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PsyCalibrator

github.com

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Spec score 7.5 #15 of 24 in Display Calibration Software

What it is

PsyCalibrator is a free, open-source package for measuring display luminance and color and calibrating gamma. It uses a Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 instrument and returns measurements as CIE 1931 xyY coordinates. Its correction workflow adjusts the relationship between RGB intensity and luminance to be linear, for grayscale or individual color channels. The fitting process incorporates Mcalibrator2 and uses cubic spline interpolation as its main method. Users can apply correction through a color lookup table and restore the display to its uncorrected state. PsyCalibrator supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and includes multi-monitor calibration. Its research workflow requires MATLAB or GNU Octave, Psychtoolbox, and a supported Spyder instrument. The tutorial says Windows users need a photometer driver; Linux and Mac users do not. SpyderX and SpyderX2 can use built-in Windows 10 or 11 drivers with Psychtoolbox 3.0.19 or later. For more accurate measurements, the tutorial recommends keeping ambient light steady and using a sensor area smaller than the target stimulus.

Spec sheet

Purpose
PsyCalibrator is an open-source package for display gamma calibration and luminance and color measurement.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The tutorial describes using the package for luminance and color measurement and monitor correction in research workflows.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Authors
The repository lists Zhicheng Lin, Qi Ma, and Yang Zhang as authors and gives their university affiliations in China.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility limit
SpyderX/X2 can use built-in Windows 10/11 drivers with Psychtoolbox 3.0.19 or later, according to the tutorial.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Correction control
Users can apply gamma correction with a color lookup table and restore the display to its uncorrected state.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Data fitting
Its fitting workflow incorporates Mcalibrator2 and describes cubic spline interpolation as its main fitting method.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Display correction
It calibrates displays so the relationship between RGB intensity and luminance is linear, including individual color channels or gray.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Hardware requirement
The tutorial names Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 as the supported measurement instruments.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Measurement
It uses Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 hardware to measure luminance and color and returns CIE 1931 xyY coordinates.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Measurement guidance
The tutorial advises keeping ambient light constant and ensuring the sensor area is smaller than the target stimulus for accurate measurement.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Operating systems
The instructions discuss Windows, Linux, and Mac; they say Windows users need a photometer driver while Linux and Mac users do not.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Software dependencies
The tutorial requires MATLAB or GNU Octave and Psychtoolbox.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

PsyCalibrator Free Free package · requires MATLAB or GNU Octave, Psychtoolbox, and a Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 instrument Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every PsyCalibrator plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Measures luminance and color as CIE 1931 xyY coordinates.
  • Corrects grayscale or individual color channels.
  • Supports LUT and multi-monitor calibration.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Limits

  • Requires MATLAB or GNU Octave and Psychtoolbox.
  • Requires a Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 instrument.
  • Windows requires a photometer driver, except with listed SpyderX/X2 setup.

Who it suits

PsyCalibrator suits research workflows that need display luminance and color measurements or monitor correction. It requires MATLAB or GNU Octave, Psychtoolbox, and a supported Spyder instrument.

Verdict

PsyCalibrator covers measurement and gamma correction for research workflows, with multi-monitor and LUT support. Its use depends on the listed software and Spyder hardware, and Windows setup has an additional driver requirement in most cases.

Where Specifiction places it

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