Lunar

Lunar is a macOS app for controlling external monitors, including brightness, volume, and input. On compatible displays, it uses DDC to send brightness and input commands directly. Manual Mode provides hotkeys for those controls, while Sync Mode mirrors the MacBook’s adaptive brightness adjustments on external monitors. Sensor Mode uses an external ambient light sensor to adjust brightness and contrast; Location Mode adapts monitors based on the sun’s position. Clock Mode schedules brightness and contrast changes by time or solar events. Pro features include XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut, and FaceLight. Lunar works with macOS 11 or later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. It integrates with macOS Shortcuts and includes a command-line interface for monitor automation. If DDC is unavailable, Gamma can dim the display but cannot adjust monitor volume or input. The free version allows 100 Manual Mode adjustments and 100 Shortcuts action calls per day. Lunar Pro costs $$23 for a lifetime license.

Lunar offers several ways to manage external monitor settings, including adaptive modes and automation. The free version has daily limits, and Gamma fallback lacks volume and input controls.

Lunar may suit Mac users who want to adjust external monitors through hotkeys, adaptive brightness, schedules, or automation. It requires compatible monitors for DDC control, and some display controls are unavailable with Gamma fallback.

Overview

Lunar is a macOS utility for controlling external displays, aimed at Mac users who want monitor adjustments to follow their screen, surroundings, or schedule. Its range of manual and automated controls is a strong fit for multi-display setups, provided the monitors support DDC for full control.

Key features

Manual and adaptive controls

Manual Mode gives users hotkeys for external monitor brightness, volume, and input. Sync Mode carries the MacBook’s adaptive brightness adjustments over to external displays, reducing the need to tune each screen separately. Lunar also supports monitor profiles, useful for keeping settings organized across different displays.

Ambient and scheduled adjustment

Sensor Mode adjusts brightness and contrast in response to an external ambient light sensor; that makes it a good fit for changing room conditions, but depends on having that sensor. Location Mode adapts displays to the sun’s position. Clock Mode can schedule brightness and contrast changes by time, sunrise, noon, or sunset, offering a more predictable routine without relying on ambient readings.

Pro features and automation

Pro includes XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut, and FaceLight. macOS Shortcuts integration and a command-line interface allow monitor control to become part of broader automation workflows. These are meaningful additions for users who want display behavior connected to other tasks, while the free plan’s daily action caps may constrain frequent automation.

Compatibility and control limits

Lunar supports macOS 11 and later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. DDC sends brightness and input commands directly to compatible monitors. If DDC is unavailable, Gamma fallback can dim the display, but cannot control monitor volume or input; users who need those controls should confirm DDC compatibility before choosing Lunar.

Pricing

The Free version costs nothing. It includes Manual Mode, listed free features, and up to 100 adjustments per day and 100 Shortcuts action calls per day. Those limits make it suitable for occasional changes, but users who adjust displays often or automate them heavily may run into the caps. A 14-day trial is offered.

Lunar Pro costs $23, paid once for a lifetime license. It removes the adjustment and Shortcuts action limits and adds the listed Pro display features. The one-time payment suits users who expect to keep using Lunar and need its advanced controls; the free version remains the better fit for light use that stays within its daily quotas.

Platforms

Lunar is available for macOS 11 and later, with native support for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It is not a cross-platform choice for Windows or Linux users.

Who it's for

Lunar is best for Mac users with external monitors who want direct controls, MacBook-linked adaptive brightness, sensor or sun-position adjustments, or scheduled changes. It is less suitable when a monitor lacks DDC and volume or input control matters, or when a user needs a Windows or Linux solution.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Manual hotkeys cover brightness, volume, and input on DDC-compatible monitors, giving users more than brightness-only adjustment.
• Pros: Sync, Sensor, Location, and Clock modes offer distinct ways to adapt displays to the MacBook, ambient light, sun position, or a schedule.
• Pros: Pro combines unlimited adjustments and Shortcuts actions with advanced display features under a lifetime license.
• Cons: The free version caps both adjustments and Shortcuts calls at 100 per day, which may be restrictive for intensive use.
• Cons: Gamma fallback only dims; it cannot change volume or input when DDC is unavailable.
• Cons: Sensor Mode requires an external ambient light sensor.

Alternatives

For a broad comparison, see Monitor Control Software. Linux users seeking a free API or self-hosted option can consider ddcutil; its platform support differs from Lunar’s Mac focus. ASUS monitor owners on macOS or Windows may prefer ASUS DisplayWidget Center, which is free but limited to compatible ASUS monitors. Linux users with DDC/CI monitors and I2C access can choose Monitor Brightness Control, a free MIT-licensed tool.

Windows users can consider Twinkle Tray, a free option for Windows 10 and 11 that supports most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors, or ClickMonitorDDC, which is free for personal use. Linux users looking for free software can compare DDCcontrol. Mac users who prefer a free command-line utility can consider ddcctl, an open-source option. Windows users interested in public beta builds can consider ExtLume, available for Windows 10 and 11 as a per-user installer or portable ZIP.

Verdict

Lunar is a strong choice for Mac users who want flexible external-monitor control and automation, especially when DDC-compatible screens are part of the setup. The lifetime Pro license removes the free version’s daily caps and adds advanced display features, but users who need volume or input control should look elsewhere if their monitor cannot use DDC.