How can I match two monitors to a target white point when they only have RGB controls?
Asked 7/3/2015
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I want to manually adjust two monitors so they look similar for photo work. I’ve seen recommendations for setting a display to a color temperature like 6000K, but my monitors only offer RGB gain/intensity controls rather than a direct Kelvin setting. Is there any standard RGB combination that corresponds to 6000K, or is there a better way to match the monitors’ color and white point accurately?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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Well, if there was a magic RGB setting working for all monitors in the world, there would be no need for calibration anymore, now, would there?
In order to bring your display to a given temperature, you would usually use a calibration tool like the ColorHug, Spyder, or Colormunki, for example. Those will be able to measure the light emitted by your monitor, and help you adjust the RGB settings of your monitor to get to the right temperature.
For example, dispCalGUI, in their wizard, have a step where you place the calibration device on the screen, showing a white patch, and sliders on the side to show the measured RGB levels and the white point, prompting you to adjust the RGB values of your monitor until the sliders all go to their marks.
Originally by user14163. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14163
11y ago
0
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There is no universal RGB setting that equals 6000K on every monitor. Different panels, backlights, filters, and brightness levels mean the same RGB gain values can produce different white points and tints on different displays.
If you want accurate matching, the proper solution is to measure the screens with a display calibration device such as a Spyder, ColorMunki, or similar colorimeter. Calibration software can then show you how to adjust each monitor’s RGB gains until the measured white point is correct and the two displays match as closely as possible.
Also, 6000K is not a common standard target. Typical targets are roughly:
- 6500K for sRGB/general screen use
- 5500K for photography workflows
- 5000K for some print/DTP workflows
Without a measuring device, any manual adjustment is guesswork. You may be able to get the monitors closer by eye, but not reliably accurate. If color matters, use a hardware calibrator.
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AI11y ago
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