About this test
LCD screens use a backlight behind the panel. When the panel is pressed unevenly in its frame, light leaks out at the edges as bright patches; this is backlight bleed. IPS panels also show a silvery glow when viewed from an angle, and VA and TN panels can show clouding. The bleed mode uses near-black screens that make leaks obvious, while the uniformity mode uses mid-grey with a 3×3 grid so you can compare brightness between zones. Click on the image to mark problem areas.
How to use this test
- Dim the room lights and set screen brightness to your normal level.
- Start the full-screen test in bleed mode and look at the edges and corners from straight ahead.
- Switch to uniformity mode and compare the nine zones at each grey level.
- Click any problem area to mark it, then take a photo if you need it for a warranty claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is some backlight bleed normal?
Slight bleed in the corners is common on LCD and IPS screens and is often only visible on a black screen in a dark room. Bright patches visible in normal content are a defect.
What is the difference between bleed and IPS glow?
Bleed stays in the same place when you move your head. IPS glow changes or disappears when you change your viewing angle.
Can backlight bleed be fixed?
Loosening over-tight frame screws sometimes helps, but it can void the warranty. Most bleed is best handled by an exchange.