How do I install MonitorControl on my Mac?

Download the .dmg from GitHub releases or use Homebrew with 'brew install --cask monitorcontrol'. Copy the app to Applications, then follow prompts to add it to Accessibility settings for keyboard support.

MonitorControl vs BetterDisplay: which is better?

MonitorControl is free and excels at basic brightness/volume control with deep macOS integration. BetterDisplay offers advanced features like XDR/HDR support and broader hardware compatibility, but some features are paid, making it better for power users.

Why isn't MonitorControl working with my HDMI display?

If you're using a built-in HDMI port on a 2018 Intel Mac mini or M1/M2 Mac, DDC control isn't supported. Switch to a USB-C connection or enable software dimming in the app settings as a workaround.

How to set custom keyboard shortcuts in MonitorControl?

Open the app Settings, go to the Keyboard section, and enable custom shortcuts. You can assign keys for adjusting brightness, volume, and contrast, overriding default media key behavior.

Does MonitorControl work with macOS Sequoia?

Yes, but you need v4.3.3 or newer for compatibility. Be aware that on macOS Tahoe, the OSD percentage value may not show or update, limiting visual feedback.

MonitorControl is crashing on startup, how do I fix it?

If you're on macOS 15 Sequoia or Tahoe, manually upgrade to the latest version from GitHub releases, as v4.2.0 has known issues. Check the GitHub discussions for community solutions and bug reports.

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 enables users to control the brightness, volume, and contrast of external displays using their Apple keyboard media keys, custom shortcuts, or menubar sliders. It solves the problem of macOS lacking native support for adjusting external monitor settings by providing hardware and software control methods while displaying the system's native on-screen displays.

Target Audience

Mac users with external monitors who want integrated control over display brightness and volume without relying on monitor buttons or third-party hardware.

Value Proposition

Developers choose MonitorControl for its deep macOS integration, support for multiple control protocols (DDC, native Apple, software dimming), extensive customization options, and completely free, open-source nature compared to paid alternatives.

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
Controlling volume on external displays directly from macOS
Syncing brightness across multiple displays with a single slider
Dimming displays beyond hardware limits using software dimming
Using custom keyboard shortcuts for display controls
Getting native macOS OSDs for external display adjustments

Not Ideal For

Users relying on built-in HDMI ports of 2018 Intel Mac mini or M1/M2 Macs for DDC control
Displays using non-DDC protocols like MCCS over USB (e.g., EIZO monitors)
Projects requiring advanced features like XDR/HDR brightness upscaling or broader hardware support
Systems running macOS Tahoe where full native OSD percentage display is critical

Pros & Cons

Pros

Seamless macOS Integration

Shows native brightness and volume on-screen displays (OSDs), making external monitors feel like built-in Apple displays for a cohesive user experience.

Flexible Control Protocols

Supports hardware DDC for external displays, native Apple protocols, and software dimming, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of monitors and virtual screens.

Extensive Customization Options

Offers dozens of settings, including smooth transitions, display synchronization, and combined hardware/software dimming, accessible through advanced preferences.

Keyboard Shortcut Support

Works out-of-the-box with Apple media keys and allows custom keyboard shortcuts for personalized control over brightness, volume, and contrast.

Cons

Hardware Compatibility Limitations

DDC control is unsupported on built-in HDMI ports of several Mac models (e.g., M1/M2 Macs), and some displays like EIZO only allow software dimming, reducing functionality.

macOS Version Instability

Recent versions have had crashing issues on macOS 15 Sequoia/Tahoe, and native OSD support is partially broken on Tahoe, requiring manual updates and workarounds.

Setup Hurdle for Keyboard

Requires adding the app to Accessibility settings to use native keyboard keys, a non-intuitive step that can confuse users and hinder initial setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

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