How to Install Brightness Controller on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

This guide will demonstrate how to install Brightness Controller on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS utilizing the command-line terminal and LaunchPAD PPA maintained by Archisman Panigrahi.

Brightness Controller is the go-to solution for managing the brightness of your Ubuntu desktop’s display directly from your command line. This utility tool, designed with user-friendliness in mind, enables precise control over your screen’s brightness and color temperature, making it a must-have for those looking to customize their viewing experience. Whether you’re adjusting for better readability or reducing eye strain during late-night sessions, Brightness Controller offers a straightforward approach to enhance your desktop environment.

Here are some compelling reasons to use Brightness Controller:

• Ease of Use: Simple command-line inputs for quick adjustments.
• Customization: Tailor your screen’s brightness and color temperature to your liking.
• Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Ubuntu versions.
• Accessibility: Ideal for users with specific visual requirements.
• Efficiency: Helps reduce eye strain and conserve energy.
• Flexibility: Multiple monitor support for advanced setups.
• Free and Open Source: Enjoy and contribute to the software freely.
• Community Support: Backed by a responsive and helpful community.

Now, let’s get started with the installation process.

Install Brightness Controller on Ubuntu via APT PPA

Update Ubuntu System For Brightness Controller Installation

Ensuring that your Ubuntu system is fully up-to-date is crucial to commence the installation process. This will help avoid package conflicts and ensure compatibility with the Brightness Controller software.

To achieve this, we will execute the following commands in the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command line sequence will first refresh the list of available packages from the Ubuntu repositories (sudo apt update). Following this, the second command (sudo apt upgrade) will upgrade any outdated software packages on your system.

Import Brightness Controller’s PPA

The recommended method for installing Brightness Controller on Ubuntu involves utilizing the Personal Package Archive (PPA) maintained by Archisman Panigrahi. PPAs provide a direct channel to obtain software and updates that may not be available in the official Ubuntu repositories.

To add the Brightness Controller’s PPA to your system, input the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/brightness-controller -y

Upon successfully adding the PPA, it’s necessary to instruct the system to refresh its package list to incorporate the new repository. This can be achieved by running the ‘apt update’ command again:

sudo apt update

Install Brightness Controller on Ubuntu via APT Command

You can install the Brightness Controller on Ubuntu with the PPA correctly integrated and the package list updated. To do this, enter the following command:

sudo apt install brightness-controller

This command will instruct the system to install the Brightness Controller package from the newly added PPA.

Initiating Brightness Controller on Ubuntu

Once you have successfully installed Brightness Controller on your Ubuntu system, you can utilize it to enhance your visual experience. This section will guide you through the different software launching methods, enabling you to choose the one that best suits your preferences.

CLI Method to Launch Brightness Controller Application

Brightness Controller can be started directly from the terminal for those comfortable with the command-line interface. This method provides a quick and efficient way to access the software. Here’s the command you need to execute:

brightness-controller

Just paste this command into your terminal, hit enter, and the Brightness Controller application will come to life.

GUI Method to Launch Brightness Controller Application

Alternatively, Brightness Controller can be accessed through the applications menu using the desktop environment’s Graphical User Interface (GUI). This method allows for a more visual and interactive way of launching the software. Here’s the navigation path you need to follow:

Activities > Show Applications > Brightness Controller

Just click on “Activities” on your desktop, followed by “Show Applications”, and then locate “Brightness Controller” among your installed applications. Click on the Brightness Controller icon, and you can start adjusting your screen settings to your preference.

First-Time Tips with Brightness Controller with Ubuntu

Now that you have successfully installed Brightness Controller on Ubuntu, here are some first-time tips on getting started with the software:

General Tips for Brightness Controller on Ubuntu

• Understand the Interface: Familiarize yourself with the user interface of Brightness Controller. Even though the primary interaction is through the command line, understanding the available options and features is key to effective usage.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure your monitor(s) is compatible with Brightness Controller. Most modern displays are supported, but it’s always good to verify.
• Learn the Commands: Spend some time learning the basic commands. This will help you quickly adjust brightness and color temperature settings without having to refer to documentation.
• Start with Default Settings: Before making any significant adjustments, observe how the default settings affect your screen and eyes. This can serve as a baseline for further customization.

