ddcctl vs m1ddc

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.

m1ddc is a free command-line tool for controlling external displays from Apple Silicon Macs. Through DDC/CI, it can set or read luminance, contrast, RGB gain, volume, mute, and input source when a display supports those controls. Supported connections include USB-C, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and compatible built-in HDMI ports. Certain Dell displays also expose PIP, PBP, and KVM configuration. The command-line interface is intended for scripts, and the project links to a Hammerspoon example. A Raycast Display Input Switcher extension is also linked, although it does not cover every m1ddc feature. The tool is available for macOS on Apple Silicon and does not support Intel Macs. Building requires clang from Apple’s Command Line Tools; the README says those tools install automatically if absent. The repository includes an MIT License. Display behavior depends on the connected monitor’s supported controls.