If you’ve ever bought yarn online and noticed that the colours look different when they arrive, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a macramé artist, a weaver, or a knitting enthusiast, colour accuracy is crucial when choosing materials. But why do colours appear different on different screens? Let’s break it down.
1. Screen Technology and Display Types
Not all screens are created equal. Different devices use different display technologies, which affect how colours appear. Here’s a look at some common types:
- LCD vs. OLED: LCD screens use a backlight, which can sometimes wash out colours, while OLED screens produce deeper blacks and more vibrant hues.
- IPS vs. TN Panels: IPS panels provide better colour accuracy and wider viewing angles compared to TN panels, which may distort colours when viewed from an angle.
- Retina Displays & High-Resolution Screens: Higher resolution screens like Apple’s Retina Display tend to show more accurate and vibrant colours compared to lower-resolution screens.
2. Colour Calibration and Settings
Each screen has its own calibration settings, which can change how colours are displayed. Some factors include:
- Brightness & Contrast Settings: Increasing brightness can make colours look lighter, while high contrast settings can make them look more vivid.
- Colour Temperature: Screens with a cool tone (bluish tint) will display colours differently from screens with a warm tone (yellowish tint).
- Factory Calibration: Some brands pre-calibrate screens for accurate colour representation, while others may not.
3. Different Colour Profiles (sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3)
Colour profiles define how a device interprets and displays colour. The most common ones include:
- sRGB: The standard colour space for web and digital content, widely used across devices.
- Adobe RGB: A broader colour range used by professional designers and photographers.
- DCI-P3: A colour profile commonly used in high-end monitors and TVs.
If a product image was designed in Adobe RGB but your screen supports only sRGB, the colours may not appear as intended.
4. Ambient Lighting and Viewing Conditions
Where and how you view a screen affects colour perception. Factors include:
- Natural vs. Artificial Light: Sunlight can make colours appear different compared to indoor lighting.
- Reflections and Glare: Light bouncing off a screen can distort colour appearance.
- Viewing Angle: Some screens change colour slightly when viewed from different angles.
5. Image Compression and File Formats
The way an image is stored and processed also impacts its colour accuracy:
- JPEG vs. PNG: JPEGs are compressed and may lose some colour accuracy, while PNGs maintain more precise colours.
- Web Compression: Websites often compress images to reduce loading times, which can alter colours slightly.
6. Graphics Card and Software Interpretation
Your device’s hardware and software also play a role in how colours are displayed:
- Different Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, and Android process colours slightly differently.
- Graphics Card & Drivers: High-end graphics cards often produce more accurate colours.
- Browser Differences: Chrome, Safari, and Firefox may render colours differently based on how they handle images and CSS colour codes.
How to Ensure Accurate Colour Selection for Your Yarn Projects
If you’re purchasing yarn online from Damodaram, here are some practical steps to get the most accurate colour representation:
1. Compare Across Multiple Devices
View the product images on different screens to get an overall sense of the colour.
2. Check Product Descriptions and Colour Codes
Many brands provide HEX, RGB, or Pantone codes to help you match colours more accurately.
3. Order Sample Swatches
When possible, order a small sample of the yarn before making a large purchase.
4. Adjust Your Screen Settings
Calibrating your screen can help you see colours more accurately. Tools like SpyderX or built-in calibration settings on your computer can be helpful.
5. Read Customer Reviews and Photos
Other buyers often upload real-life images of the product, which can give a more accurate representation of the colour.
6. Understand Lighting Differences
If you’re viewing an image in bright daylight, the colour may look different than under warm indoor lighting.
Final Thoughts
Colour variations across screens are inevitable due to differences in display technology, colour profiles, and lighting conditions. If you want to ensure the most accurate colour match for your yarn projects, always check product descriptions, compare multiple sources, and consider ordering samples before committing to a large order.
At Damodaram, we aim to provide high-quality yarns in the most accurate shades possible. Our colour-matching process ensures that what you see online is as close as possible to what you receive.
Happy crafting!
