What can I do with PatternSpace?
PatternSpace is a macOS test pattern generator: it displays patterns on a selected screen and can receive patch commands from supported calibration software. You can inspect the built-in library for free; network-driven automation and advanced HDR output require PatternSpace Pro. PatternSpace renders patches but does not take meter readings.
Install
PatternSpace is a free download on the Mac App Store. The free tier includes the full pattern library, Device Native and Display SDR output, the SDR Reference presets, and a PatternSpace Remote evaluation allowance. Automation from ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator, and advanced HDR output (HDR PQ, Display HDR, Linear HDR, and Peak White), are PatternSpace Pro.
1. How do I choose the display?
Open Display Setup and select the display you're working with in the Output Display selector — the patch window opens there at full resolution. For the Output Color preset, measurement range, and EDR details, see Display Setup.
If you have more than one screen, confirm the selected display by checking where the patch window appears before starting a measurement. Keep the display, preset, and measurement range consistent with the calibration software's target configuration. A cable or screen name alone does not tell you which signal path or color-management behavior is active.
2. How do I render a pattern?
Library mode renders PatternSpace's built-in patterns with no meter or extra software:
- Switch to Library mode in the toolbar.
- Pick a category in the sidebar (for example, Color).
- Click a pattern tile to send it to the output display. Double-click any tile to toggle the patch window.
That's a complete, free workflow for spot-checking a display by eye or with a meter.
What can I check without a meter?
Use suitable patterns to look for visible clipping, uneven gradients, framing problems, or obvious uniformity differences. These checks can help you find issues worth investigating, but vision alone cannot establish a measured white point, tone response, or color accuracy. For those, use a meter and calibration software that supports your display.
3. How do I connect calibration software?
When you're ready to measure with software driving the patches:
- Switch to Generator mode.
- Select the protocol matching your software — ColourSpace, CalMAN, or PGenerator — or PatternSpace for the built-in Remote protocol.
- For ColourSpace, start its Network Server and enter the server IP and port in PatternSpace, then connect. For CalMAN or PGenerator, connect the calibration software to the endpoint shown in PatternSpace. Patches render on the selected output when received.
Automation from ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator requires Pro; PatternSpace Remote is free for up to 25 evaluation patches. See Connecting Calibration Software for the exact steps per protocol.
Choose the protocol that matches the software's output method; these are separate connection workflows, not interchangeable labels. If a connection fails, first verify that both devices can reach each other on the local network, that PatternSpace is in Generator mode with the intended protocol selected, and that the calibration software is pointed at the endpoint shown by PatternSpace. For PatternSpace Remote, use the pairing controls and current pairing code when required. Then check the protocol-specific guide before changing display or color settings.
Which setup do I need?
Which calibration software and meter should I use?
PatternSpace supplies the patterns; your meter and calibration software take the measurements. PatternSpace connects to ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator, and its own PatternSpace Remote protocol is free for up to 25 evaluation patches. Which meters you can use depends on the calibration software, so check that software’s supported-meter list.
Am I calibrating a built-in display, an external monitor, or a reference display?
For a built-in display, or any monitor or TV that macOS recognizes, select it in Display Setup and render patterns from the Library. For a reference display fed by a DeckLink device, use the separate DeckLink SDI output; see the DeckLink SDI guide.
Should I profile automatically or adjust manually?
For automated profiling, switch to Generator mode and let ColourSpace, CalMAN, or PGenerator send the patches (Pro). For manual adjustment and visual checks of clipping, gradients, and framing, use Library mode, which is free.
Can I calibrate by eye without a meter?
By eye you can spot visible clipping, banding, and framing problems, but only a meter with calibration software can measure white point, tone response, and color accuracy. For a TV, start with the TV over HDMI guide.
What if I edit video or photos, or watch movies?
For editing on a Mac display, measure against the target your calibration software defines, then verify the result; the Calibration Workflow explains how. For movies on a TV, begin with a visual check over HDMI and move to measurement when you need accuracy.
Where to next
- Calibration Workflow — how measure → correct → verify fits together.
- Display Setup — Output Color presets, measurement range, and EDR / Peak White.
- ICC Profile Tools — build, calibrate, inspect, compare, and assign display profiles.
Get PatternSpace
Free on the Mac App Store; Pro unlocks automation and advanced HDR output as a one-time in-app purchase.
