PatternSpace and Portrait Displays Patterns for Mac are both native macOS pattern generators for display calibration. Patterns for Mac is designed to work with Calman. PatternSpace supports several calibration systems and includes Mac workflow tools such as a large diagnostic pattern library, DeckLink SDI output, ICC profile tools, and LUT preparation.
Quick Recommendation
Choose Patterns for Mac when your calibration process is centered on Calman and you want Portrait Displays' macOS pattern source. Choose PatternSpace when you want a native Mac app that can serve ColourSpace, CalMAN, PGenerator workflows, or custom tools, and you want pattern generation alongside ICC and LUT utilities.
At a Glance
- Platform: Both are macOS apps for internal and connected displays.
- HDR: Both offer HDR pattern output on supported Macs and displays. PatternSpace Pro includes HDR PQ, system-tone-mapped HDR, Display HDR, and Linear HDR presets with Peak White and EDR controls.
- Calibration software: Patterns for Mac offers manual RGB patch entry through a web interface and integrates with Calman when licensed. PatternSpace Pro supports ColourSpace, CalMAN, and PGenerator emulation; PatternSpace Remote provides an open WebSocket/JSON interface.
- Display tools: PatternSpace includes display and preset diagnostics plus a pattern library of more than 100 items across six categories.
- SDI and LUTs: PatternSpace adds supported DeckLink SDR patch output as a separate purchase and a LUT Tools workbench. LUT file export requires Pro, and LUT Tools is in beta.
- ICC profiles: Patterns for Mac paired with Calman can generate a measured display ICC profile. PatternSpace has its own SDR ICC profile builder and VCGT tools; its builder uses supplied display values and does not measure the display. Writing a generated profile requires Pro.
Calman-Centered Workflow
Portrait Displays documents Patterns for Mac as a pattern source and display device for Calman workflows. Manual RGB patches can be entered through its web interface without Calman. A compatible Calman license is required for Calman-driven calibration; the current download information lists macOS 10.15 or later and HDR on macOS 10.15.3 or later. Check Portrait Displays' current requirements before setup.
More Calibration Paths in PatternSpace
PatternSpace Pro can be driven by ColourSpace, CalMAN, or software that speaks the PGenerator protocol. PatternSpace Remote is an open protocol for scripts and custom controllers. The app also includes diagnostics for output preset, transfer function, encoding, display profile, and HDR headroom.
PatternSpace's added color tools are separate from pattern generation. Its ICC tools create and manage SDR display profiles and VCGT curves. LUT Tools can inspect and combine supported LUT formats, apply adjustments, and prepare conversions. PatternSpace does not apply an exported LUT to a display; the receiving application or hardware must support that transform.
SDI Output
PatternSpace can send supported SDR solid and window patches through compatible Blackmagic DeckLink hardware. SDI is a separate purchase and is limited to progressive 720p and 1080p, 10-bit YCbCr, video-range BT.709 / gamma 2.4. HDR, UHD, and library patterns are not supported over SDI. Portrait Displays offers other products for SDI workflows; this comparison covers Patterns for Mac.
Sources and Guides
See Portrait Displays' Patterns for Mac overview, product details, and current download requirements. For PatternSpace output limits, see the DeckLink SDI guide, ICC profile tools guide, and LUT Tools guide.
Try PatternSpace on Mac
PatternSpace is free to download from the Mac App Store. Pro unlocks calibration automation, advanced Mac display HDR controls, ICC export, and LUT export. DeckLink SDI is a separate one-time purchase. See the current feature and pricing details before choosing the tools for your setup.
More Comparisons
Compare PatternSpace with LightSpace Connect, pgen_client for Raspberry Pi, or ColourSpace direct PC output.