How to calibrate a monitor on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for calibrating a monitor on Mac.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Calibrating a monitor on a Mac can significantly improve color accuracy and overall display quality. This process involves adjusting the display settings to match the specific characteristics of your monitor, ensuring that colors are represented as accurately as possible.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before starting the calibration process, ensure you have the following:
  • •A Mac running macOS (10.12 Sierra or later is recommended for best results).
  • •A compatible external monitor or the built-in display of a MacBook.
  • •Access to the System Preferences and Display settings.
  • •A color calibration tool (optional but recommended for professional use).
  • •Backup any important data, as calibration settings can sometimes revert unexpectedly.

Method 1: Using Built-in Display Calibration Tool

This method is suitable for most users and provides a straightforward way to calibrate your monitor using macOS's built-in tools.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu () in the top left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on 'Displays'.
  • •Step 3: Navigate to the 'Color' tab. You will see a list of profiles on the left side.
  • •Step 4: Click on the 'Calibrate...' button to start the calibration process.
  • •Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to adjust the gamma and other settings. Make sure to read the descriptions carefully.
  • •Step 6: Once completed, you can save the new profile. Name it appropriately and click 'Done'.
  • •Step 7: To verify, compare the new profile with the previous one by selecting it and checking the color accuracy.

For macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later

In macOS Big Sur and later, the calibration interface may have slight visual changes but follows the same steps.
  • •Step 1: Open 'System Preferences' and select 'Displays'.
  • •Step 2: Click on the 'Color' tab and then 'Calibrate...'.
  • •Step 3: The calibration assistant will guide you through the process, including adjusting white point settings.

For macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and earlier

The calibration process remains largely unchanged, but the interface may look different.
  • •Step 1: Access 'System Preferences' and go to 'Displays'.
  • •Step 2: Select the 'Color' tab and click 'Calibrate...'.
  • •Step 3: Follow the prompts to adjust settings, noting that the gamma adjustment may be less intuitive.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Calibration Tools

For professional users or those requiring precise color accuracy, third-party calibration tools provide advanced options.
  • •Step 1: Purchase or download a third-party calibration tool such as X-Rite i1Display Pro or Datacolor Spyder.
  • •Step 2: Install the software that comes with the calibration tool on your Mac.
  • •Step 3: Connect the calibration device to your Mac via USB.
  • •Step 4: Launch the calibration software and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the calibration process.
  • •Step 5: The software will guide you through placing the device on the screen and adjusting settings for optimal calibration.
  • •Step 6: Save the new profile created by the software, and apply it in the 'Color' tab of the Displays settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during calibration, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Calibration failed' - Solution: Ensure your monitor is connected properly and powered on. Restart the calibration process.
  • •Issue: Colors appear washed out after calibration - Fix: Revisit the calibration settings and adjust the gamma and white point settings.
  • •Problem: Calibration settings do not save - Workaround: Check if you have the necessary permissions to modify display settings. Try running the calibration as an administrator.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For users looking to enhance their calibration process, consider these advanced tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Opens Spotlight for quick access to System Preferences.
  • •Command line: 'defaults write com.apple.display calibrate -bool true' - Enables advanced calibration options for power users.
  • •Hidden feature: Night Shift - Access via System Preferences > Displays > Night Shift to adjust color temperature based on time of day, which can affect perceived color accuracy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, regularly recalibrate your monitor, especially if you notice color shifts over time.