Image retention happens after a static, high-contrast image stays on a screen for long periods, and it leaves an imprint even after it disappears. It's most noticeable when the images on your screen change, and you still see elements from the previous image. Most of the time it stays on for a short period, but it can be distracting if it stays on for a few minutes.
We no longer test for image retention as of recent test benches. On older test benches, we tested for image retention using a high-contrast video that ran for 10 minutes, then we took pictures of the monitor at two-minute intervals to see if there was any image retention left.
Test Methodology Coverage
We only included the Image Retention test as part of Test Bench 1.0 and Test Bench 1.1. However, the scoring weight is different on these test benches, so scores aren't comparable between them. We removed this test as of Test Bench 1.2, because most monitors don't have any major image retention issues, and it's something that varies between units.
You can also learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and how we test monitors.
When It Matters
Having a monitor that shows no signs of image retention is important when you have many of the same images on screen for long periods, like when working. This is rarely an issue with modern monitors, though. However, image retention is something that can vary between units, so you may get unlucky and receive a brand-new monitor that shows signs of image retention right out of the box.
Our Tests
To test for image retention, we used a video that included high-contrast static elements that stayed on the screen for 10 minutes. Before the video, we took a picture of a 15% gray image to use as a reference.
Once the first 10 minutes of the video finished, we took a photo of 15% gray again to compare to the reference image. We had a program that measured the percentage of retention in the image. The video continued by flashing red, green, and blue, and we took more photos and measurements every 2 minutes until 10 minutes after the original video finished.
Warning: the video contains flashing images
Image Retention After 0 Minutes
Immediately after the high-contrast part of the video finished, image retention was most noticeable. Most monitors don't show any signs of image retention, but some do. Below you can see examples from two monitors with noticeable image retention immediately after the high-contrast video finishes: the HP 27Q and the LG 27UD68.
 |
 |
Image Retention After 10 Minutes
After taking the initial photo immediately following the image retention video, that's when the video started to flash red, green, and blue. This helped the pixels return to their normal state if there were any signs of image retention; if there weren't any, this wouldn't have caused it either. We took a picture every two minutes to see how much time the monitor needed to remove any image retention, up to 10 minutes after the video finished. We didn't publish these photos, but we used them to measure any remaining image retention.
Most monitors don't even show any signs of image retention two minutes after the high-contrast part finishes, and only a few, like the HP 27Q, still show signs of image retention after 10 minutes.
Additional Information
What causes image retention?
Image retention is caused by voltage retained in the panel's pixels for too long, resulting in them remaining stuck in the same position even after the voltage disappears. Different types of content may cause this, like an operating system's user interface, taskbars and windows, in-game elements, or if you watch content like the news or sports. All things considered, though, image retention is rarely a problem on modern monitors, and it was more of an issue in the past, like with plasma TVs.
Content that varies what's displayed on-screen helps avoid image retention. For example, if your game has a lot of different cut scenes and elements that don't remain for a long time, then you won't experience retention.
Image retention vs burn-in
Image retention and burn-in are two different things. Once image retention is completely gone, it doesn't affect anything else you watch. However, long-term permanent burn-in happens when there's constant exposure to the same static elements over time. Those pixels burn-in so that they can't properly produce any other color, and the static elements appear to stay on the screen. These pixels are permanently damaged, and you can't fix them.
We ran a longevity test on TVs and some monitors to test for failures, including burn-in, when displaying the same content over time. Below you can see that the CNN logo and ticker are burned into the Samsung S95C OLED after playing for up to 20 hours/day for 30 months. This is burn-in and not image retention, as it won't disappear, but keep in mind that this is an extreme example. If you vary what you have on-screen, you won't experience this even with an OLED.
How To Get The Best Results
If you buy a monitor and notice right away that it shows signs of temporary image retention, there isn't much you can do to fix that problem except return it. However, if you're worried about causing any image retention or even burn-in, there are a few ways you can reduce the risks, like:
- Lowering the contrast: Since image retention is most noticeable with high-contrast elements, lowering the contrast in your monitor's settings can help reduce the risk. You shouldn't reduce the contrast to the point where it's hard to read text, but make sure you still feel comfortable using the screen.
- Lowering brightness: Lowering the brightness can help reduce image retention and, in the long run, burn-in, particularly on OLEDs.
- Screensavers: When you take a break from your screen, use screensavers while the computer is idle. A slideshow would be ideal since the computer rotates between different images, and one image doesn't stay on for a long period.
- Shutting down: If you won't be using the monitor, simply turn off the monitor. This allows the screen to 'rest' for a bit, and any pixels that may experience some image retention get some time off. Just like people, it's good to give your screen some rest at the end of the day.
- Varying content: If you work with different windows open all day, you can also minimize them and your taskbar for a few minutes at a time. If you watch any videos, watch them in full-screen mode so that any user display elements disappear.
Conclusion
Temporary image retention happens when high-contrast elements stay on the screen for a long period and appear to stay for a few moments after they've disappeared. Although it's rare, some monitors may show signs of image retention, but the images generally disappear after a few moments. There are a few ways to help reduce the risk of image retention, like lowering the monitor's contrast or using screensavers. Temporary image retention is also different from long-term burn-in, so you shouldn't have to worry that your monitor is broken if it shows some image retention.