Customizing your desktop background on a Mac is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a workspace that feels uniquely yours. Whether you’re someone who likes to keep things fresh with new images or you have a favorite photo that you want to see every day, changing your desktop background is a simple way to personalize your Mac. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the desktop background on a Mac in a few easy steps, so you can make your screen truly your own.
1. How to Change Desktop Background on Mac Using System Preferences
Let’s start with the most common and straightforward method: using System Preferences. This built-in feature on your Mac offers a variety of ways to select and apply different wallpapers.
Step 1: Open System Preferences
To get started, simply click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen. From the dropdown menu, select “System Preferences.” This will bring up a window where you can adjust various settings on your Mac.
Step 2: Navigate to Desktop & Screen Saver
Once you’re in System Preferences, look for the “Desktop & Screen Saver” option—usually found in the first row. Clicking on this will take you to the settings where you can choose your new desktop background.
Step 3: Select Your Background
Now comes the fun part! In the Desktop & Screen Saver settings, you’ll see a list on the left-hand side showing available wallpapers. Apple provides a variety of beautiful images, solid colors, and access to your photo library. Simply click on any image that catches your eye, and it will instantly update your desktop background.
Step 4: Use Custom Photos
Want to personalize it even further? If you have a specific image in mind, click the “+” button below the list of options. This lets you browse through your files to select any image stored on your Mac. Once you’ve found the perfect picture, just select it, and it will immediately become your new background.
Step 5: Adjust the Layout
Depending on the image you choose, you might want to adjust how it appears on your screen. You can choose “Fill Screen,” “Fit to Screen,” “Stretch to Fill Screen,” “Center,” or “Tile” your background image. This way, you can make sure your photo looks just right.
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2. How to Change Desktop Background on Mac Using Finder
If you often find yourself browsing through your photos or downloads in Finder, you’ll be happy to know that you can change your desktop background directly from there.
Step 1: Open Finder and Locate Your Image
Start by opening Finder from your Dock. Navigate through your folders to find the image you want to use as your desktop background.
Step 2: Set the Image as Desktop Background
Once you’ve found the image, right-click (or Control-click) on the file. A context menu will appear, and all you need to do is select “Set Desktop Picture.” Just like that, your new image will be applied as your desktop background.
3. How to Change Desktop Background on Mac Automatically with Dynamic Wallpapers
Looking for something a bit more dynamic? Apple’s Dynamic Desktop feature allows your wallpaper to change throughout the day, reflecting different lighting and scenery based on the time.
Step 1: Open System Preferences
As before, click on the Apple icon at the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, head over to the “Desktop & Screen Saver” settings.
Step 2: Choose a Dynamic Wallpaper
In the Desktop & Screen Saver settings, you’ll find a section labeled “Dynamic Desktop.” Here, you can choose from a variety of dynamic wallpapers that transition throughout the day. Select the one you like, and your desktop will change automatically as the day progresses.
Step 3: Set Display Preferences
To ensure your dynamic wallpaper matches the time of day, make sure your Mac’s display settings are set to “Light,” “Dark,” or “Auto” mode in the General settings. This way, your desktop will seamlessly shift along with the day.
4. How to Change Desktop Background on Mac Using Photos App
If you’re someone who has a special connection with the photos stored in your Mac’s Photos app, you can easily set any of them as your desktop background.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, launch the Photos app from your Dock or the Applications folder.
Step 2: Select an Image
Take your time browsing through your photo library until you find the image that you’d love to see every day as your desktop background.
Step 3: Set as Desktop Picture
Once you’ve selected the perfect image, click on the “Share” button in the top right corner of the Photos window. From the dropdown menu, select “Set Desktop Picture.” Your chosen photo will instantly transform your desktop.
5. How to Change Desktop Background on Mac Using Third-Party Apps
For those who crave even more customization options, third-party apps available on the App Store offer an extensive range of wallpapers and unique features.
Step 1: Download a Wallpaper App
Head over to the App Store and search for wallpaper applications. There are plenty of popular options like “Wallpaper Wizard” and “Unsplash Wallpapers.” Once you find one that suits your style, download and install it on your Mac.
Step 2: Choose and Apply a Wallpaper
Open the wallpaper app, and explore the vast selection of images they offer. When you find one that catches your eye, most apps will have a “Set as Desktop Background” option. Click on it, and your desktop will be instantly updated.
Changing your desktop background on a Mac is more than just a task—it’s an opportunity to inject a bit of personality and style into your everyday work environment. Whether you use System Preferences, Finder, or explore the possibilities with third-party apps, knowing how to change the desktop background on a Mac means you can refresh your screen with new images anytime you like. Enjoy the flexibility and make your Mac feel truly yours.