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SPECIFICTION
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Monitor Brightness Control

github.com

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 7.5 #14 of 24 in Monitor Control Software

What it is

Monitor Brightness Control is a free Linux tool for adjusting brightness and contrast on external monitors through DDC/CI. It provides a command-line interface, a graphical interface with real-time sliders and a background service. Day, Night and Gaming profiles are included; custom profiles and applying a profile at startup are also supported. Customizable global shortcuts can switch profiles or adjust brightness. The tool detects compatible monitors and supports individual control or batch operations across connected displays. It requires a DDC/CI-compatible monitor and I2C communication, with ddcutil listed as a system dependency. DisplayPort and modern HDMI are fully supported, DVI-D is limited, and VGA is unsupported. The README documents installation via shell script, pip or source checkout, as well as granting I2C group access and loading the i2c-dev module. It can run as a user systemd service and is licensed under MIT. The README lists tested distributions including Ubuntu 20.04+, Linux Mint 20+, Debian 11+, Fedora 35+, Arch Linux/Manjaro and openSUSE. GitHub is the channel for bug reports, feature requests and contributions.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Controls brightness and contrast of external monitors through DDC/CI on Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
It uses ddcutil for DDC/CI communication and can run as a user systemd service on Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The README invites bug reports, feature requests, and contributions through GitHub.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project is licensed under the MIT License.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility
The README lists Ubuntu 20.04+, Linux Mint 20+, Debian 11+, Fedora 35+, Arch Linux/Manjaro, and openSUSE as tested distributions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Connection limits
DisplayPort and modern HDMI are listed as fully supported, DVI-D as limited, and VGA as unsupported.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Connections
The README lists DisplayPort and HDMI as fully supported, DVI-D as limited, and VGA as unsupported.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controls
The GUI provides real-time brightness and contrast sliders, Day/Night/Gaming presets, and monitor refresh.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Hotkeys
Global shortcuts can switch profiles or adjust brightness, and the key combinations are customizable.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The README documents installation through a shell script, pip, or source checkout.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interfaces
It provides a command-line interface, a graphical interface, and a background service.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Multi-monitor
The tool detects compatible monitors, supports per-monitor control, and can apply batch operations across connected displays.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Multiple monitors
Detects DDC/CI-compatible monitors and supports individual or batch control across connected displays.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Profiles
It includes Day, Night, and Gaming profiles, supports custom profiles, and can apply a profile at startup.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
It requires a DDC/CI-compatible monitor and I2C communication; the README lists ddcutil as a system dependency.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Roadmap
The roadmap lists a web interface, REST API, time-based profiles, and ambient-light integration as planned items.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and privacy
The README instructs users to grant I2C group access and load the i2c-dev module; it makes no security or compliance certification claim.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free MIT-licensed Linux tool · requires DDC/CI-compatible monitor and I2C access Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Monitor Brightness Control plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Offers GUI, CLI and background service.
  • Includes Day, Night and Gaming profiles.
  • Supports per-monitor and batch control.
  • Customizable global shortcuts adjust brightness.
  • MIT-licensed and free.

Limits

  • Requires DDC/CI-compatible monitors and I2C access.
  • VGA is unsupported.
  • DVI-D support is limited.
  • Input switching and auto brightness are unavailable.

Who it suits

It suits Linux users who need to adjust brightness or contrast on external DDC/CI-compatible monitors. It can be useful for multi-monitor setups, provided the displays and connections meet its requirements.

Verdict

Monitor Brightness Control specifies its interfaces, profiles, connection limits and system requirements. It is a Linux-only option, and its usefulness depends on DDC/CI and I2C support.

Where Specifiction places it

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