Gamma

Gamma refers to the overall brightness of a computer monitor's display.

The default gamma setting varies from platform to platform. Generally, the higher the number, the darker the display.

Table: Common Default Gamma Settings

Platform	Gamma
Macintosh	1.8
PC	2.5
Unix	2.3-2.5
Source: Jennifer Niederst, Web Design in Nutshell, p. 30.

To compensate for gamma differences, you can:

• calibrate your monitor to a value between each of the platforms
• use software that will allow you to make gamma adjustments (e.g. ImageReady; Fireworks only has a preview mode).