Click theSystem Preferencesicon from theApplemenu or selectSystem Preferencesin theDock.
Click theDisplaysicon in the System Preferences window.
In OS X Yosemite (10.10) and earlier, click theCalibratebutton without the Option key.
Coyote Moon, Inc.
Place a check mark in theExpert Modebox and click theContinuebutton.
Calibrating the display is easier when you start from a specific profile rather than a generic one.
It just may take a bit more fiddling with the calibrator controls.
This step applies to external monitors only.
It does not apply to iMacs or laptops.
Access your monitor’s built-in controls, which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Check the monitor’s manual for guidance, if needed.
The Display Calibrator Assistant starts by asking you to turn your display’s contrast adjustment to the highest setting.
It’s not necessary to crank contrast up to achieve an accurate calibration.
You may also find your LCD has zero, or limited, contrast adjustments.
Adjust the display’s brightness until the oval is just barely discernible from the square.
The remainder of these steps apply to all monitors.
There are two controls.
You should barely be able to see the logo.
Re-adjust thebrightnessslider as you adjust thetint, if necessary.
Coyote Moon, Inc.
ClickContinuewhen you finish this first step.
The assistant directs you to complete this process four more times.
Click theContinuebutton after you finish each of the steps.
Because the terminology is confusing, the conventional approach calls this gamma.
It’s also the default format of PCs and most graphics applications, such as Photoshop.
For anyone with a new display, using the default gamma setting is a good idea.
Most modern displays have a default gamma setting around 2.2, although it varies slightly.
If the monitor is more than a year old, don’t use the default gamma setting.
Display components age over time, shifting the target gamma away from the original setting.
Manually setting the target gamma lets you nudge the gamma back to the desired area.
When you manually select a gamma, the graphics card makes the adjustments.
If the correction is excessive, it can lead to banding and other display artifacts.
Don’t make a run at use manual gamma configs to push a display far beyond its default gamma.
ClickContinueafter you make your selection.
The white point is measured in degrees Kelvin.
For most displays, this tends to be 6500K (also known as D65).
Another common point is 5000K (also known as D50).
you might choose any white point you prefer, from 4500K to 9500K.
Use your display’s natural white point by placing a check mark in theUse native white pointbox.
This option is the safest choice when using this visual calibration method.
The display’s white point drifts over time as components of the display age.
This option is not present unless you are logged in with anadministrator account.
you’re free to change this to suit your needs.
ClickDoneto exit the calibrator.
Display Calibration for Everyone
Nowadays, just about everyone works with images.
Getting photos on your Mac to match the colors of the original images starts with calibrating the display.
These systems are accurate but too expensive for most casual users.
ICC Color Profiles
Most displays come with International Color Consortium profiles.
Your Mac comes preloaded with dozens of profiles for popular displays and other devices.
However, color profiles are only a starting point.
Calibrating your monitor can return it to like-new viewing conditions.
All Macs come with Display Calibrator Assistant, a software-based calibration process.
About the Mac’s Display Calibrator Assistant
The Display Calibrator Assistant walks you through the calibration process.
The Assistant displays various images and asks you to make adjustments until each image matches the description.
Some obvious things to watch out for include preventing reflections and glare on the display.
View the monitor straight on and don’t look at the display from an off-angle while color calibrating it.
There’s no need to work in the dark.
A well-lit room is fine.
