Umbraa addresses a gap in macOS’s native display controls: the system minimum brightness is often still too bright for comfortable use in dark environments. Umbraa applies a software overlay to reduce brightness beyond the hardware minimum, accessible from the menu bar.
Color tint options complement the dimming: Neutral preserves screen colors, Warm reduces blue light with an amber tint, and Red provides the most extreme color shift for use in complete darkness. A sleep timer gradually fades the display to black on a configurable schedule. The automatic sunset mode enables dimming at dusk and disables it at dawn, running on a daily schedule without manual activation.
Keyboard shortcuts allow quick toggling. External monitors are supported alongside built-in displays. The app has no account requirement and performs no data tracking.
System requirements
- Available on the Mac App Store
- Specific macOS version requirement not listed
Limitations
- Software overlay method differs from hardware brightness; may appear less smooth on some displays
- Pricing not publicly listed on developer website; requires App Store for current price
- External monitor support may vary by connection type
Alternatives
- Night Shift (Free, built-in macOS): Warm color shift without sub-minimum dimming
- Iris (paid): Comprehensive blue light and brightness management
- f.lux (Free): Automatic color temperature adjustment by time of day
Suitable for users who work in dark environments and find the Mac’s minimum brightness too intense for comfortable late-night or nighttime use.
