Monitor Ghosting Test for Motion Trails and Overdrive
Follow moving high-contrast targets to compare pixel trailing, motion blur, and inverse ghosting. Change speed and background while testing each monitor overdrive and refresh-rate setting.
Track the moving targets
Adjust speed and background while watching the leading and trailing edges.
What this screen test can reveal
Pixel response trails
A smeared copy behind the target can indicate slow color transitions or an overly slow panel mode.
Inverse ghosting
Bright or dark halos can indicate excessive overdrive overshoot rather than slow response.
Dark-level smearing
Comparing dark and light backgrounds helps reveal slow near-black transitions common on some VA panels.
Setting tradeoffs
The pattern makes it easier to compare refresh-rate and overdrive modes under the same motion.
How to run an accurate test
- 1
Use the monitor's native refresh rate
Confirm the operating system and monitor menu show the refresh rate you intend to test.
- 2
Follow one target with your eyes
Track the target rather than staring at a fixed point, then note the shape of its trail.
- 3
Compare overdrive modes
Repeat at the same speed and watch for the point where trailing becomes a bright or dark halo.
- 4
Repeat on both backgrounds
Dark transitions can behave very differently from bright ones, especially on VA panels.
Frequently asked questions
What is monitor ghosting?
Ghosting is a visible trail behind a moving object caused by pixels taking time to reach the new color. It is different from normal eye-tracking blur and can vary by transition, refresh rate, and overdrive setting.
What is inverse ghosting?
Inverse ghosting is a bright or dark halo that appears ahead of or behind motion when pixel overdrive is too aggressive. Lowering the monitor's overdrive setting often reduces it.
Can a browser measure true response time?
No. This visual pattern helps compare settings, but accurate gray-to-gray and MPRT measurements require high-speed capture or specialized hardware. Browser timing and panel refresh also affect the animation.
Which settings should I compare?
Test the same speed at every overdrive mode and refresh rate you commonly use. Choose the setting with the least visible trailing without introducing inverse-ghosting halos.