouts for printing, when creating websites and resources.

There is a special picture that allows you to evaluate the quality of the calibration. On both sides there are numbers from 1 to 5. So, if the calibration is more or less successful, then it should be visible from three digits, and if perfect, then all five are above and below. If settings bad, then 1-2.

You need to remember how many numbers are visible and adjust until there is a medium or high level. You can also open the picture and customize based on it.

In order for the image to be clearly visible, first wipe the screen itself, so that nothing interferes or spoils the picture, and then adjust it.

Adjusting brightness and contrast

Brightness can also be configured using a special picture. On her, you need to make sure that the colors of the suit and shirt, which are black, didn't merge. That is, it was possible to distinguish where the jacket was and where the shirt was. There is also a cross in the background, it should be clearly visible.

Adjustment contrast makes it so that there are noticeable light colors, and their details are distinguishable.

There are folds and buttons in the image, so you need to choose the calibration so that they are clearly visible. It is better to set this parameter to zero position, and then little by little raise. If they start to disappear, then you need to reduce.

Gamma and Gray Adjustment

Gamma is an important parameter. However, not every monitor allows you to configure it properly. But we must try to bring it to ideal, that is, as best as possible. If she's set up qualitatively, then dark and light spots will not be visible in the center of the image.

Correct gray calibration will remove those colors shades, which make the display image worse. Adjustable three colors: red, blue and green. If the calibration is perfect, then there should be no third-party colors in the picture, only ideal gray.

Configuration programs

There are a lot of different applications for this, from the simplest to the most complex, with subtle calibration capabilities:

• Atrise Software LUTCurve – best utility with a lot of settings.
• Eberhard Werle QuickGamma – this program allows you to adjust colors and gamma.
• TFT Test 1.52– this program contains 12 pictures for setting up and comparing displays.

Included in standard Windows tools 10 includes a utility for calibrating the image on the monitor (display) screen of your computer or laptop. It allows you to adjust the color, brightness and contrast of the screen for the most comfortable work in your conditions.

Note: in this article we will not delve into the professional intricacies of screen calibration using a special software or equipment. This manual describes how to set up your monitor standard means Windows, no download required additional programs. It is perfect for beginners who have noticed any deviations in the quality of the laptop screen picture or desktop computer, or they just want to slightly adjust the image to suit themselves. The perception of color/contrast/brightness is purely individual, so you should be guided by your own instincts, but not go too far.

One more note: All procedures must be carried out with account administrator. Otherwise you will need an administrator password.

Calibrate your monitor or display in Windows 10

You can go directly to the monitor or display calibration interface in Windows 10 by entering the command in the window Execute. Click Win+ R and enter dccw.

If you are not looking for easy ways, then you can find the screen calibration menu using the following path:

1. Open Settings – System – Screen. Go down a little and find the item Graphics adapter properties.
   
   
2. In the window that opens, find the tab Color management.
   
3. A larger window will open. On it you need a tab Details. Open it and then click the button Calibrate screen at the bottom of the window.
   
   
4. This will open the screen color calibration wizard.
   
   
5. The first step is to adjust the gamma. Before directly Windows setup will show you examples of incorrect and correct calibration.
   
   
6. Try to adjust so that the picture meets the standard, but at the same time no one forbids you to set the parameters that suit you.
   
   
7. If you don't like the setting, use the button Reset.
8. The next step is to adjust the brightness and contrast. If you do not need to configure these settings, click Skip brightness and contrast settings.
   
   
9. At this stage, you will need to use the image controls of the monitor itself. Each manufacturer has menus and control buttons made differently. How to change the brightness and contrast of your monitor should be indicated in the instructions for the screen - contact it for help, or google it. At this step, Windows will only show sample images for precise calibration.
   
   
10. Click Next and start experimenting.
    
    
11. Adjusting the contrast will help you set the values ​​for correct display brightness of light colors. Again, follow the on-screen prompts and sample images, and then adjust the picture in the menu the monitor itself.
    
    
12. Next is adjusting the color balance. Here calibration takes place using the system (although almost every monitor has the ability to change the color balance in the menu - try playing with these parameters too.
    
    
13. You need to make sure that the large stripes on the screen remain as gray as possible. If you notice impurities of other colors, eliminate them with the red, green or blue sliders.
    
    
14. At the final stage, you can compare the color settings you created with the previous preset. To do this, click on Previous calibration. Button Current calibration will display the parameters you created.
    
    
15. To save the new settings, click Ready. Button Cancel will return everything to its previous state.

How to set up ClearType

Please also note the point Launch the setup tool ClearTypeafter clicking the "Done" button. With it, you can adjust the quality of font display on the screen. We recommend that you spend another three minutes to fine-tune the monitor's operation as accurately as possible.

In these two screenshots above, you can see the difference between ClearType enabled (top) and disabled (bottom). It’s unlikely that anyone will want to voluntarily turn it off, but someone will definitely need more precise settings.

If you want to configure ClearType without calibrating the screen, then you can do this in the following ways:

After this, configure the fonts as described above. Take a few minutes to fine-tune your screens. The result of your work will be a more pleasing picture to the eye, which will have an extremely positive impact on your experience of using your device.