The primary function of color bars in video production is to:

The primary function of color bars in video production is to calibrate monitors. Color bars are standard test patterns that include various colors and shades which help ensure that video monitors are displaying colors accurately. By using these patterns, video technicians and editors can adjust the settings on their monitors to match a specific color standard, ensuring consistency across different viewing devices. This calibration is crucial in both production and post-production processes to maintain color fidelity and visual quality in the final output.

This function is foundational for achieving coherent color representation throughout different production stages and devices. Ensuring that monitors are calibrated can help prevent discrepancies in color grading, which would adversely affect the visual storytelling in video projects.