How to change your desktop wallpaper on a Mac

Pick one of Apple's wallpapers, use your own photo, or rotate a folder of images. Every way to change the Mac wallpaper, including from Finder and Photos.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

How do I change the wallpaper on a Mac?

  1. Open System Settings, then Wallpaper.
  2. Click any wallpaper to use it. Some can be downloaded first; click to download, then click again.

How do I use my own photo?

  • From Finder: right click the image and choose Set Desktop Picture.
  • From Wallpaper settings: use Add Photo… to choose an image file, or Choose Folder… to use a folder.
  • From Photos: Wallpaper settings can show albums from your Photos library to choose from.

How do I make the wallpaper change automatically?

Add a folder or an album, then choose how often it changes. Some of Apple's own wallpapers also change through the day by themselves.

Can I use a moving wallpaper?

Yes. Apple's aerial screen savers can be shown as wallpaper: choose one, and turn on Show as wallpaper. They play slowly behind your windows and stop when the Mac sleeps.

How do I get a different wallpaper on each desktop?

Turn off Show on all Spaces, then set one on each desktop. See a wallpaper per desktop.

Clear the files covering it: hide desktop icons and organise your desktop.

Checked on 22 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1: Add Photo, Choose Folder, Show as wallpaper and Show on all Spaces were read from System Settings, Wallpaper.

Questions

How do I change my desktop background on a Mac?

Open System Settings, Wallpaper, and click one, or right click a photo in Finder and choose Set Desktop Picture.

Can a Mac rotate through wallpapers?

Yes. Add a folder or album in Wallpaper settings and choose how often it changes.

Can I have a moving wallpaper on Mac?

Yes. Choose an aerial and turn on Show as wallpaper.

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