MonitorControl
Control external monitor brightness and volume using your Mac keyboard keys. Open-source utility that brings native macOS display controls to third-party monitors.
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- macOS 10.15 or later
- Runs on
- Apple Silicon / Intel
- Size
- 20 MB
- Around Since
- 2017
- Open Source
- Yes
- Last Checked
- 2026-10-31
License: MIT
1 screenshotAt a Glance
Best For
Controlling external display brightness from the Mac keyboard.
The Catch
DDC behavior varies by monitor; HDMI can be less reliable than DisplayPort or USB-C.
About MonitorControl
MonitorControl enables external display brightness, volume, and contrast adjustment using native Mac keyboard shortcuts. The app communicates with monitors through the DDC/CI protocol, translating macOS commands into monitor-specific instructions when users press brightness or volume keys.
Setup requires granting accessibility permissions, after which keyboard shortcuts immediately begin working with external displays. The familiar macOS brightness overlay appears when adjusting levels, maintaining the consistent user experience of built-in displays.
Key features include multi-monitor support with configurable keyboard shortcut targeting, brightness synchronization across all screens or independent per-monitor control, and smooth brightness transitions. Advanced options include custom keyboard shortcuts for specific brightness levels, software dimming for extended brightness ranges, and volume control for monitors with built-in speakers.
The app requires minimal system permissions—primarily accessibility access for keyboard input detection and screen recording permission for certain advanced features. Resource usage is negligible, with the app only becoming active during display adjustments. MonitorControl is open source under the MIT license, actively maintained by @waydabber with regular updates for new macOS versions.
Installation is available through GitHub releases or Homebrew with brew install --cask monitorcontrol. The app requires macOS 10.15 Catalina or later, with full functionality on macOS 11 Big Sur or later.
Limitations include inconsistent HDMI support depending on monitor implementation of the DDC standard—DisplayPort and USB-C connections provide the most reliable experience. Some monitors, particularly certain TV models and budget displays, may not respond to DDC commands. A built-in compatibility checker helps verify monitor support before installation.
Alternatives include Lunar (offers more advanced features with subscription pricing) and the native macOS display controls (limited to Apple displays only).
Suitable for users who use external monitors with their Mac and want native keyboard control over display brightness and volume without navigating physical monitor buttons.
Consider These Alternatives
Different approaches to a similar job. Read each review before choosing.
FAQ
What does MonitorControl do?+
MonitorControl uses the DDC/CI protocol to let Mac brightness and volume keys control external displays, contrast, and monitor speaker volume. The familiar macOS overlay appears when adjusting levels, just like with built-in displays.
Is MonitorControl free?+
Yes. MonitorControl is free and open-source under the MIT license, actively maintained by @waydabber with regular updates for new macOS versions.
How do I install MonitorControl on macOS?+
Install MonitorControl via Homebrew with `brew install --cask monitorcontrol`, or download the latest .dmg from https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl. macOS 10.15 Catalina or later is required, with full functionality on macOS 11 Big Sur or later.
Does MonitorControl run on Apple Silicon?+
Yes. MonitorControl runs on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel Macs.
Why doesn't MonitorControl work with my HDMI monitor?+
DDC/CI support varies — some monitors, particularly TVs and budget displays connected over HDMI, may not respond to DDC commands. DisplayPort and USB-C connections are most reliable. A built-in compatibility checker helps verify support before installation.
What permissions does MonitorControl need?+
MonitorControl requires accessibility permissions to detect keyboard input, plus screen recording permission for certain advanced features. It runs only during display adjustments, with negligible resource usage otherwise.