Screen Color Test
Color bars, RGB ramps and saturation steps for checking color accuracy, banding and tint.
Ramps should transition smoothly with no visible steps, and the brightest end should not clip.
Quick answer
What is the Screen Color Test?
A screen color test shows color bars, RGB ramps and saturation patterns so you can judge how accurately your display reproduces color. Look for banding in gradients, clipped highlights, missing shades and a color tint to decide whether your picture settings need adjusting.
Key features
- SMPTE-style color bars
- Red, green, blue and gray ramps
- Saturation and skin-tone patterns
- Fullscreen view with keyboard stepping
Why use it
- Spot banding and tint quickly
- Compare picture modes side by side
- Free, no calibration hardware needed
Built and tested by Whitson Rao
About the Screen Color Test
Check how your display renders color with full color bars, red, green and blue ramps, a hue spectrum and saturation steps. Great for spotting tints, clipping and banding.
How to use the Screen Color Test
Use your display’s default or calibrated picture mode.
Press F for fullscreen and switch patterns with the buttons or arrow keys.
On the ramps, look for smooth transitions without visible steps or clipping at the bright end.
Compare the same pattern on another screen to judge relative accuracy.
Common uses
Tint detection
Gray and white areas should look neutral, without a pink or green cast.
Clipping check
See whether the brightest steps of each channel stay distinguishable.
Banding check
Ramps reveal posterization from 6-bit panels or heavy processing.
Side-by-side comparison
Compare a laptop and an external monitor for color consistency.
Frequently asked questions
Can I calibrate my monitor with this?
You can make rough adjustments by eye, but true calibration needs a hardware colorimeter and calibration software.
Why do my color ramps show steps?
Visible steps usually mean the panel or its processing has limited bit depth. Night modes and some picture presets can also cause banding.
Why do colors look different on my phone and monitor?
Displays differ in color gamut, white point and processing. Some also apply automatic color adjustment based on ambient light.
Sources and further reading
Guides and fixes that use the Screen Color Test
- GuideScreen Color Test: How to Evaluate Color Accuracy and Balance on Your MonitorTest your monitor for color tinting, banding, gamma shifts, and contrast balance. Step-by-step screen color testing guide for PC, Mac, and mobile displays.
- GlossaryHDR (High Dynamic Range): Standards, Peak Luminance, and Color GamutsMaster HDR display technology: peak nits, VESA DisplayHDR tiers, 10-bit color depth, DCI-P3 color spaces, EOTF tone mapping, and calibration.