Projector test
Click the pattern to fill the projector's screen, then use the arrow keys from wherever you stand to step through focus, grid, overscan, and color patterns.
Projector test workspace
How to use
4 short steps.
Place the projector first
Level it and square it to the screen before using keystone correction. Let it warm up for a few minutes.
Click the pattern to go full screen
Start with the focus pattern. Turn the focus ring until the center lines are sharp, then check all four corners.
Check the grid and the overscan border
Press the arrow keys to change pattern. The grid shows keystone and aspect ratio; the border shows whether the edges are cut off.
Check convergence and color
Look at the white lines for red, green, or blue fringes, then use the grayscale and color bars to spot a missing channel or tint.
What the result means
Match what you see to one of these.
If the center is sharp but a corner is soft, the projector is not square to the screen
If one side of the focus pattern stays soft after focusing the center, adjust the projector's angle or lens shift rather than the focus ring.
If the border or corner marks are missing, the projector is overscanning
If the outer marks are cut off, change the projector's aspect or overscan setting, or the source's output scaling, before moving the projector.
If white lines have colored fringes, convergence is off
If red, green, or blue edges show around the white lines, the projector's panels are misaligned or the lens has chromatic aberration. Some models have a convergence adjustment in the menu.
Troubleshooting
If the test fails, try these in order.
Use less keystone correction
Keystone resamples the image and softens fine lines. Fix the physical placement first, then check the focus pattern again.
Match the source resolution
Set the computer's output to the projector's native resolution and refresh rate, then check the grid and border again.
Clean the lens and control the room light
Dust on the lens and stray light lower sharpness and contrast. Clean the lens, darken the room, and repeat the focus pattern.
What this test can't tell you
Where a browser check stops.
- The patterns cannot measure brightness, contrast, color accuracy, or input lag, or grade focus and geometry automatically.
- Keystone correction, source scaling, and the projection surface all change how fine lines look.
FAQ
Common questions about this test.
Which projector pattern should I use first?
Focus first, then the grid and the overscan border. Once the image is sharp, square, and fully visible, check convergence, grayscale, and color bars.
Why are my projector's corners blurry?
Usually because the projector is not square to the screen or the screen is not flat. Keystone correction, a wide zoom setting, and cheaper lenses also soften the corners.
Can this projector test measure brightness or contrast?
No. Lumens and contrast need a light meter. These patterns help you set up focus, geometry, and color by eye.