Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of a light source, measured in Kelvin (K). It describes the hue of white light, ranging from warm yellowish tones to cool bluish tones.
Color Temperature Scale
| Color Temperature (Kelvin) | Appearance | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1000K – 3000K | Warm (Yellow/Orange/Red) | Candlelight, sunset, ambient lighting |
| 3200K – 4500K | Neutral White | Studio lighting, soft white LEDs |
| 4600K – 6500K | Cool White (Daylight Blue) | Daylight, office lighting, gaming monitors |
| 6500K+ | Ultra Cool (Bluish) | Overcast sky, LCD and LED screens |
Color Temperature in Displays & Monitors
- 6500K (D65) is the industry standard for accurate colors, used in photo editing, gaming, and video production.
- Lower color temperatures (~3000K-4500K) reduce blue light exposure, making screens easier on the eyes at night.
- Higher color temperatures (~7000K+) enhance visibility and sharpness but may appear too cool or unnatural.
Effects of Color Temperature
✔ Lower Color Temperature (Warm Light)
- Reduces eye strain & improves sleep.
- Ideal for evening/night use.
- Common in "Low Blue Light" and "Night Mode" settings.
✔ Higher Color Temperature (Cool Light)
- Enhances visibility & detail.
- Ideal for gaming, work, and daylight conditions.
- Used in professional displays and HDR content.
Adjusting Color Temperature on Monitors
- Windows & macOS Night Mode – Reduces blue light for nighttime viewing.
- Monitor Settings (OSD Menu) – Adjusts color temperature manually (e.g., Warm, Neutral, Cool presets).
- Professional Calibration – Hardware tools like X-Rite i1Display or SpyderX Pro ensure true color accuracy.