Is Lunar compatible with Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes, Lunar is fully compatible and optimized for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) Macs. It allows DDC control on these devices, ensuring that users with the latest Mac hardware can benefit from its comprehensive display management features and performance enhancements.

What is the difference between hardware and software dimming?

Hardware dimming, achieved via DDC/CI, directly controls the monitor's backlight, maintaining color accuracy and reducing power consumption. Software dimming applies an overlay, which can sometimes affect color rendering and be less effective, though it serves as a reliable fallback when hardware control isn't possible.

Why isn't Lunar available on the Mac App Store?

Due to Apple's stringent restrictions on low-level system access, such as the DDC/CI control required for Lunar's core functionality, the application cannot be distributed through the Mac App Store. This necessitates direct download from the developer's website and manual permission grants during installation.

How do I troubleshoot issues with features like Auto Blackout?

The developer often provides specific troubleshooting steps for common issues, such as resetting settings or using particular hotkey combinations. It's always recommended to ensure Lunar is updated to the latest version, as many bugs and compatibility issues are resolved in patches.

Can I control multiple external monitors independently?

Yes, Lunar allows independent control over each connected external monitor, enabling you to set different brightness, contrast, and even modes for each display. This flexibility is crucial for multi-monitor setups where each screen might serve a different purpose or have varying environmental conditions.

What kind of light sensors does Sensor Mode use?

Sensor Mode can utilize either an external light sensor connected to your Mac or, in many cases, the Mac's built-in ambient light sensor (if available). This allows Lunar to dynamically adjust display settings based on the actual lighting conditions of your workspace for optimal viewing comfort.

Does Lunar support input switching for all monitors?

Input switching relies on the monitor's DDC/CI capabilities to communicate input changes. While Lunar provides the functionality, its effectiveness depends on the specific monitor model and its support for DDC/CI input commands. Many modern displays are compatible with this feature.

Is the Command-Line Interface (CLI) difficult to use?

The CLI is designed for advanced users who are comfortable with terminal commands and scripting. While it requires some technical understanding, it offers powerful automation capabilities for controlling monitor settings, making it an invaluable tool for developers or IT professionals.

Are there any subscription fees for Lunar Pro?

No, Lunar Pro is available as a one-time purchase, not a subscription. This includes lifetime updates and typically allows installation on multiple Macs, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term use without recurring fees.

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Lunar

Name: Lunar
Availability: InStock

Adaptive brightness for external displays

System UtilitiesFree

Lunar screenshot — Lunar — Official Website

Quick Take: Lunar

4.8

Lunar stands out as an indispensable macOS application for anyone using external displays, particularly those seeking intelligent adaptive brightness and granular control beyond native macOS capabilities. Its robust DDC/CI hardware integration, coupled with innovative features like Sensor Mode, Sync Mode, and XDR Brightness, provides an unparalleled user experience. While DDC/CI compatibility can occasionally be a hurdle, Lunar's comprehensive feature set, active development, and responsive community make it the definitive choice for maximizing external monitor functionality on a Mac.

Best For

•Mac users with multiple external displays
•Creative professionals requiring color accuracy across screens
•Anyone seeking intelligent adaptive brightness and automation

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask lunar

What is Lunar?

Lunar is a powerful macOS utility designed to provide intelligent adaptive brightness and comprehensive control over external displays. It aims to make managing third-party monitors as seamless as using a Mac's built-in display, addressing limitations in native macOS support. The app achieves this by directly communicating with compatible displays using the DDC/CI protocol for hardware-level adjustments, or through robust software-based controls when DDC/CI is not supported, ensuring a consistent and enhanced viewing experience across all screens.

Deep Dive: Lunar's Architecture and Evolution

Lunar has evolved significantly to become a leading solution for macOS external display control. Its journey reflects a commitment to addressing fundamental limitations in macOS's native support for third-party monitors, pushing the boundaries of what's possible through software and hardware interaction. The continuous development, driven by community feedback and a dedicated developer, highlights a robust architecture designed for flexibility and future adaptability.

