Color Banding Test

Test your display for color banding and gradient smoothness with various color patterns.

How to use:

Click the "Start Test" button below to enter full-screen mode
Use arrow keys or click anywhere to cycle through different gradient patterns
Look carefully for visible bands or steps in what should be smooth gradients
Check both horizontal and vertical gradients
Test individual RGB channels for specific issues
Click X button or press ESC key to exit full-screen mode

The test includes the following gradient patterns:

Black to White gradient - horizontal

Black to White gradient - vertical

Black to Red gradient - horizontal

Black to Green gradient - horizontal

Black to Blue gradient - horizontal

Full RGB spectrum gradient

Dark gray gradient for subtle banding

Warm color gradient for natural transitions

Test your display for color banding issues by examining smooth gradients. Color banding appears as visible strips or steps in what should be smooth color transitions. This can indicate display bit depth limitations or incorrect color settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is color banding and why does it matter?: Color banding (also known as posterization) appears as visible strips or bands in color gradients that should be smooth. It occurs when your display or content doesn't have enough color depth to render smooth transitions. This can affect image quality, especially in photos, videos, and games with subtle color gradients.
How do I use this color banding test effectively?: To use the color banding test effectively: 1) Click the 'Start Test' button to enter full-screen mode 2) Use arrow keys or click to cycle through different gradient patterns 3) Look for visible bands or steps in what should be smooth gradients 4) Test both horizontal and vertical gradients 5) Check different color channels (RGB) separately. Smooth gradients should appear continuous without visible stepping.
What causes color banding?: Color banding can be caused by several factors: 1) Limited bit depth of your display (e.g., 6-bit vs 8-bit panels) 2) Incorrect color settings or gamma 3) Poor quality cables (especially with older DVI/HDMI) 4) GPU color settings (RGB vs YCbCr, limited vs full range) 5) Image or video compression. Some causes can be fixed through proper settings.
How can I reduce color banding on my display?: To minimize color banding: 1) Ensure your display is set to its native bit depth 2) Use full RGB color range if available 3) Check your GPU's color settings 4) Use high-quality DisplayPort or HDMI cables 5) Enable dithering if available in your GPU settings. Some displays may have inherent banding due to hardware limitations.
Why test different gradient orientations?: Testing both horizontal and vertical gradients helps identify display-specific issues. Some displays may show more banding in one orientation due to panel technology or signal processing. It also helps distinguish between display limitations and content-related banding issues.
What's the difference between 8-bit and 10-bit color?: 8-bit color provides 256 levels per channel (16.7 million colors total), while 10-bit offers 1024 levels per channel (1.07 billion colors). Higher bit depth results in smoother gradients with less banding. However, you need a true 10-bit display and compatible graphics chain to benefit from 10-bit color.
Is some color banding normal?: Some subtle banding can be normal, especially on 6-bit+FRC or 8-bit displays. Professional 10-bit displays should show minimal banding. The visibility of banding also depends on content and viewing conditions. Extreme or obvious banding might indicate incorrect settings or display limitations.
Does room lighting affect the test results?: Yes, room lighting can affect how visible color banding appears. Brighter ambient light can mask subtle banding, while darker conditions make it more noticeable. For best results, test in your typical viewing environment and also in slightly dimmed lighting to catch subtle issues.