A computer monitor comes with certain default screen configurations. This makes things look more vibrant and appealing than they actually are. This includes the brightness and color display. In most cases, these tend to change as the monitor gets older. You can notice these changes after a few years. The images that you print are dissatisfying. You know your machine has fooled you during an editing process. This is why it is important to calibrate your computer monitor.
What is monitor calibration?
Monitor calibration is getting your computer monitor to a known standard display. It’s also achieving good color representation and brightness of your screen. This entire process is a step towards ensuring that every color print is crisp and perfect. It makes sure that the screen display of all images is consistent.
All computer monitors use the RGB space to achieve a desired color output of an image or any print out. This means each pixel combines only a specific amount of Red, Green and Blue colors. It gets the perfect color of the image displayed on the screen. If the displays get calibrated in the correct manner, then the image will always look same. If the Red value is too high it may result in images looking warmer. However, If the blue value is higher than the images may look cooler.
You may be able to correct the color of an image on a single monitor. It looks good there. Yet, looking at it on a different display or after sharing online you may find the colors to be way off. The only way to solve this issue is by calibrating your monitor. You can guarantee the accuracy and consistency of the colors displayed on the screen. This will come in handy also when you have to print.
How to Calibrate Monitor for Photo Editing
Calibrate your screen by using certain software depending on your eyesight. This will configure the standard level. Or you could use a specific hardware. We recommend the Datacolor Spyder5PRO
Here are a few steps you can follow to calibrate your screen yourself –
Take Your Time to Set it Up
First, adjust the light levels. Check for screen cleanliness. See that there are no reflections, glares or strong, direct light reaching your screen. The room doesn’t have to be dark. Dim the lighting enough to avoid ambient light. This keeps it from interfering with how you see what’s on the screen should be good enough. Check for visible dirt or smears and get rid of it if any.
Take a Look at the Screen Resolution
If you have an LCD screen choose the native resolution option that on the manual or box’s label. With all other monitors, it is best to set the resolution to the largest limit if you are reading small text. You can do this also for viewing small images.
Change the Number of Colors
You will find an option “millions of colors.” Set your monitor to that. Or use “nuts and bolts” for high color depths. This is the number of bits used to determine each color component of the RGB ratio (Red, Green, and Blue).
Print a Sample
Print an image to see if your setup is good enough for you to start the calibration process.
Your Machine Has Free Calibration Options
Look for your computers built in calibration tool and options. Go to the control panel. Look for calibrate display and select the ‘calibrate display option’
Make Changes in Brightness and Contrast Settings
You will find these in front of the monitor or on the screen close to the calibration controls. Follow the instructions that will pop up and use it like a calibration guide.
Set the Color Temperature
This is what determines the tint of your screen and is also referred to as white point. Some screens may have a tint of blue. Those who use the machine to print images like to set it to a neutral or yellow sort of tint.
Schedule Your Next Session
Do this process once in every four weeks (or before starting any important project). This maintains the display as per quality standards.
