If you’re using Ubuntu on a laptop or desktop and struggle to adjust your screen brightness easily, you’re not alone. While many systems support brightness control via function keys or system settings, some setups — especially custom installations or external displays — just don’t play nice. That’s where Brightness Controller, a simple yet effective GUI tool, comes in.
What is Brightness Controller?
Brightness Controller is a lightweight, open-source graphical application that lets you control the brightness of your screen in Ubuntu and other Linux distros. Unlike system settings that might not detect external monitors or certain graphics drivers, Brightness Controller gives you direct access to adjust brightness, contrast, and even color temperature — per display.
It’s a must-have utility for users with:
- Multiple monitors
- External displays not detected by default tools
- Custom hardware setups
- Broken function keys or unsupported brightness drivers
Features
- Adjust brightness and contrast for each connected display
- Set color temperature (useful for reducing eye strain)
- Save and load settings for different profiles
- Works with NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD graphics
- Simple, clean user interface
Installation
You can install Brightness Controller using a PPA. Open your terminal and run the following commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/brightness-controller
sudo apt update
sudo apt install brightness-controllerOnce installed, you can launch it from your applications menu.
Why Use It?
Ubuntu’s default brightness controls often fail when it comes to external displays or older systems. Brightness Controller bypasses that limitation by giving you software-level control. It’s especially useful if you’re working in low-light environments, editing photos, or just trying to extend battery life.
A Note on Compatibility
Brightness Controller works well for most systems, but it’s still a software workaround. Some users might experience limitations based on their graphics driver or monitor firmware. If it doesn’t detect a display or changes don’t apply, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
Final Thoughts
Brightness Controller is a small tool that solves a common problem for Linux users. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, and that’s what matters. If you’re looking for an easy way to take control of your screen brightness in Ubuntu, give it a try.
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