Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

ddcctl

github.com

Free plan macOS
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.5 #12 of 24 in Monitor Control Software

What it is

ddcctl is a free GPLv3 open-source command-line utility for adjusting external monitor controls from the macOS shell. Its primary controls are brightness and contrast. Depending on monitor firmware, it may also switch input source, change built-in speaker volume or RGB colors, select color presets, and reset settings. The stated scope is macOS, Macintosh hardware, and DDC-controlled monitors. Installation is available through Homebrew, downloadable release binaries, or a source build; building requires Xcode and running make. Example scripts can be invoked by Alfred, ControlPlane, or Karabiner to switch presets. The project describes itself as a personal utility in maintenance mode and asks users to debug their own issues. Its maker says there is no time to triage new issues or support non-bugs, and no support or discussion forum is planned. Verification is manual, with no CI connected to real Macs and monitors. The releases page lists v1 as the latest release. The listed controls include DDC/CI, input switching, and command-line access.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ddcctl adjusts external monitors’ built-in controls from the macOS shell.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The README says Alfred, ControlPlane, or Karabiner can invoke its example script to switch presets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The maker says they do not have time to triage new issues or provide support for non-bugs, and do not intend to moderate a support or discussion forum.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies the project as GPLv3 open source.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Brightness and contrast
It controls monitor brightness and contrast.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirement
Building from source requires Xcode and running make.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The README gives Homebrew, downloadable release binaries, and build-from-source as installation options.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maintenance
The project describes itself as the maker’s personal utility and says it is in maintenance mode.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Monitor compatibility
The maker’s stated scope is macOS, Macintosh hardware, and DDC-controlled monitors, and says users should debug their own issues.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Other controls
Depending on monitor firmware, it may control input source, built-in speaker volume, RGB colors, color presets, and reset.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release
The releases page lists v1 as the latest release and describes it as the v1 release of ddcctl.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Testing
The maker says verification is manual and there is no CI system connected to real Macs and monitors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

ddcctl Free GPLv3 open source · command-line utility Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every ddcctl plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free GPLv3 open source
  • Controls brightness and contrast
  • May switch inputs and color settings
  • Homebrew and binary installation options
  • Script integration examples provided

Limits

  • macOS and DDC monitors only
  • Extra controls depend on firmware
  • Project is in maintenance mode
  • No ongoing support or CI testing

Who it suits

It suits Mac users controlling compatible external monitors from scripts or the shell. It is aimed at people comfortable handling monitor compatibility and debugging without ongoing support.

Verdict

ddcctl offers direct shell control for compatible external monitors, with several installation paths and script integrations. Its maintenance status, manual verification, and limited support make compatibility checking the user’s responsibility.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to ddcctlAll alternatives →