Customization Tips for Brightness Controller on Ubuntu

• Adjust Gradually: Increase or decrease brightness and color temperature gradually to find the perfect balance for your environment and time of day.
• Use Presets: If Brightness Controller supports it, create presets for different times of day or tasks. This allows for quick adjustments with minimal effort.
• Color Temperature for Eye Comfort: Experiment with different color temperatures to reduce eye strain, especially during evening hours. A warmer (redder) color temperature can help.
• Monitor-Specific Settings: If you’re using multiple monitors, customize the settings for each one according to its specific use case or your personal preference.

Advanced Tips for Using Brightness Controller on Ubuntu

• Script Automation: Consider writing simple bash scripts to change settings based on time of day or specific tasks. This can automate the process of adjusting brightness and color temperature.
• Explore Command Line Options: Beyond the GUI, Brightness Controller offers command-line options that might not be immediately visible. These can offer more granular control or automation capabilities.
• Integrate with Workflows: Find ways to integrate Brightness Controller into your existing workflows. For example, adjusting settings when launching certain applications.
• Community Resources: Engage with the community forums or GitHub repository for advanced tips, scripts, and customizations shared by other users.

Other Tips for Brightness Controller on Ubuntu

• Backup Settings: Once you find your ideal settings, make a note of them or back them up. This can be a timesaver in case of system reinstalls or upgrades.
• Accessibility Features: Explore how Brightness Controller can enhance accessibility, especially for users sensitive to bright screens or who require specific color temperatures for better visibility.
• Regular Checks for Updates: Even though installation updates are not covered here, being aware of new releases can help you take advantage of new features and improvements.
• Feedback and Contribution: If you have ideas for improvements or encounter bugs, consider contributing feedback or code to the project. Your input can help make Brightness Controller better for everyone.

Following these tips, you’ll get the most out of Brightness Controller and enhance your overall Ubuntu desktop experience. Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable, productive, and visually appealing digital environment tailored to your needs.

Additional Commands For Brightness Controller on Ubuntu

After getting acquainted with Brightness Controller, it’s crucial to understand how to manage the software effectively on your Ubuntu Linux system. This section will guide you through updating and uninstalling Brightness Controller, should you ever need to perform these tasks.

Update Brightness Controller

Updating your software is essential for accessing new features and improvements and ensuring your system’s security and stability. As an Ubuntu user, the Advanced Package Tool (APT), Ubuntu’s package manager, makes this process easy and efficient.

To update Brightness Controller, along with all other APT-managed software on your system, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

This command first updates the package list (with sudo apt update) and then upgrades all upgradable packages to their latest versions (with sudo apt upgrade). This approach helps maintain your system’s health and ensures you utilize the most recent features and security patches for all your installed software, including Brightness Controller.

Remove Brightness Controller

If you no longer need Brightness Controller, it can be removed from your system using APT. To uninstall the software, run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt remove brightness-controller

This command will remove the Brightness Controller software from your Ubuntu Linux system. However, it’s important to note that the Personal Package Archive (PPA) used for installing Brightness Controller will remain in your system’s repository list.

Remove Brightness Controller PPA

Removing the associated PPA is also a good practice if you’re sure you won’t be using Brightness Controller again. This can be done using the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:apandada1/brightness-controller -y

This command ensures that your system repository list remains clean and organized, containing only the PPAs for the software you intend to use. With these steps, you now possess the knowledge to manage Brightness Controller on your Ubuntu Linux system effectively.

Closing Thoughts

In wrapping up, this guide walked you through the steps to install Brightness Controller on Ubuntu, offering insights into making the most of your screen’s brightness and color temperature. We’ve covered everything from first-time installation tips to customizing your experience for comfort and productivity. Remember, the key to using Brightness Controller effectively lies in gradually finding what works best for you and integrating it into your daily routine. Don’t hesitate to dive into the community resources for additional tricks and tips. Whether you’re adjusting for eye comfort or optimizing your screen for various times of the day, Brightness Controller is a tool that can significantly enhance your Ubuntu experience. Here’s to a more visually comfortable computing journey!