Changing your Mac's desktop wallpaper is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computing experience. Here are five methods to help you do so, each with detailed steps and tips to make the process seamless.
Using System Settings
To change your desktop wallpaper via System Settings, follow these steps:
- Open System Settings: Click on the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and select "System Settings."
- Navigate to Wallpaper: In the sidebar, click on "Wallpaper."
- Select a New Wallpaper: Choose from the pre-installed Apple wallpapers or click on "Add Folder" at the bottom to select a folder containing your own images. If you have multiple displays, select the display you want to change.
- Customize the Display: You can choose how the wallpaper fits your screen by selecting options like "Fit," "Fill," or "Center."
Using the Photos App
If you prefer to use a photo from your Photos library, here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Photos App: Launch the Photos app on your Mac.
- Select the Photo: Choose the photo you want to use as your desktop image.
- Set as Desktop Picture: Click the "Share" button and select "Set Desktop Picture" from the menu.
Adding a Folder of Custom Images
For more flexibility, you can add a folder of your own images to rotate as wallpapers:
- Open System Settings: Go to the Apple menu and select "System Settings."
- Navigate to Wallpaper: Click on "Wallpaper" in the sidebar.
- Add a Custom Folder: Scroll down and click on "Add Folder" at the bottom. Select the folder containing your images.
- Enable Auto-Rotate: Choose "Auto-Rotate" and set the frequency of rotation to keep your wallpapers fresh.
Right-Clicking on the Desktop
A quick and easy method is to right-click directly on the desktop:
- Right-Click on the Desktop: Click on a blank area of your desktop and select "Change Desktop Background."
- Choose Your Wallpaper: Select from the available options, including your Photos library or a custom folder.
Using the Desktop Context Menu in Older macOS Versions
For older versions of macOS, you can use the desktop context menu:
- Right-Click on the Desktop: Click on a blank area of your desktop.
- Select Change Desktop Background: This will open the "Desktop & Screen Saver" preferences.
- Choose Your Wallpaper: Select from the available options, including Apple's pre-installed wallpapers or your own images.
Bonus Tip: Removing Duplicates and Editing Photos
To ensure your wallpaper rotation is smooth and visually appealing, consider these additional tips:
- Remove Duplicates: If your image folder contains many similar photos, remove duplicates to avoid repetition.
- Edit Photos: Use photo editing apps like Luminar Neo to enhance and retouch your photos before setting them as wallpapers. For batch processing, use PhotoBulk to resize, format, and compress your images.