Swapping your Mac's desktop wallpaper is a quick way to freshen up your screen. You can pick from Apple's built-in images, use your own photo, or set a dynamic wallpaper that shifts with the time of day, all from System Settings.
What you'll need
- A Mac
Step by step
- Open Wallpaper settingsClick the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then select Wallpaper from the sidebar. On older macOS this is 'Desktop & Screen Saver' in System Preferences.
- Browse the built-in optionsScroll through Apple's categories such as Dynamic, Landscape, and Colors, then click any thumbnail to apply it to your desktop.
- Use one of your own photosUnder the Photos or Pictures section, pick an image from your library, or click Add Photo or Add Folder to point to a specific picture or folder.
- Set a photo straight from the Photos appAlternatively, open a picture in the Photos app, use File then Set Desktop Picture, and it becomes your wallpaper instantly.
- Adjust how it fills the screenFor custom images, use the fill options like Fill Screen, Fit to Screen, or Stretch so the photo sits correctly without distortion.
Handy tips
- Dynamic wallpapers change automatically between light and dark versions as the day goes on.
- Right-click any image file in Finder and choose 'Set Desktop Picture' for the fastest change.
- If you use multiple displays, you can set a different wallpaper on each from the same settings panel.
FAQ
Where do I change the wallpaper on newer macOS?
Open System Settings from the Apple menu and click Wallpaper in the sidebar.
Can I set my own photo as the background?
Yes. In Wallpaper settings choose Add Photo or Add Folder, or right-click any image in Finder and select 'Set Desktop Picture'.
Why does my photo look stretched or cropped?
Change the fill option to Fit to Screen or Center so the image keeps its shape instead of stretching to fill.