Does BetterDisplay need to be running for CLI display commands?

Yes. Commands that change brightness, switch modes or manage virtual screens send requests to the running BetterDisplay app. The app handles the request through its display controllers.

Start BetterDisplay first, then check Settings > Application > Integration > Enable CLI access and notification based integration. A request can time out if the app is not running or is not accepting notifications. Commands sent through the executable inside the app bundle work the same way. Start BetterDisplay normally before using them.

If you bind commands to keys in another automation app, keep BetterDisplay running for those bindings to work. Its Settings window does not need to stay open. HTTP requests also need the app running. To use them, turn on Enable integrated HTTP server.

See setting up command-line access and CLI examples for setup and syntax. Scripted license management is a separate command-line mode with its own instructions.