MonitorControl is a macOS application that controls external display brightness, volume, and contrast using DDC protocol and native Apple protocols while displaying the system's standard on-screen display indicators.
The tool solves the problem of external monitors lacking native brightness and volume controls on Mac by communicating directly with displays through DDC and other protocols. It works by intercepting keyboard input—both standard Apple brightness and media keys as well as custom shortcuts—and translating those commands into display control signals. The application supports multiple control methods depending on display type: DDC for external displays, native Apple protocol for Apple and built-in displays, gamma table control for software dimming, and shade control for virtual screens like Sidecar and AirPlay. It can combine hardware and software dimming to extend dimming beyond a display's minimum brightness level and allows synchronization across multiple displays so adjustments apply uniformly.
Developers and Mac users with external monitors should adopt this tool if they want seamless brightness and volume control that matches macOS's native behavior. It suits any setup with non-Apple external displays, particularly those lacking physical controls or where keyboard shortcuts are preferred. The README names BetterDisplay as an alternative for users needing advanced features like XDR/HDR brightness upscaling and support for additional Mac models. MonitorControl positions itself as the free, lightweight option for standard brightness and volume control across multiple displays.
The project maintains active issue tracking and responds to configuration-specific problems, as evidenced by documented crashes on certain macOS versions with guidance for manual upgrades. Development includes ongoing refinement of protocol support across diverse hardware, with dozens of customization options available through advanced settings to accommodate different display types and user preferences. The codebase is written in Swift and built with Xcode, targeting the macOS platform including Apple Silicon Macs.
