How to Use Adobe Gamma

When you install Adobe Photoshop on a PC computer it automatically installs a program titled Adobe Gamma. Adobe Gamma applies color management on your computer at a system level allowing you to have a consistent view of your images on your monitor. It does this by the application of an ICC Color Profile and also allows you to load or create your own ICC profiles. If you don't understand the basics of color management and the use of ICC profiles you should do some research at the websites listed at the bottom of this article before trying this proceedure.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Phototshop 6.0 or later running on a PC.
• Adobe Gamma installed as a control panel.

1. Control Panel View

   To change, create or load an ICC Color Profile navigate to your WINDOWS CONTROL PANEL. Double-click on Adobe Gamma to open the application.

2. Welcome Screen

   The welcome screen allows you to choose between a step by step wizard or control panel. First lets explore the control panel method. Check control panel and then click next.

3. Control Panel view

   The control panel allows you to make all of your changes from one screen. You can load an existing profile or create a new one. If you create a new one, you can either load the desired gamma or use the slider to create a custom gamma. You will notice the screen lightens or darkens as you move the slider. This is like using the "picture" control on a color TV. You can chose or measure your white point. If you MEASURE the white point your screen will go dark and display three gray boxes. Choosing the lightest box will set the new white point.

4. Loading a Profile

   If you want to load an existing profile, click the LOAD profile and you will see all the ICC Color profiles on the computer. There will be an existing profile for your monitor that was loaded on set up. If you were doing an image that was to appear in a magazine, you would choose US WEB COATED SWOP as an example. Your monitor would then display the compressed SWOP color Gamut use for printing.

5. Wizard View

   First time users may want to use the wizard view which will take you through the process step by step. First you will follow the instructions to calibrate lightness and darkness. You will be presented with different groups of boxes and asked to chose the light one or the dark one. Follow the wizard instructions.

6. Selecting the phosphors

   Chose the phosphors that your monitor uses. If you are not sure, select Trinitron or NTSC.

7. Selecting the Gamma

   Next select the proper default Gamma or use the sliders to adjust the Gamma for a custom set up. The monitor picture will lighten or darken as you move the sliders.

8. Selecting the White Point

   You can select your white point or test for it as described under CONTROL PANEL view. If you are not sure, select DAYLIGHT (6500K). This provides a setting that gives a neutral color balance.

9. The Final Step

   You are now ready to save the existing Gamma or revert. If you select AFTER you will be prompted to save your Gamma under a new name. You can easily change back and forth between gamma values using this application allowing you to see your image consistently for the use you have chosen.

Tips & Warnings

• This application assures that your monitor will always be calibrated or at a "known state" eliminating any concerns about the monitor applying a color cast.

• ICC Profiles provide a consistent standard and a way for you to get closer to viewing your image in the way it will be seen by others. You can calibrate for different monitors or print output devices.

• Adobe Gamma applies changes at the system level so it has an impact on all programs. If you change your profile to SWOP to see how your image will look when printed, don't forget to switch back to your monitor default. Many ICC Profiles have restricted color spaces that will not be suitable for gaming or other PC applications.

Resources

• International Color Consortium (ICC)
• Adobe Gamma