History & Background

Lunar's history traces back to the need for better external monitor management on macOS, a gap left by Apple's focus on its own displays. Starting as a utility to provide basic DDC/CI control, it rapidly expanded its feature set, incorporating intelligent adaptive brightness modes and advanced automation. Each major version has introduced significant enhancements, from improved sensor integration to XDR brightness unlocking, solidifying its position as an essential tool for Mac power users since its initial release.

How It Works

At its core, Lunar's architecture leverages the DDC/CI protocol for direct hardware communication with external displays, allowing for precise control over brightness, contrast, and volume. When DDC/CI is unavailable, it intelligently falls back to software-based dimming, often through a gamma table manipulation, ensuring some level of control. The application also integrates with macOS's accessibility features to capture hotkey inputs and screen recording for certain display adjustments, demonstrating a hybrid approach to system interaction.

Ecosystem & Integrations

The Lunar ecosystem is characterized by its strong community involvement and the developer's active presence. With its source code available on GitHub, it encourages transparency and potential contributions, fostering a collaborative environment. Discussions on platforms like Reddit serve as vital feedback channels, directly influencing new features and bug fixes. This open approach differentiates Lunar from many closed-source utilities, building trust and a loyal user base.

Future Development

Based on recent updates and community interactions, Lunar's roadmap suggests continued refinement of existing features, improved compatibility with new macOS versions and display technologies, and further expansion of automation capabilities. Future developments are likely to focus on enhancing XDR/HDR support, optimizing performance on Apple Silicon Macs, and potentially integrating with more smart home or personal automation systems, ensuring it remains at the forefront of display control solutions.

Key Features

DDC/CI Hardware Control

Lunar adjusts the actual brightness, contrast, and volume of external monitors using the DDC/CI protocol. This direct hardware control preserves color accuracy and reduces power consumption, offering a superior adjustment method compared to software overlays.

Sensor Mode

This mode dynamically adjusts display brightness and contrast based on ambient lighting conditions. It intelligently uses an external light sensor or the Mac's built-in sensor to ensure optimal viewing comfort throughout the day, adapting to your environment.

Sync Mode

Sync Mode mirrors the brightness of your MacBook's built-in display to external monitors, ensuring a consistent and unified viewing experience. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently switch between their laptop screen and external setups.

Location Mode

Lunar automatically adjusts brightness and contrast throughout the day based on sunrise, noon, and sunset times in your geographical location. This provides a natural and circadian-friendly lighting experience, reducing eye strain over long periods.

Hotkeys and Native Keyboard Control

Users can control brightness, contrast, and volume for external monitors using standard Apple keyboard keys or custom hotkeys. This seamless integration allows for quick and intuitive adjustments without needing to open the application interface.

Input Switching

This feature allows users to switch between different HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C inputs on their monitors directly from the Mac. It simplifies managing multiple sources connected to a single display, enhancing productivity.

Auto Blackout

Auto Blackout automatically turns off the MacBook's built-in display when an external monitor is connected. Crucially, it keeps essential functions like USB-C charging and the trackpad active, creating a clean external display setup.

XDR Brightness

Lunar unlocks the full brightness potential, ranging from 1000 to 1600 nits, of supported XDR and HDR displays. This ensures users can experience the vibrant and dynamic range of high-end monitors to their fullest capability.

Who Should Use Lunar?

1Creative Professional

A graphic designer needs consistent color accuracy and brightness across their MacBook Pro and external XDR display. Lunar's DDC/CI hardware control and XDR Brightness feature ensure that the external monitor matches the MacBook's display characteristics, preventing color shifts during design work and maximizing visual fidelity.

2Remote Worker

A remote worker uses multiple external monitors throughout the day, often moving between different rooms with varying light. Lunar's Sensor Mode automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light, while Sync Mode keeps external displays in harmony with their laptop, minimizing eye strain and maintaining focus.

3Gamer/Entertainer

A user wants to quickly switch between their gaming PC and Mac on the same monitor, and also optimize display settings for different games or movies. Lunar's Input Switching allows instant source changes, and App Presets can automatically apply specific contrast and brightness levels when launching a game or streaming application.

