Lolgato: A macOS Menu Bar App That Adds Smart Automation to Elgato Lights

A new open-source macOS app called Lolgato extends the functionality of Elgato Key Lights and other compatible hardware, offering automation features like camera-based activation and Night Shift temperature syncing that the official Elgato Control Center lacks.

For developers and content creators who rely on Elgato Key Lights for consistent video lighting, the official Elgato Control Center software provides the basics: brightness and color temperature adjustment. However, a new open-source project named Lolgato introduces a layer of automation and system integration that the official software doesn't offer, positioning itself as a complementary tool rather than a replacement.

The core premise of Lolgato is to treat Elgato lights as part of the macOS ecosystem, not just as isolated peripherals. Its most practical feature is camera activity detection. The app uses macOS system APIs to monitor whether the camera is in use across any application—be it Zoom, OBS, or QuickTime. When the camera activates, Lolgato can automatically turn the lights on; when it stops, the lights turn off. This eliminates the manual step of toggling lights before and after calls or recording sessions, a common pain point for streamers and remote workers.

Another significant integration is with macOS's Night Shift feature. Night Shift reduces blue light emission from screens in the evening, shifting the color temperature to a warmer, yellowish tone. Lolgato can synchronize your Elgato light's temperature with this system setting. When Night Shift is active, the app adjusts the lights to a warmer temperature (e.g., 3000K), creating a consistent ambient lighting environment that matches your screen. When Night Shift turns off, the lights return to a neutral daylight temperature (6500K). This is a subtle but thoughtful feature for those who work late and want to minimize eye strain.

Menu bar interface

Beyond automation, Lolgato provides global keyboard shortcuts for controlling all connected lights simultaneously. You can toggle power, adjust brightness, and change temperature without opening the menu bar app. This is particularly useful for quick adjustments during a stream or presentation. The app also handles device discovery automatically, just like the official Elgato Control Center, but allows for manual IP address entry if network discovery fails—a common issue in complex network setups.

It's important to note that Lolgato does not replace the Elgato Control Center. The official software remains necessary for firmware updates and certain device-specific settings. Lolgato is designed to run alongside it, filling the automation gap. The project is licensed under MIT and is clearly positioned as an independent tool, with a disclaimer noting it is not affiliated with Elgato or Corsair Gaming.

Demo GIF

The trade-offs are minimal but worth considering. The app requires macOS 14 or later, so it's not for users on older operating systems. Its functionality is also limited to Elgato's ecosystem; it won't work with lights from other brands. For those who prefer a more manual, deliberate control style, the automation features might feel intrusive rather than helpful.

Lolgato represents a growing trend in the developer community: creating focused, open-source utilities that enhance the usability of popular hardware. It solves specific, nuanced problems that larger companies often overlook, like the friction between system-level settings and peripheral devices. For Elgato users on macOS who want to streamline their workflow, it's a compelling addition to their toolkit.

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