ddcctl

Free plan Mac

What ddcctl is

ddcctl is a free, GPLv3 open-source command-line utility for adjusting external monitor controls from the macOS shell. It controls brightness and contrast. Depending on monitor firmware, it may also switch input source, adjust built-in speaker volume or RGB colors, choose color presets, and reset settings. Its stated scope is macOS, Macintosh hardware, and DDC-controlled monitors.

Installation options include Homebrew, downloadable release binaries, and building from source; a source build 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. Its maker says they do not have time to triage new issues or support non-bugs, and do not intend to moderate a support or discussion forum. Verification is manual, with no CI system connected to real Macs and monitors. The releases page lists v1 as the latest release.

Who it suits

It suits macOS users who want command-line control of DDC-compatible external monitors. Users should be prepared to debug their own issues.

What it does well

Free and GPLv3 open source.
Controls brightness and contrast.
May switch inputs, depending on monitor firmware.
Offers Homebrew and binary installation options.
Example scripts can work with Alfred, ControlPlane, or Karabiner.

What to know first

Project is in maintenance mode.
Maker does not offer support for non-bugs.
Source build requires Xcode and make.
Verification is manual, with no connected CI system.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
ddcctl	GPLv3 open source · command-line utility	Free

As github.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Install through Homebrew or download a release binary.
To build from source, use Xcode and run make.
Use its command-line access with a DDC-controlled monitor.
Invoke an example preset-switching script through Alfred, ControlPlane, or Karabiner.

Verdict

ddcctl offers command-line monitor controls for macOS, with additional functions dependent on monitor firmware. Its maintenance status and limited support make it a better fit for users comfortable handling their own troubleshooting.

Questions

How much does ddcctl cost?

It is free.

Which platforms does it support?

Its listed platform is macOS, and its stated scope is Macintosh hardware with DDC-controlled monitors.

Is ddcctl open source?

Yes. The repository identifies it as GPLv3 open source.

How can I install it?

The README gives Homebrew, downloadable release binaries, and building from source as options. A source build requires Xcode and running make.

What monitor controls does it offer?

It controls brightness and contrast. Depending on monitor firmware, it may also control input source, built-in speaker volume, RGB colors, color presets, and reset.

Does the maker provide support?

The maker says they do not have time to triage new issues or provide support for non-bugs, and do not plan to moderate a support or discussion forum.

Facts from ddcctl's own pages

Brightness and contrast: It controls monitor brightness and contrast. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Build requirement: Building from source requires Xcode and running make. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Installation: The README gives Homebrew, downloadable release binaries, and build-from-source as installation options. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Integrations: The README says Alfred, ControlPlane, or Karabiner can invoke its example script to switch presets. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
License: The repository identifies the project as GPLv3 open source. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Maintenance: The project describes itself as the maker’s personal utility and says it is in maintenance mode. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Monitor compatibility: The maker’s stated scope is macOS, Macintosh hardware, and DDC-controlled monitors, and says users should debug their own issues. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Other controls: Depending on monitor firmware, it may control input source, built-in speaker volume, RGB colors, color presets, and reset. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Purpose: ddcctl adjusts external monitors’ built-in controls from the macOS shell. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Release: The releases page lists v1 as the latest release and describes it as the v1 release of ddcctl. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Testing: The maker says verification is manual and there is no CI system connected to real Macs and monitors. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026

Where ddcctl stands on Freedom251

Monitor Control Software#8 of 24