Windows 11 offers enhanced support for managing color profiles, allowing users to set different color settings for individual apps. This helps improve color accuracy depending on the program you use, such as photo editors or video players.
Setting and managing per-app color profiles can boost your workflow and ensure colors appear as intended for specific tasks. While Windows does not provide a native per-app color profile feature, there are ways to customize color management effectively.
This guide will walk you through simple steps to configure color profiles and explore tools that help manage colors on a per-application basis.
By following these instructions, you will better understand how to improve your display’s color accuracy tailored to each app’s needs.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your display drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause color calibration issues.
- Confirm your monitor supports color profiles and calibration. Professional or high-end monitors typically allow better color adjustments.
- Understand that Windows’ default color management applies profiles system-wide, so per-app profiles need third-party tools or manual adjustments.
- It is helpful to have your desired color profiles (ICC/ICM files) ready before starting the process.
Step 1: Check and Set a Default Color Profile in Windows 11
Before managing color profiles for specific apps, it’s essential to set the correct default profile for your monitor.
- Click on the Start button and open Settings (you can also press
Win + I). - Navigate to System > Display.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
- Under Display information, click Display adapter properties for Display 1 (or the display number you want to configure).
- In the new window, go to the Color Management tab and click Color Management…
- In the Color Management window, ensure the correct display is selected under the “Devices” dropdown.
- Check Use my settings for this device.
- Click Add… to add an ICC or ICM profile if needed, then select it and click Set as Default Profile.
Why this matters: Setting the correct default color profile ensures your monitor displays colors accurately for all apps by default, creating a baseline before customizing further.
Step 2: Understand the Limitations of Per-App Color Profiles in Windows 11
Windows 11 does not natively support assigning different color profiles to individual applications. Color profiles apply system-wide or per monitor.
This means:
- All apps use the same color profile unless the app has its own color management settings.
- You need to rely on third-party software or app-specific settings for per-app color adjustments.
Important: Some professional applications like Adobe Photoshop or video editors include their own color management systems to override Windows’ default behavior.
Step 3: Using Third-Party Tools to Manage Per-App Color Profiles
Since Windows does not support per-app color profiles natively, several tools can help you achieve similar results:
- DisplayCAL: A free and open-source calibration tool that can help manage color profiles more precisely. It allows you to create and switch between profiles, but not assign them per app automatically.
- ColorProfileSwitcher: A lightweight utility that can quickly switch between different color profiles. You can manually change profiles before launching specific applications.
- Calibrize: Another free tool for monitor calibration which helps create accurate profiles.
Using these tools, you can create multiple profiles and switch them manually depending on the application you plan to use.
How to manually switch profiles for an app using ColorProfileSwitcher
- Download and install ColorProfileSwitcher.
- Open ColorProfileSwitcher and load the color profile you want to use.
- Before launching your app (e.g., Photoshop), switch to the desired profile.
- Once finished with the app, you can switch back to your default profile.
Note: This method requires manual switching and is not automatic, but it helps achieve the effect of per-app color profiles.
Step 4: Use App-Specific Color Management Settings
Many professional apps come with their own color management features, allowing you to control color profiles independently.
For example:
- Adobe Photoshop: Supports ICC profiles and lets you assign specific profiles per document or workspace.
- Video Editing Software: Often includes color grading and profile settings internally.
- Media Players: Some support color adjustments or LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to modify colors dynamically.
Using these built-in features is often the best way to manage colors per application without changing system-wide settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I assign different color profiles automatically for each app in Windows 11?
No, Windows 11 does not currently support automatic per-app color profile assignment. You need to manually switch profiles or use app-specific color management.
Why is color calibration important?
Color calibration ensures that your monitor displays colors accurately, which is critical for tasks like photo editing, video production, and graphic design.
How do I know which color profile to choose?
Choose a profile that matches your monitor’s characteristics or the color standard required by your work (e.g., sRGB, AdobeRGB). Calibration tools can help generate accurate profiles.
Can I create my own color profile?
Yes, tools like DisplayCAL allow you to create custom ICC profiles by calibrating your monitor with a colorimeter device.
What if my colors still look wrong after setting profiles?
Check if your graphics drivers are updated, ensure your monitor is calibrated, and verify no conflicting profiles are active.
When Nothing Works
If you continue to experience issues with color management or need true per-app color profile support, consider the following options:
- Visit the official Microsoft support page on color management: Microsoft Color Management
- Consult your monitor manufacturer’s website for updated drivers or calibration tools.
- Use professional calibration hardware (like a SpyderX or X-Rite i1Display) to create precise profiles.
- Consider upgrading to software suites that provide enhanced color management if your work demands it.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 does not natively support per-app color profiles, you can improve color accuracy by setting a proper default profile and using third-party tools to switch profiles manually.
Leveraging built-in app color management features also helps tailor colors to specific workflows. Keeping your drivers updated and calibrating your monitor remain essential steps for the best results.
Following these basic steps ensures you get closer to color accuracy tailored for each application’s needs, enhancing your overall user experience.