Side by side
ArgyllCMS vs DisplayCAL
Both stand on display calibration software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
ArgyllCMS offers broad device profiling and color-conversion capabilities through command-line tools. Its lack of a built-in GUI and Wayland limitation matter when choosing a workflow.
Visit ArgyllCMS
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
DisplayCAL offers calibration, profiling, verification and chart tools across Linux, macOS and Windows. Users need both ArgyllCMS and a supported measurement instrument.
Visit DisplayCALThe facts
| ArgyllCMS | DisplayCAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | argyllcms.com | displaycal.net |
| On display calibration software | #1 of 24 | #4 of 24 |
ArgyllCMS: what it does well
- Free, open-source software for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Profiles scanners, cameras, displays, and printers
- Supports 3D LUTs and spectral sample data
- Includes 8-bit and fully accurate 16-bit conversion tools
- Documentation covers individual tools and common tasks
What to know first
- No graphical interface is included
- Native Linux display calibration and profiling under Wayland is unsupported
- Commercial and non-GPL use requires a separate license
DisplayCAL: what it does well
- Creates calibrations and ICC profiles.
- Supports multi-display setups.
- Verifies profiles and display devices.
- Includes a test chart editor.
- Free software under GNU GPL version 3 or later.
What to know first
- Requires ArgyllCMS 1.0 or newer.
- Requires a supported measurement instrument.
- Supplied without warranty.
Alternatives to ArgyllCMS Alternatives to DisplayCAL The whole list