What are the best tools and methods for calibrating a curved monitor vs a flat one?

1 Why calibrate a monitor?

You might think that your monitor looks fine out of the box, but chances are it is not displaying the true colors and tones of your images, videos, or games. This can affect your viewing experience, your work quality, and your eye health. Calibrating a monitor means adjusting its settings to match a standard or a reference, such as a colorimeter, a test pattern, or a calibration software. By doing so, you can ensure that your monitor is showing the most accurate and consistent colors and brightness across different devices and platforms.

2 What are the differences between curved and flat monitors?

Curved monitors are designed to create a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience by wrapping around your field of vision and reducing distortion and glare. Flat monitors, on the other hand, are more conventional and versatile, and can be easily mounted or arranged in multiple configurations. However, curved and flat monitors also have some differences that affect their calibration process and results. For example, curved monitors have a wider viewing angle, which means that the colors and brightness may vary depending on where you sit. Flat monitors have a narrower viewing angle, which means that the colors and brightness are more uniform across the screen.

3 What are the best tools for calibrating a monitor?

The best tools for calibrating a monitor are colorimeters and calibration software. A colorimeter is a device that measures the color and brightness of your monitor and compares it to a standard or a target. A calibration software is a program that guides you through the calibration process and adjusts your monitor settings accordingly. Some examples of colorimeters are Datacolor Spyder, X-Rite i1 Display, or Pantone ColorMunki. Some examples of calibration software are DisplayCAL, CalMAN, or Windows Color Management.

4 How to calibrate a curved monitor?

To properly calibrate a curved monitor, you must first place the colorimeter firmly on the center of the screen and make sure it is properly aligned. Then, run the calibration software and select your monitor model, colorimeter model, and calibration target. After that, follow the instructions on the software and wait for it to complete the process, which may require you to adjust some settings manually. Finally, save the calibration profile and apply it to your monitor. You can also use the software to compare the before and after results.

5 How to calibrate a flat monitor?

To calibrate a flat monitor, you need to follow the same steps as for a curved monitor, with some minor differences. Place the colorimeter on the center of the screen, but slightly lower than for a curved monitor due to the smaller vertical viewing angle. Then, run the calibration software and select your monitor model, your colorimeter model, and your calibration target. Additionally, you may need to select the type of backlight and panel of your monitor as these affect color and brightness performance. After following the instructions on the software and potentially adjusting some settings manually, save the calibration profile and apply it to your monitor. You can also compare before and after results using the software.

6 How to maintain a calibrated monitor?

Once you have calibrated your monitor, it’s important to maintain its accuracy and consistency. To do this, avoid changing the settings or moving the monitor after calibration. Additionally, check the ambient lighting and temperature of your room and adjust them if needed. Direct sunlight, reflections, or extreme temperatures can affect your monitor's color and brightness. Lastly, re-calibrate your monitor at least every six months or whenever you notice a significant change in its performance. You can use the same tools and methods as before, or use a quick check feature on some calibration software that can verify and correct minor deviations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?