What calibration tool should you use?
For print work you want a hardware calibrator — a small sensor that physically measures your screen — together with its calibration software. There are two related types:
- A colorimeter — the common, affordable choice for monitor calibration.
- A spectrophotometer — more capable (it can also profile printers/paper) and used in professional setups.
Either will do the essential job far better than software-only or by-eye "calibration", which isn't reliable enough for colour-accurate printing. Several reputable manufacturers make good devices; the important thing is a current model with up-to-date software for your operating system.
Calibration targets to set
Whatever device you choose, calibrate to these neutral standards: - White point: D65 (≈6500K) - Gamma: 2.2 - Luminance/brightness: a moderate, measured level suitable for print (not the bright factory default)
Re-calibrate periodically (screens drift over time), then soft-proof using theprintspace's downloadable ICC paper profiles.
When to order a test print
Even a perfectly calibrated screen isn't a guarantee of the printed result. For important or large work, order a small test print on your chosen paper to confirm before scaling up.