How to Change the Reference Mode of Your Mac’s Display

The displays that Macs offer are some of the best on the market. And the higher-end models offer some beneficial settings for professionals. Certain Macs and Apple displays allow you to easily change the reference modes from the System Settings app in macOS.

Below, we’ll cover what display reference modes are, why you would change them, and how to do so on your Mac. So, let’s get started.

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Mac’s Display Reference Modes Explained

Reference modes are display modes that are meant to be used for particular workflows, such as content creation. Reference modes change your display’s color space, brightness, and more to fit the needs of your work.

In macOS, there are multiple reference modes that you could use for photography work, digital cinema, as well as a few others. You can also create your own reference mode if you utilize a custom color workflow frequently.

Mac Studio next to a Studio Display

It’s important to note that the reference mode setting is only available on the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models withLiquid Retina XDR display, the Studio Display, and the Pro Display XDR.

How to Change Your Mac’s Reference Mode

Changing your display’s reference mode is simple to do within macOS. Follow the simple instructions below:

In the dropdown menu, you’ll also have the option to calibrate your display and customize presets, where you can create your own reference mode. You can alsochange your Mac’s refresh rateon the same page if your MacBook Pro supportsProMotion technology.

Reference modes in System Settings

Why Change Your Mac’s Reference Mode?

Using the proper reference mode can benefit your workflow if you use your Mac for content creation. For example, the Digital Cinema (P3-DCI) mode is ideal for motion pictures, and the Design and Print (P3-D50) is suitable for graphic design and printing work, featuring a widercolor gamut.

There are default reference modes you can switch back to on Apple products that support them. For example, If you use a Studio Display, the default reference mode is Apple Display (P3-600 nits), which is great for regular usage in a typical environment.

Apple MacBook Pro on a table in front of a window

Try Other Reference Modes on Your Mac

Now, you can quickly switch between reference modes for your workflow. Whether the work you do regularly is photography, video, or graphic design, there is a reference mode in macOS for you.

You may also want to disable True Tone on your Mac if you do a lot of color work since True Tone shifts the color based on your lighting conditions.

MacBook Pro Liquid XDR display

If you notice that your Mac’s display is slightly warmer than it’s supposed to be, you can blame Apple’s True Tone technology.

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