DDCcontrol vs Lunar

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.

Lunar is a macOS app for controlling monitors, including external monitor brightness, volume and input. On compatible monitors it uses DDC to send brightness and input commands directly. Manual Mode provides hotkeys for external-monitor adjustments, while Sync Mode copies the MacBook’s adaptive brightness changes to external displays. Sensor Mode adjusts brightness and contrast using an external ambient light sensor; Location Mode responds to the sun’s position. Clock Mode schedules changes by time or by sunrise, noon or sunset. Pro features include XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut and FaceLight. Lunar also works with macOS Shortcuts and includes a command-line interface for monitor automation. It supports macOS 11 and later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. When DDC is unavailable, Gamma can dim a display but cannot change its volume or input. The free version permits 100 Manual Mode adjustments and 100 Shortcuts action calls per day. Lunar Pro costs $23.00 USD as a lifetime license.