How connecting works
Switch PatternSpace to Generator mode and pick a protocol in the Network Protocol sidebar. Automation from ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator, and unlimited PatternSpace Remote rendering, require PatternSpace Pro.
ColourSpace
PatternSpace implements the LightIllusion Network Protocol used by ColourSpace's Network Server mode. Here ColourSpace is the server and PatternSpace is the client, so start ColourSpace's Network Server first:
- In ColourSpace (on a Windows PC on the same network), open a Profiling window → Hardware Options → choose Network Server → Connect, and note the IP address and port shown.
- In PatternSpace, choose Generator → ColourSpace, enter that IP and port, and click Connect. On the same subnet PatternSpace can auto-discover ColourSpace over UDP and fill the fields in.
For the other side of this connection, see Light Illusion’s ColourSpace Network Server guide, which documents the server setup and the open Network Protocol.
CalMAN
PatternSpace implements Portrait Displays UPGCI (Unified Pattern
Generator Control Interface). In PatternSpace choose Generator → CalMAN
and note the IP and port; in CalMAN's Source configuration choose
UPGCI (sometimes labelled "Network Patch Generator – UPGCI"), enter the
Mac's IP and port 2100, and start the workflow — CalMAN initiates the connection.
CalMAN automation requires PatternSpace Pro and a CalMAN license/version with UPGCI support. Portrait’s release notes record removal from Home licenses in 5.15.3.13 (March/April 2024). Check that UPGCI is available in your installed edition and full build number before buying Pro. PatternSpace Pro does not unlock CalMAN licensing; an older build or professional license alone does not establish tested compatibility with PatternSpace.
Portrait Displays’ pattern-generator connection overview describes the CalMAN side of connecting a generator. Confirm UPGCI is available in your installed edition before following this PatternSpace-specific setup.
PGenerator
PatternSpace accepts PGenerator-compatible commands over TCP port 85 and responds to discovery on UDP port 1977. Choose Generator → PGenerator, then discover the Mac or enter its IP in compatible calibration software. Allow incoming connections when macOS asks. The TCP session carries patch commands; UDP is used only to find the generator. This makes the Mac a compatible pattern source without requiring a Raspberry Pi.
PatternSpace Remote
PatternSpace Remote is the built-in WebSocket/JSON connection for tools
and scripts. Choose Generator → PatternSpace to start the server, note the
IP and port (default 7878), and copy the 4-digit pairing code. Connect a client
to ws://<ip>:<port>/patternspace and send
Authorization: Bearer <code>. The Swift SDK can auto-discover PatternSpace
via Bonjour (_patternspace._tcp).
The macOS renderer uses a Metal rgba16Float render target. This describes the app’s internal rendering precision; it does not establish the bit depth of a physical HDMI signal or guarantee bit-perfect output through macOS, an adapter, or a display.
On the free tier, macOS users can pair a client and render up to 25 evaluation
patches. Only successful render commands (pattern.display,
pattern.displayColor, pattern.displayPatch) count against the
allowance — status, discovery, and pattern-listing calls do not. After the 25 patches are
used the server stays connected and read-only requests keep working, but further render
commands are declined until you buy PatternSpace Pro, which lifts the limit
immediately with no restart. (ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator require Pro before their
engines start at all.)
Keep Require pairing code on. It is enabled by default; turning it off restarts the server without authentication, letting any client that can reach the port connect and control what's on screen — enough to disrupt an in-progress measurement. Use the endpoint and pairing code on trusted local networks only, and leave authentication enabled unless you're doing local testing on a network you fully control.
Put it in a workflow
See the calibration workflow for how these connections fit into measure-correct-verify, and display setup for choosing the Output Color preset your software expects.
FAQ
Which protocol should I use?
Match the protocol to your calibration software — ColourSpace, CalMAN, or PGenerator. Choose PatternSpace Remote for your own scripts and tools over the first-party WebSocket/JSON API.
Do I need PatternSpace Pro to connect?
Automation from ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator requires Pro. PatternSpace Remote is free for up to 25 evaluation patches per session; Pro removes the limit.
Which calibration software and meter do I need?
PatternSpace is the pattern source and does not measure. Pair it with calibration software that supports one of its protocols (ColourSpace, CalMAN, or PGenerator-compatible software) and a meter that software supports. Meter compatibility is set by the calibration software, so check its supported-device list.
Can I adjust manually instead of automating?
Yes. Library mode renders the built-in patterns with no software connection and is free. Generator mode is for software-driven patches, and automation requires Pro.
How does PGenerator connect?
PGenerator uses TCP port 85 for commands and UDP port 1977 for discovery. Select PGenerator in PatternSpace, then connect from compatible calibration software. Check the activity log and firewall if discovery or the TCP connection fails.