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PsyCalibrator
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 to measure a display and return CIE 1931 xyY coordinates. Its correction process adjusts the relationship between RGB intensity and luminance to be linear, either for grayscale or individual color channels. The fitting workflow incorporates Mcalibrator2 and uses cubic spline interpolation as its main method. Users can apply gamma correction through a color lookup table and restore the display’s uncorrected state. The package supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its tutorial describes research workflows for measurement and monitor correction. Getting started requires MATLAB or GNU Octave, Psychtoolbox, and one of the supported Spyder instruments. The tutorial says Windows users need a photometer driver, while Linux and Mac users do not. It also states that SpyderX and SpyderX2 can use built-in Windows 10 or 11 drivers with Psychtoolbox 3.0.19 or later. For accurate measurement, it advises keeping ambient light consistent and ensuring the sensor area is smaller than the target stimulus.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source package.
- Measures CIE 1931 xyY coordinates.
- Supports grayscale and individual color channel correction.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Supports multi-monitor calibration.
Against
- Requires MATLAB or GNU Octave and Psychtoolbox.
- Requires a Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 instrument.
- Windows users need a photometer driver.
The verdict
PsyCalibrator offers display measurement and gamma correction across three operating systems. Its use depends on having the listed software and measurement hardware.
Who it suits
PsyCalibrator suits research workflows that need display luminance and color measurements or monitor correction. It is for users with a supported Spyder instrument and MATLAB or GNU Octave plus Psychtoolbox.
Plans and prices
PsyCalibrator
Free package · requires MATLAB or GNU Octave, Psychtoolbox, and a Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 instrument
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Authors
- The repository lists Zhicheng Lin, Qi Ma, and Yang Zhang as authors and gives their university affiliations in China.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- SpyderX/X2 can use built-in Windows 10/11 drivers with Psychtoolbox 3.0.19 or later, according to the tutorial.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Correction control
- Users can apply gamma correction with a color lookup table and restore the display to its uncorrected state.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Data fitting
- Its fitting workflow incorporates Mcalibrator2 and describes cubic spline interpolation as its main fitting method.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Display correction
- It calibrates displays so the relationship between RGB intensity and luminance is linear, including individual color channels or gray.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirement
- The tutorial names Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 as the supported measurement instruments.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The tutorial describes using the package for luminance and color measurement and monitor correction in research workflows.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Measurement
- It uses Spyder5, SpyderX, or SpyderX2 hardware to measure luminance and color and returns CIE 1931 xyY coordinates.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Measurement guidance
- The tutorial advises keeping ambient light constant and ensuring the sensor area is smaller than the target stimulus for accurate measurement.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The instructions discuss Windows, Linux, and Mac; they say Windows users need a photometer driver while Linux and Mac users do not.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PsyCalibrator is an open-source package for display gamma calibration and luminance and color measurement.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Software dependencies
- The tutorial requires MATLAB or GNU Octave and Psychtoolbox.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
