Over time, a monitor can start to look dull, fuzzy, or too bright.

Often, adjusting the monitor’s tweaks will help you get a better picture and improve your viewing experience.

Information in this article applies broadly to different types of PC monitors.

Graphic artist looking at a laptop and desktop computer while adjusting monitor settings

Maskot / Getty Images

Consult your machine’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for further guidance.

Common Monitor Terms Explained

Some monitor terms you may encounter can be confusing or redundant.

Here’s an explanation of common monitor configs:

Capabilities vary according to monitor key in.

The Apple Menu on a Mac with the System Preferences command highlighted

For example, the maximum screen quality differs forCRT and LCD displays.

There’s also a noticeable quality difference betweenIPS LCDandTFT LCDmonitors.

Manual Monitor Adjustments

Most monitors have manual adjustment configs.

Displays in System Preferences

Some displays also have a menu button that presents more options on the screen.

Laptops often have buttons on the keyboard for controlling brightness and contrast.

Familiarize yourself with the capabilities and limitations of your monitor before you make adjustments.

The Color tab in Display preferences

For more advanced help, online monitor-calibration tools provide in-depth analysis and setting guidance.

This is particularly important for graphic designers and anyone who works with images.

Here’s how it works:

Go to theApplemenu and chooseSystem Preferences.

The Calibrate button

SelectCalibrateto launch the Display Calibrator Assistant.

The number of adjustments in the calibration process varies depending on the punch in of display.

Some displays have additional built-in color accuracy and calibration features.

Select Calibrate to launch the Display Calibrator Assistant

See your display’s documentation.

Here’s how to use it:

kick off the Windows 10Settingsapp and selectSystem.

Choose theDisplaytab if it isn’t open.

The System heading in Windows 10 settings

Scroll down and chooseAdvanced display parameters.

SelectDisplay adapter propertiesfor the display you want to calibrate.

Go to theColor Managementtab.

The Display tab of System settings

Go to theLagom websiteand read the instructions on monitor calibration.

EIZO Online Monitor-Testing Tool

EIZO’s functionality is similar to the Lagom tool.

Go to theEIZO websiteand view the available tests, includingColor Distances,Gradients,Defective Pixels, and more.

Advanced display settings in Display

Choose the tests you want to perform, then selectStart Test.

Perform any or all of the monitor tests to adjust the prefs.

The PassmarkMonitorTestsoftware gives a full-screen view of various tests.

The Display adapter properties command

MonitorTest works with all resolutions as well asmultiple monitorsetups.

It also supports looped testing.

The Color Management tab

The Color Management button

The Advanced tab

The Calibrate Display button

Lagom online monitor-testing tool intro page

Lagom’s monitor calibration tests

Eizo online monitor test tool

EIZO uniformity monitor test