Viewing the Gamma Setting

When creating graphics for the Web, how do you make the color look good on all machines? This is a nearly impossible task. Monitors are usually not calibrated accurately, nor are they calibrated the same from one machine to another. To make matters worse, on different computer platforms, shades of colors appear different.

The gamma setting on your computer affects the apparent brightness and contrast of the monitor display. The gamma setting for the Macintosh is lower than that on Windows machines. This makes images created on the Macintosh appear darker when viewed on a Windows PC. Knowing this, you have to compensate as you create your images. If you are designing on a Macintosh, create your images a little lighter; on a PC, create them a little darker.

To make your job easier, Fireworks has a built-in function for viewing the gamma setting on the other platform. If you are using Windows, choose View > Macintosh Gamma. This lightens the image to simulate its display on a Macintosh. If you are using a Macintosh, choose View > Windows Gamma. This darkens the image to simulate its display on a PC. Look at the color difference when you choose this option.

1.	View the gamma setting for the alternative platform. If you are using Windows, the image will look lighter. If you are using a Macintosh, the image will look darker.
2.	Close the file. You can close this file for now. You will use this image later in this lesson. Macintosh gamma left, Windows gamma right