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SPECIFICTION
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DDCcontrol

ddccontrol.github.io

Free plan Linux
Visit ddccontrol.github.io
Spec score 7.5 #11 of 24 in Monitor Control Software

What it is

DDCcontrol is free Linux software for changing monitor brightness, contrast, color levels and other settings through DDC/CI. It offers a GTK interface for graphical control and a command-line tool for terminals, scripts and automation. Communication uses Linux’s i2c-dev interface and /dev/i2c-* devices, which must be readable and writable before monitors can be configured. USB-connected DDC/CI displays are not supported yet. A monitor database is required for monitor-specific controls and proper operation. The ddccontrol-scanmonitor utility reads a connected display’s EDID, capabilities and supported controls, and can generate a monitor database XML file; scanning does not alter control values. The maker’s database index lists 474 monitor profiles in release 20260928. Packages are listed for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE, alongside source releases and source builds. The project uses the GNU General Public License version 2.0 and directs support questions to GitHub Issues.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DDCcontrol controls monitor brightness, contrast, color levels and other settings.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io
Support
The project links users to its GitHub Issues page.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io
License
The project is licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Connection limit
USB-connected DDC/CI displays are not supported yet.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Connection method
DDCcontrol communicates with monitors through Linux's i2c-dev interface and /dev/i2c-* devices.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Database requirement
The monitor database is required for monitor-specific controls and proper functionality.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io
Installation
The maker lists distribution packages for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE, as well as source releases and source builds.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io
Interfaces
It provides a GTK interface and a command-line tool for terminals, scripts and automation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io
Monitor profiles
The maker's database index lists 474 monitor profiles in release 20260928.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io
Monitor scanning
The ddccontrol-scanmonitor tool can create a monitor database XML file from a connected monitor.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Permissions
DDCcontrol needs readable and writable /dev/i2c-* devices to configure monitors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security behavior
The scanner reads monitor EDID, capabilities and supported controls, and does not change control values.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free software Free Free software for Linux Read 7 Oct 2026 · ddccontrol.github.io

Every DDCcontrol plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free software for Linux
  • Provides GTK and command-line interfaces
  • Supports terminal scripts and automation
  • Scanner can create monitor database XML
  • Offers 474 listed monitor profiles

Limits

  • USB-connected DDC/CI displays are unsupported
  • Requires a monitor database for proper functionality
  • Needs readable and writable /dev/i2c-* devices
  • Monitor-specific controls depend on database coverage

Who it suits

It suits Linux users who need graphical or command-line control of compatible monitors. It also fits scripts and automation that can access writable /dev/i2c-* devices.

Verdict

DDCcontrol provides free monitor adjustment through Linux’s DDC/CI interfaces, with both graphical and command-line workflows. Compatibility depends on i2c device permissions, database support and the display connection method.

Where Specifiction places it

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