How do I fix MonitorControl crashing on macOS Sequoia?

Manually upgrade to v4.3.3 or newer from the releases page, as v4.2.0 has known issues and doesn't auto-update. This resolves crashes and ensures compatibility with the latest macOS versions.

MonitorControl vs BetterDisplay: which is better for external displays?

MonitorControl is free and excels at native integration with basic brightness/volume control. BetterDisplay offers advanced features like XDR/HDR upscaling and full DDC over HDMI for problematic Macs, but it may have a paid tier—choose based on your needs and hardware limitations.

Why aren't my Apple keyboard brightness keys working with MonitorControl?

Ensure MonitorControl is added to Accessibility in System Settings, as this is required for keyboard integration. Also, check if your display connection supports DDC, as some Mac models have unsupported HDMI ports.

How to enable advanced settings in MonitorControl?

Open the app settings and toggle 'Show advanced settings' to access customization options for dimming behavior, transitions, and hardware-specific tweaks, allowing fine-grained control.

Can MonitorControl control volume on all external displays?

It supports volume control via DDC for compatible displays, but for virtual screens or displays without DDC, only software dimming is available, which may not include volume adjustment.

Is MonitorControl safe to install on macOS Tahoe?

Yes, but use v4.3.3 or newer to avoid crashes, as noted in the README. Download from the official releases page and check the compatibility table for any lingering OSD limitations on Tahoe.

Open-Awesome

MonitorControl

MITSwiftv4.3.3

Control external display brightness and volume on macOS using keyboard keys or sliders, with native OSD support.

Visit Website GitHub

33.8k stars988 forks0 contributors

What is MonitorControl?

MonitorControl is a macOS application that lets users control the brightness, volume, and contrast of external displays using keyboard shortcuts or menubar sliders. It solves the problem of macOS lacking native support for adjusting external display settings, providing a seamless experience with native on-screen displays.

Target Audience

Mac users with external monitors who want integrated brightness/volume control without relying on display hardware buttons, especially those using Apple keyboards.

Value Proposition

Developers choose MonitorControl for its free, native-like integration, support for multiple display protocols (DDC, Apple native, software dimming), and extensive customization options unavailable in macOS itself.

Overview

🖥 Control your display's brightness & volume on your Mac as if it was a native Apple Display. Use Apple Keyboard keys or custom shortcuts. Shows the native macOS OSDs.

Use Cases

Best For

Adjusting external monitor brightness with Apple keyboard media keys
Syncing brightness across multiple displays on a Mac
Controlling display volume via keyboard shortcuts
Dimming displays beyond hardware limits using software dimming
Replicating built-in display ambient light sensor changes on external monitors
Using virtual screens (AirPlay, Sidecar, DisplayLink) with brightness control

Not Ideal For

Mac users with specific models like the 2018 Intel Mac mini or M1/M2 Macs relying on built-in HDMI ports for hardware DDC control
Users on the latest macOS versions like Tahoe who require full native OSD support with percentage display updates
Those using displays with custom protocols like EIZO or DisplayLink docks who need reliable hardware dimming beyond software alternatives

Pros & Cons

Pros

Native macOS Integration

Shows macOS-native brightness and volume OSDs and works seamlessly with Apple keyboard media keys, providing a built-in feel for external displays.

Multi-Protocol Dimming

Supports DDC for hardware control, Apple protocols for native displays, and software methods like gamma adjustments for virtual screens, ensuring broad compatibility.

Advanced Customization Options

Offers dozens of settings, including smooth transitions and combined hardware/software dimming, with an advanced settings toggle for fine-tuning to specific hardware.

Brightness Sync Across Displays

Allows synchronizing brightness across multiple monitors and replicating ambient light sensor changes from built-in screens, enhancing consistency.

Cons

Hardware Compatibility Gaps

DDC control is unsupported on built-in HDMI ports of certain Mac models, and displays like EIZO or those via DisplayLink only allow less effective software dimming.

macOS Version Instability

Known crashes on macOS Sequoia and Tahoe with v4.2.0, which also lacks auto-updates, requiring manual intervention and posing reliability risks.

Permission Hassle for Full Features

Requires adding the app to Accessibility settings to use Apple keyboard keys, an extra step that can deter users seeking plug-and-play functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

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