Brightness Control for external monitors (DDC/CI)
Kuycon monitors support the DDC/CI (Display Data Channel / Command Interface) protocol, which allows computers to control monitor settings (brightness, contrast, color temperature, volume of built-in speakers, etc.) directly through the cable (HDMI, DisplayPort (including USB-C), DVI). This is convenient for quick adjustments without pressing buttons on the monitor or using a remote control. Below you will find detailed descriptions of recommended utilities for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
macOS
MonitorControl
MonitorControl - free menubar application with open source code for controlling the brightness, contrast, and volume of external displays:
- Automatic detection of all connected monitors.
- Supports hotkeys and autostart on login.
- Instant response without delays.
Lunar
Lunar — intelligent brightness controller that synchronizes displays with ambient light sensors and time of day:
- Automatic adjustment based on the Lux sensor readings of MacBook or iPhone.
- Adaptive Mode for smooth brightness transitions.
- Integration with smart home systems via Lutron Caséta.
ddcctl
ddcctl — lightweight command-line utility for Intel-Mac, perfect for scripting and automation:
- Control brightness, contrast, and input selection of the display.
- No graphical interface required — can be run in CI/CD scripts.
- Simple integration into bash scripts and Automator.
DisplayBuddy
DisplayBuddy — elegant GUI slider in the menubar for quick control of multiple displays:
- Grouping monitors by profiles.
- Support for color temperature and presets.
- Instant access from the tray without switching windows.
Windows
Monitorian
Monitorian — portable application in the system tray for controlling the brightness of multiple monitors:
- Separate slider for each display.
- Support for hotkeys and dark theme.
- No installation required — runs as .exe.
Twinkle Tray
Twinkle Tray — extended version of Monitorian with automation:
- Scheduler for brightness changes based on the time of day.
- Support for USB/Bluetooth projectors and switches.
- Widget with temperature and illumination data.
ControlMyMonitor
ControlMyMonitor от NirSoft — universal tool with GUI and CLI:
- Export/import settings to a text file.
- Batch processing of commands via scripts.
- View and modify any VCP codes.
softMCCS
softMCCS — official DDC/CI.org utility for Windows:
- Full support for basic MCCS commands.
- Graphical selection of VCP codes.
- Integration into corporate environments.
Linux
ddcutil
ddcutil — most complete utility for working with any VCP codes via DDC/CI:
- Reading, modifying, and saving monitor settings.
- Output in JSON for integration with scripts.
- Active community and regular updates.
ddccontrol
ddccontrol — classic CLI demonstration tool with open source:
- Support for multiple graphics cards and monitors.
- Simple command line interface.
- Ideal for basic testing and debugging.
ddcci-driver-linux
ddcci-driver-linux — kernel module for low-level backlight control:
- Works without X11 binding, through sysfs.
- Support for systemd timers for automation.
- Integration with udev rules for different models.