4Developer/Power User

A developer needs to automate their display setup for different coding environments or presentations. Lunar's Command-Line Interface (CLI) allows them to script monitor settings, such as adjusting brightness or switching inputs, integrating seamlessly into their daily workflows and custom automations.

5Student/Educator

A student frequently connects their MacBook to a projector or large external screen for presentations, needing to quickly disable the laptop screen. Lunar's Auto Blackout feature instantly turns off the MacBook's built-in display while keeping peripherals active, simplifying the setup for classroom or lecture hall use.

How to Install Lunar

Installing Lunar is a straightforward process, typically involving downloading the application and granting necessary permissions for display control. As it's not on the Mac App Store, direct download is the standard method.

Download the Application

Visit the official Lunar website and download the latest version of the application package. Ensure you are downloading from a trusted source to avoid security risks.

Install and Grant Permissions

Open the downloaded .dmg or .zip file and drag Lunar to your Applications folder. Launch Lunar, and it will prompt you to grant necessary accessibility and screen recording permissions for DDC/CI and software control to function correctly.

Configure Your Displays

Once installed, Lunar will appear in your macOS menu bar. Click its icon to access settings and configure your external monitors. You can enable various modes like Sensor, Sync, or Location, and set up hotkeys for quick adjustments.

Pro Tips

• Always keep Lunar updated to the latest version for bug fixes and compatibility with new macOS releases.
• If DDC/CI control isn't working, check your monitor's settings or try a different USB-C/DisplayPort cable, as some docks or cables can interfere.
• Explore the preferences to set up App Presets, which can significantly enhance your workflow by automatically adjusting settings for specific applications.

Configuration Tips

Optimize DDC/CI Compatibility

If DDC/CI hardware control isn't working as expected, first ensure your monitor supports the protocol. Try connecting your monitor directly to your Mac rather than through a complex hub or dock, as some intermediaries can interfere with DDC/CI communication. Updating monitor firmware can also sometimes resolve issues.

Leverage App Presets for Workflow Efficiency

Utilize Lunar's App Presets feature to automatically adjust brightness and contrast based on the active application. For example, set lower brightness for writing applications and higher contrast for photo editing software, streamlining your workflow and reducing manual adjustments throughout the day.

Fine-Tune Sensor Mode

For Sensor Mode, experiment with different sensitivity levels to find the perfect balance for your environment. If you use an external light sensor, ensure it's positioned to accurately reflect the ambient light conditions at your workstation for the most responsive and comfortable adaptive brightness.

Master Hotkeys for Quick Control

Customize hotkeys for brightness, contrast, and input switching to gain instant control over your external displays without interacting with the menu bar. Assigning intuitive key combinations can significantly speed up adjustments, making your external monitors feel truly integrated with your Mac's native controls.

Alternatives to Lunar

While Lunar offers a robust solution for external display control, several other applications cater to similar needs, each with its own strengths and focus areas.

MonitorControl

MonitorControl is a free and open-source macOS app primarily focused on basic brightness, contrast, and volume control for external monitors. It serves as a great entry-level alternative for users who need essential DDC/CI functions without the advanced automation and XDR features found in Lunar.

BetterDisplay (formerly BetterDummy)

BetterDisplay is a comprehensive tool that offers smooth scaling, HiDPI unlock, XDR/HDR extra brightness, and DDC control, alongside the unique ability to create virtual screens. It often complements or provides an alternative to Lunar, especially for users focused on display resolution and scaling enhancements.

DisplayBuddy

DisplayBuddy focuses on simplicity with a native macOS interface, offering brightness sync, input switching, and presets, similar to some of Lunar's core features. It aims for ease of use and a polished experience, making it a good choice for users who prefer a more streamlined, less overwhelming interface.

Brightintosh

Brightintosh is a free and open-source option available on the App Store and GitHub, specifically for brightness control of external displays. It provides a basic, accessible solution for users primarily concerned with adjusting brightness without needing the extensive feature set or automation capabilities of Lunar.

