3M Privacy Filters Explained — Black vs Bright Screen, Sizes and Fit
A plain-language guide to the six 3M privacy filters we supply — the difference between the Black and Bright Screen lines, how the COMPLY attachment works, and how to pick the right size.
In short: 3M offers two privacy filter lines: the Black Privacy Filter and the Bright Screen Privacy Filter, which 3M states transmits about 85 percent of screen brightness and is touch compatible. All six models we supply give 60 degree side-view privacy, are reversible and attach with the COMPLY flip-attach system. Choose by exact screen size and aspect ratio.
By Aureval Computers & IT Solutions · Published · Updated
What 3M privacy filters do
3M privacy filters fit over a laptop screen and black out the display for anyone viewing from outside a 60° angle, while the person directly in front sees a clear picture. All six models we supply are reversible, with a glossy side and a glare-reducing matte side, help reduce blue light without distorting colour and attach with the 3M COMPLY system.
Black Privacy Filter or Bright Screen?
Black Privacy Filter (PF)
The standard black-out filter: strong side-view privacy, a reversible glossy and matte surface and COMPLY flip-attach fitting. Three sizes here: 12.5″, 14″ and 15.6″, all for 16:9 screens.
Bright Screen Privacy Filter (BP)
Uses 3M nanolouver technology. 3M states it transmits about 85% of screen brightness, and is listed as touchscreen compatible. Three sizes here: 14″ (16:10), 13.3″ (16:10) and 13.3″ (16:9).
Which to choose?
Choose Bright Screen if you work in brighter conditions, on battery at lower brightness, or on a touchscreen. Choose Black if your size is only offered in that range or you want the classic black-out look.
Size and aspect ratio come first
Filters are cut to the screen, so match the diagonal and the 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio before anything else.
The COMPLY attachment system
COMPLY is 3M’s flip-attach fitting. Instead of a permanent film, the filter attaches with strips so you can flip it away to share your screen with a colleague and flip it back for private work. It suits people who move between confidential work and collaborative meetings.
Reading a 3M model number
3M’s model codes follow a pattern: the letters at the start mark the range (PF for the Black Privacy Filter, BP for the Bright Screen Privacy Filter), the next digits give the screen size (156 is 15.6″), and W9 or W1 marks a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. So PF156W9B is a Black filter for a 15.6″ 16:9 screen, and BP140W1B a Bright Screen filter for a 14″ 16:10 screen.
All six 3M models
- 3M Black Privacy Filter — 15.6″ (16:9)
- A 3M Black privacy filter for 15.6″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — reversible with a glare-reducing matte side, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Black Privacy Filter — 14″ (16:9)
- A 3M Black privacy filter for 14″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — reversible with a glare-reducing matte side, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Black Privacy Filter — 12.5″ (16:9)
- A 3M Black privacy filter for 12.5″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — reversible with a glare-reducing matte side, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter — 14″ (16:10)
- A 3M Bright Screen privacy filter for 14″ (16:10) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — touchscreen compatible, reversible, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter — 13.3″ (16:10)
- A 3M Bright Screen privacy filter for 13.3″ (16:10) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — touchscreen compatible, reversible, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter — 13.3″ (16:9)
- A 3M Bright Screen privacy filter for 13.3″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — touchscreen compatible, reversible, and supplied on GST invoice.
Need another size, or another brand?
If your screen is not covered here, compare 3M with Lapcare LapxPro in our 3M and Lapcare privacy filter guide; Lapcare covers Surface, MacBooks and monitors. See how privacy filters add value to everyday work for where they matter most.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 3M Black and Bright Screen filters?
The Black Privacy Filter is the standard black-out version, while the Bright Screen range uses nanolouver technology that 3M states transmits about 85 percent of screen brightness and is listed as touchscreen compatible.
What does COMPLY mean?
COMPLY is 3M's attachment system: flip-attach strips that let you switch between privacy and screen sharing by flipping the filter away and back.
How do I read a 3M model number like PF156W9B?
The letters mark the range, the digits give the screen size, and W9 or W1 marks a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio, so PF156W9B is a Black filter for a 15.6 inch 16:9 screen.
Are 3M filters reversible?
Yes, all six models we supply have a glossy side and a glare-reducing matte side.
Which sizes do you supply?
12.5, 13.3 (16:9 and 16:10), 14 (16:9 and 16:10) and 15.6 inch (16:9) laptop sizes; send your laptop model to confirm the fit.
Do you provide a GST invoice for ITC?
Yes, every order, HSN and tax breakup included.
Ordering for a team
Every filter is available on request and sourced against your order, so nothing is shown as ready-to-ship. Orders are supplied on a GST invoice with HSN and tax breakup for ITC and dispatched pan-India; delivery time and any delivery charge are confirmed in your written quotation. Browse all privacy filters or read about bulk orders and dispatch.
Have a requirement?
Send your device models and quantities through the enquiry form and you’ll receive a written quotation against your requirement.
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