Test your monitor for color banding and gradient smoothness issues. Detect 6-bit, 8-bit, and 10-bit panel quality differences. Free browser-based tool.
A gradient smoothness test displays continuous color transitions to reveal color banding — visible stepping between tones that should blend seamlessly.
Click Start Test to display three gradients: black-to-white, black-to-red, black-to-blue. Look for visible steps.
If you notice blocky transitions in photos, video playback, or games — especially in sky, shadow, or gradient scenes — your monitor may have color banding. This test quickly tells you whether the issue is your panel or your content.
✅ Smooth, seamless transitions — Your display handles gradients excellently. Likely an 8-bit + dithering or 10-bit panel. No action needed.
⚠️ Slight stepping visible in dark tones — This is common on 8-bit panels. Enable dithering in your GPU driver settings. Consider calibrating your monitor.
❌ Obvious bands/stripes across the gradient — Your display has limited color depth (likely 6-bit) or there is a configuration issue. Check GPU output settings, cable quality, and whether your OS is sending the correct bit depth.
You should see a perfectly smooth transition from black to white (and black to red, black to blue) with no visible steps, bands, or stripes. Each tone blends seamlessly into the next like a continuous wash of color.
You may notice faint horizontal or vertical bands in the darker portions of the gradient, where tones "jump" slightly instead of blending smoothly. This is typical of 8-bit panels without dithering and is most visible in the dark-to-mid tone range.
You see clear, distinct stripes or blocks of color — the gradient looks like a staircase rather than a smooth ramp. This indicates a 6-bit panel, incorrect GPU settings, or a cable that is limiting color depth.
It reveals color depth and ability to render smooth tonal transitions. Visible banding indicates limited bit depth or panel defects.
Dithering can reduce it. Upgrading to 10-bit eliminates it.
8-bit: 16.7M colors. 10-bit: 1.07B colors with smoother gradients.
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