m1ddc

What m1ddc is

m1ddc is a command-line utility for controlling external displays from Apple Silicon Macs. It uses DDC/CI commands to set or read luminance, contrast, RGB gain, volume, mute, and input source, provided the display supports those controls. It works with displays connected through USB-C or DisplayPort Alt Mode, and with supported built-in HDMI ports. Certain Dell displays also allow commands for configuring PIP/PBP and KVM functions.

The command-line interface makes display controls available to scripts; the README links to a Hammerspoon script example. It also links to a Raycast Display Input Switcher extension, which covers some but not all of m1ddc’s features. The tool runs on macOS with Apple Silicon and does not support Intel Macs. Building requires clang from Apple’s Command Line Tools, which install automatically if absent. The repository includes an MIT License. The free plan costs nothing and is for Apple Silicon Macs with DDC/CI-compatible external displays.

Who it suits

m1ddc suits Apple Silicon Mac users who want command-line control of external displays or want to use display commands in scripts. It may also suit users of supported Dell displays who need PIP/PBP or KVM controls.

Limits

The free plan is for Apple Silicon Macs and DDC/CI-compatible external displays. Available controls depend on display support; PIP/PBP and KVM commands apply to certain Dell displays.

Getting started

1. Visit the m1ddc project website.
2. Use a macOS device with Apple Silicon.
3. Connect a DDC/CI-compatible display through USB-C, DisplayPort Alt Mode, or a supported built-in HDMI port.
4. Build with clang from Apple’s Command Line Tools; those tools install automatically if absent.

Verdict

Choose m1ddc if you use an Apple Silicon Mac and want DDC/CI display controls from the command line or scripts. Look elsewhere if you use an Intel Mac or need controls unsupported by your display.