Before comparing displays or picture profiles, decide which screens and settings you want to evaluate. Keep the room lighting and display settings consistent between views; the patterns show tonal steps, not a pass-or-fail score.
How to use Contrast Test
- Select Start Test, then use Pattern mode to choose Contrast patches or Nine bars.
- Compare neighboring patches with their reference backgrounds. Look for details that blend together near black or white rather than judging only the screen’s overall brightness.
- Use Previous and Next to move between patterns. Press Left or Right for the same navigation, or press Space for automatic mode. Reduced motion keeps progression manual.
- Select Fullscreen or press F for a larger view. In fullscreen, press Escape to exit; on phones, use the on-screen Exit button. You can also tap the left or right half of the fullscreen display to move between patterns.
- Select Reset or press R to reset the test. Check the legends before entering fullscreen: they remain outside the fullscreen view.
Contrast patches use these reference values for each RGB channel: 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 192, 224, 240, 248, 252, 254, and 255. The values repeat on black and white backgrounds and are read from left to right. Black/white level modes use black patches of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 32, and white patches of 224, 232, 240, 244, 248, 250, 252, 254, and 255. Read these left to right, then top to bottom.
When to use it
- Checking a new monitor: Look for dark or bright steps that disappear while the return period is still open.
- Considering a used display: Compare the visible tonal steps before deciding whether the screen suits your needs.
- After changing picture settings: Compare the same pattern before and after a change to see whether nearby tones are easier to distinguish.
- Investigating lost shadow detail: Check whether the darkest patches merge when images in games or films look crushed.
- Checking washed-out highlights: See whether the lightest patches remain distinguishable from their background.
- Comparing a laptop and external monitor: Display the patterns on both screens and note where the visible tonal steps differ.
- Reviewing a display profile: Use the same pattern and lighting conditions to make a visual comparison before keeping a profile change.
Tips for a useful comparison
Change one factor at a time when comparing a display setting or profile. Keep ambient light steady too, since brighter or darker surroundings can affect how clearly patches appear. A comparison is most useful when you can return to the same pattern under the same conditions.
Read the legends while they are visible, then enter fullscreen if the larger view helps you inspect the steps. Stop if bright patterns cause discomfort. If you want to focus specifically on near-black or near-white detail, try the Black Level Test or White Level Test.
Limits of the test
Contrast Test uses digital patterns for visual comparison; it does not measure a monitor’s physical contrast ratio. Display profiles, picture settings, and ambient light all affect how distinct the patches look, so the result is not a calibrated measurement.
If patches appear merged, the pattern cannot identify whether the cause is a setting, the viewing conditions, or a display fault. It also cannot adjust or repair the screen. For a persistent concern, check the manufacturer’s guidance or contact the seller or manufacturer.