Detect and eliminate color banding in gradients with our comprehensive testing suite and proven solutions. From subtle posterization to severe banding, identify bit depth issues and implement permanent fixes for smooth, professional-quality gradients.
Click below to display various gradient patterns that reveal color banding issues. Look for visible steps or bands instead of smooth transitions.
What to look for: Smooth gradients should transition seamlessly. If you see distinct bands or steps, your monitor has color banding issues. Count the number of visible bands - fewer bands indicate worse banding.
Color banding, also known as posterization, occurs when smooth gradients display as distinct steps or bands instead of seamless transitions. This happens when there aren't enough colors available to create smooth gradients, typically due to bit depth limitations or compression.
Industry-standard gradient testing for precise banding detection:
Professional-grade testing for color-critical work:
Real-world content testing for streaming and video:
Create custom gradients for specific testing:
⚠️ Advanced users only - backup registry first
For 6-bit panels, temporal dithering can reduce banding:
Incorrect gamma can amplify banding. Optimal settings:
Improper black level crushes shadows and creates banding:
Aggressive overdrive can introduce color artifacts:
Extreme color temps can reveal banding:
FRC uses temporal dithering to simulate higher bit depth. A 6-bit + FRC panel rapidly switches between colors to create the illusion of 8-bit color. While effective, it can't match true 8-bit or 10-bit panels in gradient smoothness.
Some banding is normal, but excessive banding may indicate a defective panel:
Return Tips: Document banding with photos of test patterns. Note that cameras often exaggerate banding, so also describe what you see. Most manufacturers consider severe banding a defect covered under warranty.
Some degree of banding is normal on 8-bit and especially 6-bit panels. However, it should not be distracting in normal content. High-quality 8-bit panels show minimal banding, while true 10-bit panels should have virtually none. If banding is visible in regular content (not test patterns), it may indicate a problem.
Calibration can reduce banding by optimizing gamma curves and color output, but it cannot fix hardware limitations. If your panel is 6-bit + FRC, calibration won't make it perform like true 8-bit. However, proper calibration can minimize the appearance of banding.
Dark scenes have fewer brightness levels available to create smooth gradients. Near-black areas might only use 10-20 brightness levels out of 256, making steps more visible. This is especially problematic on VA panels with black crush issues.
HDR can go both ways. True HDR with 10-bit panels reduces banding due to more color depth. However, HDR on 8-bit panels or poorly implemented HDR can actually increase banding due to tone mapping. HDR content on SDR displays often shows increased banding.
Only if your current cable is limiting color depth. Old HDMI cables might force 6-bit output. Ensure you're using HDMI 2.0+ for 4K 10-bit, or DisplayPort 1.2+ for high bit depth. The cable itself doesn't create banding, but bandwidth limitations can force lower bit depth.
Color banding can be frustrating, especially for creative professionals and enthusiasts who demand perfect image quality. While some banding is inherent to digital displays, most issues can be significantly improved through proper configuration.
Start with our interactive tests to assess your monitor's performance, then work through the software and hardware solutions systematically. Remember that perfect gradients require a combination of quality hardware (true 8-bit or better panel), proper configuration (full color depth, correct gamma), and quality content sources.
If banding persists after trying all solutions and significantly impacts your use case, consider upgrading to a higher bit-depth monitor. For professional color work, true 10-bit monitors are increasingly affordable and eliminate most banding concerns.