Monitor Calibration Profiles

Long ago, in a prior version of Windows, I had 3 monitor profiles that were easy to get to and change. I saved the default calibration, one for any new calibration done thru Windows, and the last one was the calibration done thru the built in function of a photo editor I was using at the time.



A while ago I Googled how to do this in Win 7 Pro and it was such a convoluted mess with far too many options, that I skipped it in ‘fear’ I’d hose things up.

So is there a simple, ‘for dummies,’ way to save the current monitor profile, calibrate the monitor, and then save that version? Switching between the two if desired? Or even a third version?

It’s a dual purpose question. First, my wife’s computer’s colors are way off and I want a profile backup before I try a Windows calibration on it. She doesn’t realize how bad it is but if I messed it up she’d proverbially shoot me. Her machine is a Win 7 Home.

The other reason is, while my monitor came certified calibrated, I have ever calibrated it and it’s over due. I want to get something like a ColorMunki for both systems, and on mine I’ll want at least two profiles (and a Window’s profile backup): one for normal photo and video editing, and one for editing for printing.

The ColorMunki I assume will save it’s profiles, but I wouldn’t even know where to look for them.

Any ideas?

TDKMate said:

So is there a simple, ‘for dummies,’ way to save the current monitor profile, calibrate the monitor, and then save that version? Switching between the two if desired? Or even a third version?

Here's my approach. It'll cost some money to buy a decent USB-connected measuring device, but you will be able to then use it forever on all your laptops and desktop monitor setups that run Windows (7, 8/8.1. 10).

First, I bought an X-rite i1Display Pro. You can get it in the $210-$280 price range depending on your shopping. This is a high-quality highly-rated device, in the "modest" price range for a home user. It is a very popular item and is fully supported by the free highly-regarded DisplayCal calibration software I use.

Second, I downloaded and installed the free open-source DisplayCAL software (latest version at time of this post is 3.6.1). It fully supports the i1Display Pro device for measurements. You should then refer to both (a) the Quickstart Guide installation documentation, as well as (b) the complete reference documentation, in order to properly install and properly use the software.

Third, launch the DisplayCAL software, and then plug in the USB cable of the i1Display Pro to connect it to the the PC.

Fourth, DisplayCAL makes use of a related color management system named ArgyllCMS, which is required to also be installed on your PC. Built into DisplayCAL is automatic support for the i1Display Pro and the installation of the related ArgyllCMS software and drivers specifically needed to support the i1Display Pro. To automatically download and install the ArgyllCMS software and specific driver targeted for use with the i1 Display Pro just launch DisplayCAL and select “Install ArgyllCMS instrument drivers...” from the “Tools” menu.

Note that knowing ArgyllCMS was required (and its installed presence will be automatically detected by DisplayCAL), I manually downloaded the latest version from the ArgyllCMS site prior to launching DisplayCAL. I then followed its installation instructions. I don't think this was actually necessary though, since I believe DisplayCAL will now perform this process automatically for you if required. But at the time I first installed DisplayCAL a few years ago this was not possible with that earlier software.

Fifth, based on submissions from many users, there are standard reference table adjustments for the i1 Display Pro which can be used to better match the measurement process to this instrument and your monitor. Again, this is automatically handled by DisplayCAL for the i1 Display Pro so you'll want to import the colorimeter corrections. Choose “Import colorimeter corrections from other display profiling software...” from DisplayCAL's “Tools” menu.

Sixth, with all the primary and secondary software setup now complete, just proceed. Click “Calibrate & profile” and proceed! Takes a little while, but there's nothing more for you to do except follow the wizard. It will guide you through the complete measurement process (including automatically preserving your current ICC color profile) and eventually produce a new one which you can save under your own selected name. The recommended approach is to allow it to do everything it wants (certainly initially), including letting it install its own profile-retaining software (to preserve use of its installed color profile) which will launch at Windows boot and remain running in the System Tray (notification area), and which will permit you to do numerous other informational (left-click) and active (right-click -> menu) things.

I have used DisplayCAL, ArgyllCMS and my i1Display Pro for at least three years now, to calibrate all of my own laptops and desktop monitors (four Eizo monitors on two desktop machines, under both Win7 and Win10) as well as many desktop monitors for other friends and family. Results are fantastic. I've not had to re-calibrate that I can recall, but I suppose it can't hurt to repeat the process maybe every year just to be conservative.

Ranger4 said:

As your System Specs show you are using a NVIDIA GTX 970 graphics card you can set your monitor colours, brightness, refresh rate, etc. directly. If you are using multiple monitors making a change on the graphics card will also change the other monitor/s as well.

To get to the NVIDIA control panel, Right Click on the Desktop & select NVIDIA Control Panel.

As far as I know there is no way of saving these settings other than through imaging or cloning the whole operating system in routine back up procedure.

Thanks Ranger4. I'll be checking it out.

dsperber said:

Here's my approach. It'll cost some money to buy a decent USB-connected measuring device, but you will be able to then use it forever on all your laptops and desktop monitor setups that run Windows (7, 8/8.1. 10).


.snip.

Thanks for the detailed post, dsperber. I'm going to have to read it several more times for it to 'sink in'. Sounds good, though.
.