Monitor Calibration
Using The Gray Chip Chart
Test #1
The chart has 11 neutral gray patches and a neutral background that are digitally generated. If the chart's color does not look gray on your monitor something is wrong. If you see an overall color cast such as off color whites or blacks they can be usually be corrected by monitor adjustments or with software. If you see a color cast on an individual patch that is not shared by the neighboring patches it *could* mean that you have a damaged video board. Also, Monitors can wear out over time. A worn out monitor will typically display color errors (redish blacks, greenish grays, or bluish whites). If you have an old monitor that displays these types of color errors it may be time for a new monitor.
Test #2
This test uses the dark bar in the center of the chart. This bar has diagonal stripes that alternate between 5 percent gray and dead black. Adjust the brightness on your monitor controls until the entire bar is black. Next increase the brightness until you can just see the stripes.
Test #3
Is your monitor adjusted for 6500 degrees Kelvin as it probably should be? Click on the gray chart (below) that is closest to your full monitor size and save it to your hard drive.
 
On a bright sunny day display the image you saved to your hard drive, turn off all the lights in your computer area and open the blinds to all the windows. Provided that you have no objects immediately outside of your window that are reflecting bright colors into the room this will give you room light that is very close to 6500 degrees Kelvin. View the monitor from 6-10 away. Compared to the room settings in natural sunlight a monitor set to 6500 Kelvin should look very close to neutral. If your monitor is bluish in tint then you are probably have the monitor set to 9300 Kelvin and need to adjust it downward. If your monitor has an orange tint then you probably have your settings too low. |
