MonitorControl
MonitorControl is a macOS utility that lets you adjust external display brightness and volume from the menu bar or keyboard keys.
What is MonitorControl?
MonitorControl is a native macOS utility for managing external monitor brightness, contrast, and audio volume more like built-in Apple display controls. It is designed for Mac users who work with one or more external displays and want quicker access than using hardware buttons on the monitor itself. The app adds menu bar controls and supports keyboard-based adjustment, including native-style on-screen display feedback. It is commonly used with displays connected over HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C when the monitor supports DDC/CI control. MonitorControl can help make desk setups with third-party monitors feel more integrated with everyday macOS workflows.
Key features
- Adjust external display brightness from the menu bar
- Control supported monitor volume with keyboard keys or shortcuts
- Show native-style macOS on-screen display feedback while changing settings
- Manage contrast and other supported monitor controls on compatible displays
- Work with multiple external monitors from one Mac
- Use a lightweight menu bar interface for quick access
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
MonitorControl is a well-known macOS display-control utility, but it operates by communicating with connected monitors and may request accessibility or background access so keyboard controls and menu bar behavior work properly. Those permissions are consistent with its purpose. Review login-item settings if you do not want it to launch at sign-in, and download updates from the official site to avoid modified builds. If display controls stop responding after a macOS upgrade, update the app before changing broader system settings.
Recommendation: Keep MonitorControl if you use external monitors and want Mac-style brightness or volume control from the keyboard or menu bar. If you do not use its shortcuts or menu bar controls, you can remove it without affecting core macOS display support; you would simply go back to using the monitor’s built-in buttons or other display tools.
Common paths
/Applications/MonitorControl.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/app.monitorcontrol.MonitorControl
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/MonitorControl
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/app.monitorcontrol.MonitorControl.plist
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