PC help: Matching printer and monitor

Q My digital camera prints never come out as they look on the computer’s monitor. I was told that to get them the same, I would need to buy an £80 USB device that changes the screen so that it shows the correct colour. Is this right?
Ken Goodwin

A Making sure that the colours displayed on screen are the same as those printed is a topic that has spawned many books and the sort of research that PhDs are made of. Part of the problem is that paper and monitors display images in different ways: monitors emit light and paper reflects it.

The calibration device that has been recommended to you is the simplest way to get better results. This usually consists of a sensor that attaches to the front of the monitor while the special software displays different colours on the screen.

The software then adjusts the screen to display the right colours. If you do a lot of digital photography, or if you sell your images, one of these devices will be worthwhile.

Otherwise, use the free tools at displaycalibration.com to improve the colour alignment of the monitor. The site includes some information about how to make the changes, such as giving the monitor time to warm up.

If you use Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, there will be a tool called Adobe Gamma installed. This can also help set up the monitor correctly and can be found in the Control Panel.

You can find an excellent guide to using Adobe Gamma. 

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