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Getting the image onscreen to match the printed output is what we would all like to achieve. The first step in this process is to calibrate the monitor. It is best to do this using a calibration device but if you don't have access to one Adobe provide the Adobe Gamma utility in order to get rid of colour casts in the display and produce an ICC monitor profile that 'Photoshop' will use to compensate for the monitor's display characteristics.

To access Adobe Gamma click Start>Settings>Control Panel and double click the Adobe Gamma icon.

Before making any adjustments I'd suggest working in the room light that is normally to be used.

Step 1

When this dialogue box appears it is probably easiest to choose to use the Step by Step wizard.

Click Next

Step 2

When the Wizard box appears click Load and from the list of monitor profiles that appears choose the one appropriate to your monitor. If yours does not appear ( as mine didn't) choose one as a starting point. The chosen one will appear in the description box. Highlight the name and change it to one appropriate to you. I called mine Viglen along with the date.

Click Next

Step 3

Set your monitor's contrast control to maximum.

Then use the brightness control to adjust the balck/grey patch so that the centre area is just about visible. It's often recommended that you squint at the screen whilst you do this. Being slightly short sighted I find that it helps if I do it without my eye glasses.

Click Next

Step 4

From the drop down list choose from the list of phospors. If you don't know what yours is (as I didn't) choose P22 EBU. (This is what the 'experts' seem to recommend)

Click Next

Step 5

Check the 'View Single Gamma' box.

Squint again and use the slider to fade the two squares into one another

Leave the setting at Windows Default and 2.20

Click Next

Step 6

Uncheck the 'View Single Gamma' box.

Squint again and adjust the Red, Green, Blue sliders

Click Next

Step 7

Choose your Hardware White Point. I suggest 6500K

Click next

Step 8

Set the Adjusted White Point I suggest Same as Hardware.

Click Next

Step 9

Toggle between the before and after settings. Hopefully the after will be more neutral in appearance without any noticeable colour casts. If not step back to the RGB gamma adjustments and try again. I find setting the green accurately to be the most difficult.

If you are happy click Next

Step 10

In the File name box give your profile a meaningful name. I'd suggest including the date.

Click Save

This profile will be automatically used when you next start your computer.

Photoshop Colour Settings

I've read a lot of articles on these settings and as a result have arrived at those shown below.

You will find the settings in 'Photoshop': Edit>Color Settings

When you have selected the settings you want click Save and give your settings a name and description

I have used 'Perceptual' under intent but 'Relative Colorimetric' seems to be working well,

The description appears as the mouse hovers over a setting.

If you use these settings you will on occasion be presented with a 'Profile mismatch' dialogue when opening an image.

In the case of 'no embedded profile' choose working RGB.

In the case of 'mismatch' choose 'use embedded profile'