This tutorial will show you how to calibrate your computer screen on Mac OS X. It uses the Color Munki color measurement device to measures the light that your screen emits. The resulting color profile is then associated to this device on the level of the operating system. A tutorial for Windows is also available.
Install Color Munki software
Download the Color Munki software and install it. It is available for Mac and Windows.
Setup your screen
Before you can start the calibration process, you need to reset your monitor to its factory settings. Then, you should, if possible, set the monitor’s color temperature (white point) to 6500K, D65, or sRGB, which is equivalent to 6500K. You should also avoid any direct sunlight, since the ambient light also influences how
Start the Color Munki software
Plug in the Color Munki device to your USB port of your computer for activation. Then click “Be Creative”
Start the calibration process
In the welcome screen, click on “Profile my Display” to start the calibration process.
Select the screen you want to calibrate
If you have more than one screen, select the one you want to calibrate and click on “Next”.
Select Display type
Select the type of display you want to calibrate and choose for the easy mode. Then click on “Next”
Color Munki self calibration
Turn the wheel of the Color Munki to the self calibration position and press the calibration button on the Color Munki Device.
Video on how to select the self calibration mode of the Color Munki (video)
This video shows you how to turn the Color Munki into the right position for its self calibration.
Settings of the Color Munki
The Color Munki dial can be set to measure ambient light, projectors, itself and screens&printers.
Set the Color Munki to the screen calibration mode (1)
The software will now ask you to set the Color Munki to the screen calibration mode.
Set the Color Munki to the screen calibration mode (2)
Once you have done that, press “Next”.
Set the Color Munki to the screen calibration mode (3)
Place the Color Munki within the orange rectangle and press “Next”. The video in the following step shows you how to do it.
Place the Color Munki on your screen (video)
Video on how to place the Color Munki on your screen.
Calibration process (video)
This video shows you how the Color Munki measures your screen.
Save color profile
Name the color profile and save it. I usually add the date to the name, so that I can identify the profile when I calibrate the screen again at a later point in time.
Select a reminder
You can have the Color Munki software to remind you in certain intervals to repeat the calibration. Professionals calibrate their screen at least once a month. Press “Next” to continue.
Before and after (1)
The software will now allow you to see a picture before and after the calibration. Press “Finish” when you are done.
Close the Welcome screen
You can now close the welcome screen and you are done. You have successfully calibrated your computer screen.
Verify color profile
Open the Color Sync Utility (in Applications > Utilities) and select the “Devices” tab. Open the Displays section and check the current profile. The profile you just created should be listed there.
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