m1ddc
m1ddc is a free command-line utility for controlling external displays from Apple Silicon Macs.
What m1ddc is
m1ddc is a free command-line utility for controlling external displays from Apple Silicon Macs. It uses DDC/CI to set or read luminance, contrast, RGB gain, volume, mute, and input source when a display supports those controls. It works with displays connected through USB-C or DisplayPort Alt Mode, as well as supported built-in HDMI ports. On certain Dell displays, it can also configure PIP/PBP and KVM functions. The command-line interface is designed for use in scripts, and the project links to a Hammerspoon example. It also points to a Raycast Display Input Switcher extension, though that extension does not include every m1ddc feature. Display and connection support determine which controls are available. m1ddc runs on macOS with Apple Silicon and does not support Intel Macs. Building requires clang from Apple’s Command Line Tools; the README says those tools install automatically if needed. The repository includes an MIT License.
Good
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Can set or read several display controls.
- Can switch input source when supported.
- Supports script use and links a Hammerspoon example.
- Certain Dell displays support PIP/PBP and KVM controls.
Watch out
- Does not support Intel Macs.
- Controls depend on display support.
- Raycast extension does not cover all features.
Who it suits
m1ddc suits Apple Silicon Mac users who want DDC/CI controls for an external display, including people who want to use those controls in scripts.
Verdict
m1ddc provides command-line display controls for compatible external displays on Apple Silicon Macs. Check your display and connection support before relying on specific controls.
Plans and prices
From m1ddc's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| m1ddc | Free | Apple Silicon Macs only · DDC/CI-compatible external displays |
The facts
Each one read from m1ddc's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- The README describes the tool as useful to embed in scripts and links to a Hammerspoon script example.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Build requirement
- Building requires clang from Apple's Command Line Tools, which the README says installs automatically if absent.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The README says m1ddc does not support Intel Macs.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Connection support
- It supports displays connected through USB-C/DisplayPort Alt Mode and supported built-in HDMI ports.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Display controls
- Commands can set or read luminance, contrast, RGB gain, volume, mute, and input source when the display supports them.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Display features
- On certain Dell displays, commands can configure PIP/PBP and KVM functions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The README presents m1ddc as a command-line tool for Apple Silicon Mac users who want to control external displays or use display controls in scripts.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository includes an MIT License.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- m1ddc controls external displays with DDC/CI on Apple Silicon Macs.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Raycast integration
- The README links to a Raycast Display Input Switcher extension for m1ddc and says it does not yet cover all m1ddc features.checked 8 Oct 2026
Alternatives to m1ddc
- 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