If you want to check the contrast and colors of your monitor, here's how to do that with a free online tool called Monitor Test.
Monitor Test is a free utility that lets you test the contrast and colors of your monitor. The screen test covers color gradients, grayscale, contrast of specific colors against various backgrounds, and you can even use it as a dead pixel detector.
You can either run Monitor Test online in your browser, or you can download and run it on your Windows computer. Here's how to use the tool to color test your display.
To run Monitor Test in a modern browser, you'll have to use Monitor Test's Smart-TV & Tablet web utility, as the other tools require Flash.
If you're on Windows, we recommend downloading the executable, as it offers far more options. Whereas the browser tool limits you to a handful of colors and color gradients.
In either tool, you'll find a navigation menu at the top; scroll to see it in your browser, or move your mouse to the top edge of the executable's window. The Windows tool also has a helpful info box that will guide you through all the steps.
You can move the box around or toggle it on or off via the menu. There's also a button to switch into full-screen mode. Below is a rundown of all the screen tests you can run with the Windows utility.
You can use this test to determine if your display is displaying grayscale and contrast properly.
Related: How to Calibrate Your Monitor
You can test gradients of color across the spectrum to see if you're getting clear, rich color and true black on your display.
This simple trailing test lets you test a white, black, or colored box against any background of your choice. The controls in the bottom left let you set the colors for the box and background.
You can then set a speed and send the box moving across the background using the start button.
This one's great for detecting dead pixels, testing the uniformity of your screen, and uncovering backlight bleeding while using the black background.
Related: How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on Your Screen
This test is best used on TV screens, as the Moire effect is uncommon on LCD TFT monitors.
Test whether text on your screen remains crisp while changing text and background colors. You can drag the text box across your entire screen, too. Best used on older monitors using a VGA connection.
Download: Monitor Test for Windows
Making sure your display is color calibrated correctly is an important step to ensure your content is looking as good as it can do. If Monitor Test doesn't cut it for you, there are plenty of alternatives to try.
While completing a PhD, Tina started writing about consumer technology in 2006 and never stopped. Now also an editor and SEO, you can find her on Twitter or hiking a nearby trail.
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