When editing images for print, it’s important to calibrate your monitor in order to avoid major color differences in print vs what you see on your screen. In this article, we will go over how to calibrate your monitor and what print labs recommend.

Most print labs recommend purchasing a calibration kit and software for the most accurate screen to print color, as well as investing in a high quality monitor. However, if you aren’t ready to purchase a kit, both Mac and Windows computers have built-in calibration tools to get you started with basic calibration.

Make sure your room is dim or dark and well-ventilated, and that the computer display is at a typical ambient temperature, placed away from any flowing air, such as an air conditioning duct or the exhaust vent from other equipment. Ideally when you calibrate and edit your images, there shouldn't be natural light in the ambiance, as the color temperature changes throughout the day.

1. To begin, go to System Preferences or System Settings on your Mac.

2. Select Displays and click the Color Profile dropdown menu.

3. If you want, you can switch between existing industry standard profiles rather than creating a whole new one. Learn more here.

For example, using the “Photography P3-D65” color profile is a great baseline for editing raw files. The “Internet & Web (sRGB)” is a great way to view exported JPGs and compare them on the computer versus online versus as prints. Brightness is locked on both of these modes.

3. If you want, you can calibrate your monitor for your particular environment. From the menu, click Customize…

4. Select the plus icon to open the Display Calibrator Assistant tool.

5. The tool will walk you through the steps to calibrate your monitor. You will be prompted to adjust the white point first. You can check the box to use the Native White Point or manually adjust it.

6. After you finish making adjustments, you will name and save your new color profile.

1. To begin, simply search your computer for “Calibrate display color” to access the Built-in Calibration in the Control Panel.

2. The Windows Color Calibration tool will walk you through each step. After you complete the steps, select your new calibration profile and click Finish to save your color profile. Learn more here.

Every lab and print process is different, so it’s recommended to use a calibration software and kit to create different calibration profiles (for example, calibration settings for a paper print and calibration settings for a metal print from the same lab may be different). Many labs offer calibration kits, so you can match their specific printing process.

Refer to these links for lab-specific tips and guides from some of Pic-Time’s partner labs: