iTunes-Volume-Control
A macOS app that lets you control Apple Music and Spotify volume directly from your keyboard's volume keys.
What is iTunes-Volume-Control?
iTunes Volume Control is a macOS application that allows users to control the volume of Apple Music (formerly iTunes) and Spotify directly using their keyboard's volume up and down keys. It addresses the macOS limitation where these keys only adjust the global system volume, which is problematic when using AirPlay devices or wanting fine-grained control over music playback.
Mac users who listen to music via Apple Music or Spotify, especially those using AirPlay speakers or who want more precise volume control without switching applications.
It provides a native, system-integrated solution that requires no complex setup, is free, and restores intuitive volume control for music apps that macOS otherwise lacks.
Overview
Controlling iTunes and Spotify volume using volume up and volume down hotkeys.
Use Cases
Best For
- Controlling Apple Music volume with keyboard hotkeys
- Adjusting Spotify volume directly from the keyboard
- Managing volume for AirPlay speakers from macOS
- Hiding the system volume overlay during movie playback
- Fine-tuning volume increments for music listening
- Switching between system and app volume control with a modifier key
Not Ideal For
- Users needing support for music players beyond Apple Music and Spotify, such as VLC or browser-based streaming
- Developers seeking an actively maintained open-source project with regular updates and community support
- People using macOS versions newer than those tested, as compatibility may be broken due to deprecation
Pros & Cons
Pros
Enables the standard volume keys to control Apple Music or Spotify volume directly, solving a core macOS limitation where keys only adjust system volume.
Essential for adjusting volume on AirPlay speakers, which depend on the music app's volume level, as highlighted in the README for use with external speakers.
Allows users to adjust the increment size for volume changes, offering finer control over playback levels through configurable finesse settings.
Uses macOS's built-in volume display and provides an option to hide it to avoid distractions during movies, ensuring a seamless system experience.
Cons
The project has been replaced by 'Volume Control' and is no longer updated, meaning no bug fixes, security patches, or support for newer macOS features.
Only works with Apple Music and Spotify, excluding other popular players like VLC, Tidal, or web browsers, which reduces its utility for diverse media setups.
Requires manual authorization in System Preferences under Accessibility and Automation panels, a process described as prone to errors and needing reboots if mishandled.
Frequently Asked Questions
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