Before starting, let the display reach normal operating conditions. Clean it safely if needed, check browser zoom and OS scaling, choose a comfortable brightness, and avoid direct reflections so the patterns are easier to judge.
How to use Monitor Test
- Select Start Test to begin. Use Previous and Next to move through the visual checks, or choose a pattern from Jump to Test: Solid Colors, Dead Pixel Inspection, Grayscale, Gradient, Black Levels, White Levels, Uniformity, Geometry Grid, Sharpness, or Checkerboard.
- Look across each pattern and note anything that stands out, such as an uneven area, a visible line, or patches that seem to blend together. In Black Levels and White Levels, read the patches left to right, then top to bottom. Their legends stay outside fullscreen.
- To move through checks automatically, turn on Automatic mode and choose an Automatic interval of 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 15 seconds. Press Space to switch automatic progression on or off.
- For guided observations, select Start guided wizard. Review Preparation, move between checks with Next wizard step and Previous wizard step, and set Your observation to Not checked, Looks normal, or Possible issue. Select Return to manual tests to go back to the patterns.
- Select Fullscreen to expand the pattern where supported. Shortcuts are F for fullscreen, Left and Right for patterns, R for reset, and Escape to exit fullscreen. In fullscreen on a phone, tap the left or right half to move between patterns; an Exit button stays on screen.
When to use it
- Checking a new display before the return period ends: Scan the patterns for visible concerns and record which check makes them easiest to see.
- Inspecting a used monitor before buying: Compare solid colors, grayscale, and uniformity to look for obvious irregularities across the screen.
- Looking for a pixel that stands out: Try Dead Pixel Inspection, then note the pattern and screen area where you see it. For a more focused follow-up, use the Dead Pixel Test.
- Checking dark or bright detail: Use Black Levels or White Levels to see whether the patches remain visibly distinct.
- Comparing picture settings: Change one display setting at a time and revisit the same pattern to judge the visible difference.
- Checking lines, shapes, or edges: Use Geometry Grid and Sharpness to look for visible distortion or unclear edges.
- Rechecking after moving or cleaning a screen: Run a few patterns to see whether anything obvious has changed.
Tips for a more useful check
Keep room lighting and viewing distance consistent when comparing settings or repeating a check. If you spot something, note the pattern and where it appears, then look again under the same conditions. Treat each result as an observation rather than a pass-or-fail score.
Stop if bright patterns cause discomfort. Reduced motion keeps progression manual, so you can advance through the checks yourself.
Limits of Monitor Test
The patterns provide subjective visual checks, not a calibrated measurement, hardware diagnosis, or diagnostic score. What you see can be affected by display settings, browser zoom, OS scaling, reflections, ambient light, graphics processing, and color management. A pattern may help identify an area worth investigating, but it cannot confirm the cause or repair a display.
If a concern remains visible under normal conditions, contact the seller or manufacturer for advice. For specific checks beyond this pattern set, the Monitor Test Patterns page may be useful.