DisplayCAL

DisplayCAL (formerly known as dispcalGUI) is a display calibration and profiling solution with a focus on accuracy and versatility (in fact, the author is of the honest opinion it may be the most accurate and versatile ICC compatible display profiling solution available anywhere). At its core, it relies on ArgyllCMS, an advanced open-source color management system, to take measurements, create calibrations and profiles, and for a variety of other advanced color related tasks.



DisplayCAL is a free and open-source display calibration and profiling software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Developed as a successor to the well-known DispcalGUI, DisplayCAL displaycal profile loader for PC offers advanced color management tools aimed at photographers, graphic designers, and anyone requiring accurate color representation on their displays.

Calibrate and characterize your display devices using one of many supported measurement instruments, with support for multi-display setups and a variety of available options for advanced users, such as verification and reporting functionality to evaluate ICC profiles and display devices, creating video 3D LUTs, as well as optional CIECAM02 gamut mapping to take into account varying viewing conditions.

Other features include:

• Enhance colorimeter accuracy by enabling support for corrections tailored to various types of display devices. These corrections can either be imported from vendor software or generated through measurements using a spectrometer if available.
• Ensure uniformity of display devices through comprehensive measurements.
• Utilize the test chart editor to effortlessly generate charts containing any desired number and combination of color patches. This feature supports easy copying and pasting from CGATS, CSV files (tab-delimited only), and spreadsheet applications, facilitating profile verification and evaluation.
• Generate custom synthetic ICC profiles featuring personalized primaries, white and black points, and tone responses. These profiles serve as versatile working spaces or source profiles in device linking (3D LUT) transforms.

Colorimeters

• CalMAN X2 (treated as i1 Display 2)
• Datacolor/ColorVision Spyder2
• Datacolor Spyder3 (since ArgyllCMS 1.1.0)
• Datacolor Spyder4 (since ArgyllCMS 1.3.6)
• Datacolor Spyder5 (since ArgyllCMS 1.7.0)
• Datacolor SpyderX (since ArgyllCMS 2.1.0)
• Hughski ColorHug (Linux support since ArgyllCMS 1.3.6, Windows support with newest ColorHug firmware since ArgyllCMS 1.5.0, fully functional Mac OS X support since ArgyllCMS 1.6.2)
• Hughski ColorHug2 (since ArgyllCMS 1.7.0)
• Image Engineering EX1 (since ArgyllCMS 1.8.0)
• Klein K10-A (since ArgyllCMS 1.7.0. The K-1, K-8 and K-10 are also reported to work)
• Lacie Blue Eye (treated as i1 Display 2)
• Sencore ColorPro III, IV & V (treated as i1 Display 1)
• Sequel Imaging MonacoOPTIX/Chroma 4 (treated as i1 Display 1)
• X-Rite Chroma 5 (treated as i1 Display 1)
• X-Rite ColorMunki Create (treated as i1 Display 2)
• X-Rite ColorMunki Smile (since ArgyllCMS 1.5.0)
• X-Rite DTP92
• X-Rite DTP94
• X-Rite/GretagMacbeth/Pantone Huey
• X-Rite/GretagMacbeth i1 Display 1
• X-Rite/GretagMacbeth i1 Display 2/LT (the HP DreamColor/Advanced Profiling Solution versions of the instrument are also reported to work)
• X-Rite i1 Display Pro, ColorMunki Display (since ArgyllCMS 1.3.4. The HP DreamColor, NEC SpectraSensor Pro and SpectraCal C6 versions of the instrument are also reported to work)

Main Features

Display Calibration
It provides a comprehensive set of tools for calibrating and profiling monitors, ensuring accurate color reproduction.

Profile Creation
Users can create ICC profiles for their displays, allowing for consistent color across various devices and applications.

Advanced Options
The software offers advanced options for fine-tuning calibration settings, including white point, gamma, and brightness adjustments.

Multiple Display Support
It supports multi-monitor setups, enabling users to calibrate and profile multiple displays simultaneously.

Compatibility
The software is compatible with a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers, including popular models from X-Rite and Datacolor.

User Interface

It features a user-friendly interface that guides users through the calibration and profiling process step by step. The layout is intuitive, with clear labels and tooltips explaining each option.

Installation and Setup

Installing this tool is straightforward on all supported platforms. Users can download the software from the official website or FileHorse.com and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Once installed, users are prompted to connect their colorimeter or spectrophotometer and begin the calibration process.

How to Use

• Connect your colorimeter or spectrophotometer to your computer.
• Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to select your display and calibration settings.
• Place the colorimeter on your display and start the calibration process.
• Once calibration is complete, save the ICC profile and apply it to your display in your operating system settings.

FAQ

Is DisplayCAL display calibration software compatible with my colorimeter?
It supports a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers, including popular models from X-Rite and Datacolor. Check the compatibility list on the official website for more information.

Can I calibrate multiple displays simultaneously?
Yes, it supports multi-monitor setups, allowing you to calibrate and profile multiple displays at once.

How often should I recalibrate my display?
It is recommended to recalibrate your display regularly to maintain accurate color representation, especially if you rely on color-critical work. The frequency of recalibration depends on usage and environmental factors.

Does DisplayCAL interactive display tool support HDR displays?
Yes, it offers support for HDR displays, allowing users to calibrate and profile high dynamic range monitors for accurate color reproduction.

Can I use DisplayCAL with third-party software?
Yes, it generates ICC profiles that can be used by any software that supports color management, including image editing and design applications.

Unattended calibration and profiling currently supports the following spectrometers in addition to most colorimeters:

• X-Rite ColorMunki Design/Photo
• X-Rite/GretagMacbeth i1 Monitor & Pro
• X-Rite/GretagMacbeth Spectrolino
• X-Rite i1 Pro 2
• X-Rite i1Studio

System Requirements

• Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• “True color” 24 bits per pixel or higher graphics output.
• Minimum: 1 GHz single core processor, 1.5 GB RAM, 500 MB free storage space.
• Recommended: 2 GHz dual core processor or better, 4 GB RAM or more, 1 GB free storage space or more.
• To use this tool, you need to download and install ArgyllCMS (1.0 or newer).

Pricing

This monitor calibration software for Windows is available as a FREE and open-source software, making it accessible to users of all budgets.

PROS

• Free and open-source.
• Comprehensive calibration and profiling tools.
• Multi-monitor support.
• Wide compatibility with colorimeters and spectrophotometers.
• Regular updates and community support.

CONS

• This product is not developed actively anymore.
• Limited technical support compared to commercial alternatives.
• Some advanced features may require additional hardware or expertise.
• Interface could be more modern and visually appealing.
• Occasional stability issues, especially on less common hardware configurations.

Also Available: Download DisplayCAL for Mac