We're going to use the Mac's built-in Display Calibrator Assistant to run through the calibration process, which is relatively simple. The Assistant will display various images and ask you to make adjustments until each image matches the description. For instance, you may see two gray patterns and be asked to adjust brightness until the two images appear to be of equal brightness.
Before You Start the Display Calibration Process
Before you begin calibrating your display you should take the time to ensure you have your monitor set up in a good working environment. Some obvious things to watch out for include keeping reflections and glare from impinging on the display. Be sure you sit at a 90-degree-angle to the plane of the monitor, and aren't looking at the display from an off-angle. Likewise, the display shouldn't be too high or too low; you shouldn't have to tilt your head for an overall view of the display.
Make your workspace comfortable. Remember, there's no need to work in the dark. A well-lit room is fine, as long as you protect the display from glare and bright reflections.
Start the Display Calibrator Assistant
The Display Calibrator is part of Apple's ColorSync utilities. You can find it by digging through system libraries, but the easiest way to launch the Display Calibrator is to use the Display preference pane.
- Click the 'System Preferences' icon in the Dock, or select 'System Preferences' from the Apple menu.
- Click the 'Displays' icon in the 'Hardware' section of the System Preferences window.
- Click the 'Color' tab.
Starting With a Color Profile
If you already have a color profile in use for your monitor, it will be listed and highlighted under 'Display profile.' If you have no specific profile for your current display, then a generic profile has probably been assigned.
If you only have a generic profile, it may be a good idea to take a look at your monitor manufacturer's web site, to see if there are ICC profiles you can download. Calibrating your display is easier when starting from a specific profile than a generic one. But don't worry; if a generic profile is your only option, the Display Calibrator Assistant can still create a decent profile to use. It just may take a bit more fiddling with the calibrator controls.
Make sure a profile you wish to start with is highlighted.
- Click the 'Calibrate…' button.
- The Display Calibrator Assistant will start.
- Place a check mark in the 'Expert Mode' box.
- Click the 'Continue' button.