Pricing

Freemium with One-Time Purchase for Pro

Lunar offers a free version with limited functionality, allowing users to experience basic display control. The full suite of advanced features, including DDC/CI hardware control, XDR Brightness, and all automation modes, is unlocked with a one-time purchase of the Pro version, typically priced around $23 USD. This Pro license usually allows installation on up to 5 Macs and includes lifetime updates, providing excellent long-term value.

Pros

✓Provides comprehensive hardware-level control (DDC/CI) for external monitors, preserving color accuracy.
✓Offers intelligent adaptive brightness modes (Sensor, Sync, Location) for optimal viewing comfort.
✓Seamlessly integrates with macOS, offering native keyboard control and custom hotkeys for convenience.
✓Unlocks full brightness potential for XDR/HDR displays, enhancing visual quality for supported monitors.
✓Includes advanced features like Input Switching and Auto Blackout to streamline multi-monitor setups.
✓Features a Command-Line Interface (CLI) for advanced users to automate and script monitor settings.
✓Active development with regular updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions and bug fixes.

Cons

✗DDC/CI compatibility is not universal; some monitors or docks may not fully support hardware control.
✗The most powerful features are locked behind a paid 'Pro' version, which might deter some users seeking entirely free solutions.
✗Not available on the Mac App Store due to Apple's restrictions on low-level system access, requiring direct download and manual permission grants.
✗Software dimming, used as a fallback, can sometimes affect color rendering compared to hardware control.
✗Initial setup might require some troubleshooting for DDC/CI issues or understanding various modes for optimal configuration.

Community & Ecosystem

Lunar boasts an active and engaged community, particularly within the Mac user base seeking advanced external display control. The developer, Alin Panaitiu, is highly responsive to user feedback and actively participates in discussions on platforms like Reddit, fostering a collaborative environment. The project's source code being available on GitHub further enhances transparency and allows for community contributions, solidifying Lunar's position within a vibrant ecosystem of Mac utility developers and enthusiasts.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Lunar

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lunar

Lunar primarily uses DDC/CI for hardware control, which not all monitors or USB hubs/docks support properly. If DDC/CI is unavailable, it can fall back to software-based brightness control, but hardware control is always prioritized for optimal results and color accuracy across a wide range of displays.

Our Verdict

4.8/5

Best for:Mac users with multiple external displaysCreative professionals requiring color accuracy across screensAnyone seeking intelligent adaptive brightness and automation

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Related Technologies & Concepts

LunarmacOSDDC/CIApple SiliconAlin PanaitiuXDR/HDR DisplaysMonitorControlBetterDisplay

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

Key Verified Facts

Lunar is a powerful macOS application designed to provide intelligent adaptive brightness and comprehensive control over external displays.[lunar_overview_1]
Lunar achieves hardware-level adjustments by directly communicating with compatible displays using the DDC/CI protocol.[lunar_overview_1, lunar_features_ddcci]
Lunar offers a free version with limited functionality and a Pro version for a one-time purchase, typically around $23 USD.[lunar_pricing_1]
Lunar is compatible with macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later and runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs.[lunar_requirements_1, lunar_faqs_applesilicon]
Version 6.9.6 of Lunar was updated on February 1, 2026, including new app hang detection logic and fallback for XDR tone-mapping.[lunar_updates_1]

1
Lunar App Official Website - About
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
2
Lunar Documentation: DDC/CI Explained
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
3
Lunar App Official Website - Pricing
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
4
Lunar App Official Website - System Requirements
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
5
Lunar App - Release Notes (v6.9.6)
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
6
Lunar GitHub Repository
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
7
Lunar FAQ: Apple Silicon Compatibility
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
8
Lunar FAQ: Why not on App Store?
Accessed Feb 15, 2026

Research queries: Lunar macOS app features; Lunar app pricing; Lunar system requirements; Lunar alternatives; Lunar DDC/CI support; Lunar Apple Silicon compatibility; Lunar app updates 2025 2026; Lunar app community feedback

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