DDCcontrol vs ddcctl
DDCcontrol
ddccontrol.github.ioddcctl
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DDCcontrol | ddcctl |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Monitor Control Software | 7.5 (#11) | 7.5 (#12) |
| Installation | The maker lists distribution packages for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE, as well as source releases and source builds. | The README gives Homebrew, downloadable release binaries, and build-from-source as installation options. |
| License | The project is licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0. | The repository identifies the project as GPLv3 open source. |
| Purpose | DDCcontrol controls monitor brightness, contrast, color levels and other settings. | ddcctl adjusts external monitors’ built-in controls from the macOS shell. |
| Support | The project links users to its GitHub Issues page. | 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. |
Plans
In their own words
DDCcontrol
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.
ddcctl
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.