Lower-quality monitors (e. g. , 720p ones)—especially ones used for gaming or other casual activities—don’t need to be calibrated, though calibration won’t hurt them. Built-in monitors such as the ones included in laptops rarely need calibration, though you’re more than welcome to calibrate built-in monitors using the same process you’d follow for a separate one. Color calibration is especially important for graphics professionals, since they want to get everything to match as closely as possible to what the output product might look like.

You can use an HDMI cable instead if you don’t have access to a DisplayPort option, but refrain from using a DVI, VGA, or lower connector.

If your computer is set to hibernate or use a screensaver, move the mouse every few minutes to keep your screen from turning off.

Windows — Open Start {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/0/07/Windowsstart. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/0/07/Windowsstart. png/30px-Windowsstart. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:460,“bigWidth”:30,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Public_domain">Public Domain</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click Settings {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/d/d0/Windowssettings. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/d/d0/Windowssettings. png/31px-Windowssettings. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:445,“bigWidth”:31,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Public_domain">Public Domain</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click System, click Display, click the “Resolution” drop-down box, and click the “Recommended” resolution. Click Keep changes when prompted. Mac — Open the Apple menu {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/f/ff/Macapple1. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/f/ff/Macapple1. png/29px-Macapple1. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:476,“bigWidth”:29,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Fair_use">Fair Use</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click System Preferences. . . , click Displays, click the Display tab, hold down ⌥ Option while clicking Scaled, select your connected display, and check the “Default for display” box.

This isn’t necessary if you’ve never changed the color settings on your monitor (not in your computer’s settings). Skip this step if you’re on a laptop.

Your brightness should be set so that your display meets the criteria listed under the picture in the middle of the page.

The Spyder line of colorimeters is generally considered to be a reputable, high-performing brand. Make sure that you buy a colorimeter that works with your operating system. Most colorimeters should work on Windows, macOS, and Linux, but cheap alternatives may be locked to a specific operating system.

It’s very important to make sure that your monitor is spotless as well, since any smudges or grit may prevent the colorimeter from working correctly.

Depending on the colorimeter, you may need to do this after plugging in the colorimeter instead of before plugging it in. Your colorimeter may install the proper software upon being plugged in.

Make sure you use a USB port that’s directly connected to your computer rather than using a USB hub or a USB port on a connected keyboard. You may need to turn on the colorimeter before proceeding.

Most colorimeter software will display an outline that matches the shape of the colorimeter to indicate the general placement of the unit.

You may have to click through some more options or follow some on-screen prompts before or during the calibration process.

You may have to click through some more options or follow some on-screen prompts before or during the calibration process.

You may have to click through some more options or follow some on-screen prompts before or during the calibration process.