Eye-Based Monitor Adjustment

Summary: Use this simple and inexpensive method for adjusting your computer monitor. Eye-based adjustment can be used for non-critical applications or minor adjustments. You'll need a colorimeter for more serious adjustment.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD

OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Simple steps to a better view of the web

(1) Set your video display to at least 24-bit color (millions of colors). Check your manual on how to do this. If your video setup is not able to display 24-bit color accurate calibration may not be possible.

(2) Allow your monitor to warm up for at least 15 minutes. Adjust room lights so that they approximate your normal viewing conditions, and block any bright reflections on the screen. Subdued room lighting is best. This step is important since room lighting that reflects off the monitor will significantly change how screen images appear.

(3) Adjust the screen black point. Set the monitor's Brightness and Contrast controls both to 100% (see your monitor's manual for instructions on how to do this). Now, using the target stepwedge above, decrease the Brightness until there is just barely a separation between the darkest steps, 11 & 12.

(4) Adjust the screen white point. Most monitors will work well with Contrast set to 100%. However, if there is no clear separation between the lightest two steps, 1 & 2 above, decrease the Contrast a bit.

(5) If it is possible to set the color temperature of your monitor (see your manual), set it to 6500 degrees Kelvin.

(6) Lock these settings in or tape down the controls.

Your monitor is now adjusted as well as possible using only your eyes as the calibration standard. Further adjustments require a hardware colorimeter and calibration software.

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