Calibrating Your Monitor

Frequent monitor calibration is the only way to ensure your image appears exactly the same on your screen as it does on ours. This is especially important when you order our Pro Prints and Direct Proofing solutions.

The seven steps below will walk you through the calibration process. Here's what you'll need:

A small mouse-like device called an X-rite i1Display2. The technical term for this device is a colorimeter. There are brands other than X-Rite. Please email us (logo@pictage.com) if you plan to use a different brand. Next download the Pictage Reference Image and the Alternate Reference Image, and wait for further instructions. We'll explain what to do.
When the X-Rite arrives, a CD will be in the box. It's much better if you download the latest software instead of using the CD. Trust us...you'll avoid some headaches.
- If you're a Windows 7 or Windows Vista user and are having issues please refer to X-Rite's article here.
- Be sure to install software before plugging in your device. If you skipped software installation by mistake you can troubleshoot here.
Optional: Download this detailed PDF. It mirrors the content on this page below, but goes into more detail.

But suppose you don't want to calibrate?

That's totally fine. We recommend you stick with Perfect Prints and Premium Proof products. We will color correct and inspect every image before and after printing to guarantee quality and consistency.

If you don't calibrate, you should avoid Pro Prints and Direct Proof products. These are aimed at photographers with calibrated monitors who want exactly what they see on their screens.

Laptop Warning: Laptops are excellent for rough proofing, but usually don't maintain calibration. We recommend that you avoid Pro Prints and Direct Proof products if you are working from a laptop. If you do choose to calibrate your laptop, turn off the ambient light sensor first.

Get Started! Follow These Seven Steps

Step 1: Identify your device and monitor type (LCD, CRT or Laptop).

Run the X-Rite installation software you downloaded. Plug in your colorimeter and wait for the driver to recognize your device. Next, launch the program listed as GretagMacBeth. You'll see this screen. Select the monitor icon and check "advanced" at the bottom—then continue to the next screen.

Identify you monitor type.
Step 2: Select the desired calibration for White Point: 6500, Gamma: 2.2 and Luminance: 100.

Next you'll see a screen with these drop down menus. Select these specific settings. They match the setting that we use in our lab.

Note: Please select Luminance of 100 even though it displays the monitor type as CRT. The lab uses this to match the prints better. We tested it!
Step 3: Place your colorimeter onto your monitor.

Lower the brightness/backlit setting on the LCD to around 20 or 30.
Step 4: Set the contrast on the LCD to 100% and click start.

The device will go through some grey and white patterns trying to locate the device. In some high contrast monitors, the device will not be located, but click YES to continue when prompted and you will still be allowed to adjust the contrast.

When your contrast is within the green margins click STOP.
Step 5: Set the White Point in your monitor's OSD menu.

Depending on your monitor, you can choose from pre-set temperatures (9300, 6500, or 5000) or manually make the adjustments. If you have both, Pictage recommends selecting RGB Controls and manually adjusting them. (Mac monitors do not have RGB Controls, select RGB Presets instead.)

To correct for the White Point manually, select RGB Controls and click START. This will take you to the RGB control screen where you will make the necessary adjustments using your monitor's OSD menu. Next, select color settings to make the edits.
Step 6: Set the Luminance in your monitor's OSD menu.

In your monitor's OSD menu, go to brightness and lower it to 0%. Once this is done, click START to proceed to the Luminance adjuster screen. After making the needed adjustments and having the indicator fall within the allowable range for Luminance, click STOP and proceed to the next step.
Step 7: Let the machine think. Your custom monitor profile will load.

Be sure to name your calibration summary, set a reminder to recalibrate at a later date, and explore the Before & After feature.