Published Apr 24, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT
Ever since the first iPad, Will has been passionate about technology and now has over a decade of experience with Apple, Samsung, and Google products. Specifically, he has been using Macs since the early 2000s, the iPhone since 2008, and the iPad and Apple Watch since their first generations. The depth of his knowledge is the result of years of research and experience with tech products. Ever since discovering his true passion for technology, Will has been the go-to person for everything technology for his family and friends. When Will isn’t reading or writing about technology, he likes to listen to music and work on his photography skills, which is utilized in his product reviews.
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The displays that Macs offer are some of the best on the market. And the higher-end models offer some beneficial settings for professionals. Certain Macs and Apple displays allow you to easily change the reference modes from the System Settings app in macOS.
Below, we'll cover what display reference modes are, why you would change them, and how to do so on your Mac. So, let's get started.
Mac's Display Reference Modes Explained
Reference modes are display modes that are meant to be used for particular workflows, such as content creation. Reference modes change your display's color space, brightness, and more to fit the needs of your work.
In macOS, there are multiple reference modes that you can use for photography work, digital cinema, as well as a few others. You can also create your own reference mode if you utilize a custom color workflow frequently.
It's important to note that the reference mode setting is only available on the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Liquid Retina XDR display, the Studio Display, and the Pro Display XDR.
How to Change Your Mac's Reference Mode
Changing your display's reference mode is simple to do within macOS. Follow the simple instructions below:
- Open System Settings on your Mac from the Dock or menu bar (Apple menu > System Settings).
- Scroll down on the left pane and click Displays.
- Click the Preset dropdown menu and select the reference mode you want to use.
In the dropdown menu, you'll also have the option to calibrate your display and customize presets, where you can create your own reference mode. You can also change your Mac's refresh rate on the same page if your MacBook Pro supports ProMotion technology.
Why Change Your Mac's Reference Mode?
Using the proper reference mode can benefit your workflow if you use your Mac for content creation. For example, the Digital Cinema (P3-DCI) mode is ideal for motion pictures, and the Design and Print (P3-D50) is suitable for graphic design and printing work, featuring a wider color gamut.
There are default reference modes you can switch back to on Apple products that support them. For example, If you use a Studio Display, the default reference mode is Apple Display (P3-600 nits), which is great for regular usage in a typical environment.
Try Other Reference Modes on Your Mac
Now, you can quickly switch between reference modes for your workflow. Whether the work you do regularly is photography, video, or graphic design, there is a reference mode in macOS for you.
You may also want to disable True Tone on your Mac if you do a lot of color work since True Tone shifts the color based on your lighting conditions.