This visual check can be useful when evaluating a new or second-hand monitor, or when you want to compare picture settings after a change. Before starting, set up the screen as you normally use it and keep the viewing distance and surrounding light consistent while you inspect the patterns.
The ramps give you a way to compare how gradations look across patterns and settings. If you are checking a particular display, note which pattern makes any visible steps easiest to notice.
How to use Color Depth Test
- Choose Pattern mode, Channel depth references or Channel ramps to select a pattern.
- Select Start Test to open the test in fullscreen. View the ramps from your normal screen distance.
- Look for visible transitions or bands, then use Previous and Next to move between patterns. You can also press Left or Right; in fullscreen, tap the left or right half of the screen to go previous or next.
- Press Space to switch to automatic mode. If reduced motion is enabled, progression stays manual.
- Use Reset or press R to reset. Press Escape to exit fullscreen; on phones, use the Exit button that stays on screen. Fullscreen is also available from the Fullscreen control.
When to use it
- Checking a new monitor: Inspect the ramps while you are evaluating the screen or still within the seller’s return period.
- Looking over a used display: Compare patterns before buying to see whether any obvious irregularities stand out.
- Comparing picture settings: Change one setting at a time and check whether the gradients appear different.
- Rechecking after a profile or scaling change: Look at the ramps again if gradients or colors seem different in your usual setup.
- Investigating visible banding: Compare finer and coarser ramps to see where transitions are easiest to notice.
- Understanding channel-level references: Compare the deliberately coarser ramps with the 256-level ramp to see how gradations can appear less smooth.
Tips for a more useful comparison
Keep your viewing distance, room lighting and usual display setup steady as you move through the patterns. When comparing picture settings, adjust only one setting between checks so you can connect any visible difference to that change.
The 64- and 16-level ramps are deliberate references, not a report of the monitor’s detected modes. Treat Color Depth Test as a visual comparison rather than a pass-or-fail score. Stop if bright patterns cause discomfort.
If you suspect an individual pixel defect rather than a gradient issue, try the Dead Pixel Test. For a broader visual inspection, the Monitor Test offers other screen checks.
Limits of Color Depth Test
The test uses an 8-bit canvas, so it cannot prove a panel’s native bit depth or distinguish true bit depth from dithering. Its coarser ramps do not identify hardware modes supported by the display. Profiles and scaling can also affect how the patterns look, so the result is not a calibrated measurement.
If an issue remains visible across patterns or appears during normal use, check your display settings and contact the manufacturer or seller. This test can help you observe the screen, but it cannot diagnose or repair hardware.