Set the monitor correctly - Here's how it works

When you edit photos, an optimally calibrated monitor is important. We'll show you how to set your screen correctly.

Set the monitor correctly: preparation

Before you calibrate the screen, you should prepare yourself and the device for the best result.

• First of all, make sure the screen is clean, as striking smears can affect the perceived color.
• You should also adjust the light in the room. Avoid reflections, gloss and generally direct light on the screen.
• Check the screen resolution. Use the native resolution of your screen. Windows usually recognizes these itself and recommends them to you. You can also read directly from the instructions on your screen which resolution you should use.
• To open the screen settings, right-click on the desktop and select "Screen resolution" in the newly opened menu.
• Next, set the color depth to its maximum, usually 32 bit. This depends on the operating system, graphics card and monitor used.
• In the screen resolution settings window, click "Advanced Settings". You can either adjust the color depth in the "Monitor" tab or your graphics card has its own management program, which you can usually access via the corresponding tab.
• If you take it very precisely and want to edit images, for example, you can print out a reference photo. You will then adjust the display later.
• Use a photo printer and photo paper for this and it is best to print a test photo that covers various color spectra and brightness. The Photo Industry Association provides you with such test images as part of the DQ tool.
• Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the screen to warm up after starting. Otherwise you risk that the colors will change during use.

Adjust the monitor optimally: The calibration

After you have prepared everything, it is now time for the actual calibration.

• Open the search window in the Windows start menu or press the [Windows] and [S] key at the same time to open the search directly in newer Windows versions.
• Enter "Calibrate screen color" here and the Windows calibration tool will be suggested.
• Alternatively, you can also use a program such as the DQ tool already mentioned.
• Now follow the instructions on the screen and set the gamma value, brightness and contrast. You can also adjust color values.
• Finally, compare the old setting with the new one and then save the changes.

Now that you've calibrated your screen, we'll next explain what you can do if your MacBook's screen stays black.