Screen Uniformity Test

Check for clouding, dirty screen effect (DSE), and brightness uniformity

Press F11 for fullscreen, then click to start

Quick Test Colors

Click any color to test, or use the main button for cycling mode

Common Issues to Check

1.
Backlight Bleed
Light leaking from edges on black screen (corners especially)
2.
IPS Glow
Silvery glow at angles, worst in corners on dark content
3.
Clouding
Uneven brightness patches, visible on white/gray
4.
Dirty Screen Effect (DSE)
Splotchy/smudged appearance on gray, common on VA panels

Best Test Colors For

Black
Backlight bleed, IPS glow (dim room)
Dark Gray (5-25%)
DSE, dirty screen effect (most visible)
Mid Gray (50%)
Overall uniformity, banding
White
Clouding, brightness uniformity, yellowing

Testing Tips

Dim your room: Backlight bleed and IPS glow are most visible in dark environments
Let monitor warm up: Run for 30+ minutes before testing for accurate results
Test at normal brightness: High brightness exaggerates issues; test at your usual setting
Move your head: IPS glow changes with viewing angle; backlight bleed doesn't
Use the grid overlay: Press G to show a grid that helps identify uneven areas

Should I Return My Monitor?

Likely Acceptable

- Minor IPS glow in corners (normal for IPS)
- Slight brightness variation across screen
- DSE only visible on specific gray test patterns
- Minor backlight bleed only visible on pure black

Consider Returning

- Bright spots/clouding visible in normal content
- DSE visible during normal use (sports, games)
- Severe backlight bleed affecting dark scenes
- Yellow or pink tint in corners

Our Should I Return My Monitor tool can help you decide.

Uniformity by Panel Type

IPS Panels

Typically have IPS glow (silvery look at angles) and potential backlight bleed. Usually good brightness uniformity. IPS glow is a physical property, not a defect.

VA Panels

Prone to DSE (dirty screen effect) visible on gray backgrounds. Excellent black uniformity due to high contrast. Cloudiness less common than IPS.

TN Panels

Usually good uniformity but poor viewing angles cause apparent uniformity issues. Color shift at edges is normal, not a defect.

OLED Panels

No backlight bleed (pixels self-emit). May have near-black uniformity issues or slight color tint variations. Perfect when displaying true black.