DimBar
Display Brightness Control
DimBar puts display brightness at your fingertips. This lightweight menu bar utility gives you precise control over every connected display, including the external monitors, from one place in the menu bar. Each display gets its own dedicated slider with a percentage readout, quick preset buttons (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), and automatic multi-monitor detection. When you have more than one display connected, the All Displays section lets you synchronize brightness across your entire workspace in one click. DimBar uses a public macOS display API that works with any display, whether built-in or external, and never requires DDC control or special permissions.
Features
Per-Display Brightness Sliders
Each connected display gets its own dedicated slider with a live percentage readout for precise brightness control from 0% to 100%.
Quick Presets
Jump to 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% brightness instantly with one-click preset buttons. No fiddling with sliders required.
Multi-Display Support
Automatically detects all connected displays. Synchronize brightness across your entire workspace in one click.
Menu Bar Indicator
Your primary display's brightness percentage is always visible in the menu bar at a glance, without opening the popover.
Works With Any Display
Works with built-in, external, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort displays. Uses a safe macOS display API, so no DDC support is needed.
Zero Permissions
No network access, no data collection, no special system permissions. Adjusts gamma tables and gets out of your way.
Screenshots
How It Works
Click the Menu Bar
DimBar lives in your macOS menu bar, always one click away. Open the popover to see all connected displays.
Adjust Brightness
Drag the slider or tap a preset button to set brightness instantly. Each display has its own independent controls.
Done
Close the popover and get back to work. DimBar restores your display settings automatically when you quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install DimBar?
Download DimBar from the Mac App Store. After installation, the app will appear in your Applications folder. Launch it and it will appear in your menu bar.
Does DimBar collect my data?
No. DimBar does not collect, transmit, or store any personal data. Everything stays on your Mac.
Is there a subscription?
No. DimBar is free. There are no subscriptions, in-app purchases, or recurring fees.
Does DimBar work with external monitors?
Yes. DimBar works with any display, whether built-in, external, USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort. It adjusts gamma curves rather than the physical backlight, so no DDC support is needed.
DimBar is not working correctly. What should I do?
Try quitting and relaunching the app. If the issue persists, restart your Mac. Make sure you are running macOS 13.0 or later. If the problem continues, reach out through our contact page at sidechannelstudios.com/contact.
How do I uninstall DimBar?
Drag DimBar from your Applications folder to the Trash. The only thing left behind is a tiny macOS preferences file that is safe to delete.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds for Mac App Store purchases are handled by Apple. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com to request a refund.
Support & Resources
Support
Setup help, troubleshooting, and answers to common questions about DimBar.
Privacy Policy
Read the full policy on what data DimBar does and doesn't collect.
Contact
Questions, feedback, or press? Reach the Side Channel Studios team.
All Apps
Explore more focused, private apps from Side Channel Studios.
Get launch news
New apps and major updates ship regularly. Subscribe and you'll hear the moment they land.
