Automation and Scripting
Automate and control your displays with your existing workflows and scripts.
DisplayBuddy is deeply integrated into macOS, letting you control your displays not just from the app, but through Siri, Shortcuts, AppleScript, and even Spotlight.
Siri
DisplayBuddy works seamlessly with Siri on macOS. You can ask Siri to control your displays completely hands-free:
- "Hey Siri, set brightness to 60% on my monitor."
- "Hey Siri, activate my Movie Time preset."
Mac Shortcuts
DisplayBuddy supports the macOS Shortcuts app for deep automation. You can create custom shortcuts that:
- Adjust brightness or contrast for specific monitors.
- Switch input sources automatically.
- Activate presets when launching specific apps.
- Chain multiple actions—like turning on Focus Mode, dimming displays, and opening work apps together.
AppleScript
You can trigger DisplayBuddy actions by running your DisplayBuddy shortcuts directly from AppleScript:
tell application "Shortcuts Events"
run shortcut "Activate Movie Time"
end tell
Spotlight (macOS Tahoe and newer)
In macOS Tahoe and newer, DisplayBuddy integrates directly with Spotlight. Just press ⌘ + Space and type "Activate Preset" to see your available presets—hit Return to apply one instantly.
Real-world Automation Ideas
- Morning Routine: At 8 AM, a Shortcut automatically activates Work Mode, increases brightness, and opens your favorite apps.
- Evening Wind-Down: When Dark Mode turns on, your Relax preset dims displays and powers off your secondary monitor.
- Dock Setup: When your external monitor connects, DisplayBuddy switches inputs and syncs brightness automatically.
With DisplayBuddy’s automation and scripting support, your displays become a living part of your Mac—smart, adaptable, and fully in sync with how you work.
Command Line Tool
Looking to control your displays directly from the terminal? DisplayBuddy includes a built-in CLI tool that lets you adjust brightness, contrast, volume, input source, and more — right from a shell script or cron job.