DDCcontrol
DDCcontrol is free Linux software for adjusting monitor brightness, contrast, color levels, and other settings over DDC/CI.
What DDCcontrol is
DDCcontrol is free Linux software for adjusting monitor brightness, contrast, color levels, and other settings over DDC/CI. It offers both a GTK interface and a command-line tool for terminal work, scripts, and automation. Communication uses Linux’s i2c-dev interface and /dev/i2c-* devices, which must be readable and writable for monitor configuration. USB-connected DDC/CI displays are not supported. A monitor database is required for monitor-specific controls and proper functionality. The ddccontrol-scanmonitor utility can read a connected display’s EDID, capabilities, and supported controls, then create a monitor database XML file; scanning does not change control values. The maker’s database index lists 474 monitor profiles in release 20260928. Installation options include packages for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE, along with source releases and source builds. The project is licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0, and directs users to its GitHub Issues page for support.
Good
- Offers both GTK and command-line interfaces.
- Supports brightness, contrast, and color controls.
- Scanner can create a monitor database XML file.
- Packages and source builds are listed for Linux distributions.
Watch out
- USB-connected DDC/CI displays are not supported.
- Readable and writable /dev/i2c-* devices are required.
- A monitor database is required for monitor-specific controls.
Who it suits
DDCcontrol is suited to Linux users who want to adjust monitor settings through a graphical interface or command line. It may also fit users automating monitor controls with scripts, provided their display connection is supported.
Verdict
DDCcontrol provides graphical and command-line monitor controls on Linux, with a scanner for gathering display information. Check that the monitor connection and required database are available before relying on its controls.
Plans and prices
From DDCcontrol's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free software | Free | Free software for Linux |
The facts
Each one read from DDCcontrol's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Connection limit
- USB-connected DDC/CI displays are not supported yet.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Connection method
- DDCcontrol communicates with monitors through Linux's i2c-dev interface and /dev/i2c-* devices.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Database requirement
- The monitor database is required for monitor-specific controls and proper functionality.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The maker lists distribution packages for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE, as well as source releases and source builds.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- It provides a GTK interface and a command-line tool for terminals, scripts and automation.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Monitor profiles
- The maker's database index lists 474 monitor profiles in release 20260928.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Monitor scanning
- The ddccontrol-scanmonitor tool can create a monitor database XML file from a connected monitor.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- DDCcontrol needs readable and writable /dev/i2c-* devices to configure monitors.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DDCcontrol controls monitor brightness, contrast, color levels and other settings.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security behavior
- The scanner reads monitor EDID, capabilities and supported controls, and does not change control values.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project links users to its GitHub Issues page.checked 7 Oct 2026
Alternatives to DDCcontrol
- 1
ddcutil
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hosted6.6Free plan - 2
ClickMonitorDDC
Free planWindows6.5Free plan - 3
Lunar
Free planmacOS6.5$23 one-time - 4
DisplayBuddy
macOSWindows6.3$24.99 one-time - 5
Monitor Switch
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted6.3Free plan - 6
AOC G-Menu
Free planWindows6.2Free plan