How to Change Wallpaper on Mac: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Want to give your Mac a fresh look? Changing the wallpaper on your Mac is one of the easiest ways to personalize your desktop and create a more inspiring workspace. Whether you prefer nature, abstract art, or your own photos, macOS makes it simple to update your background in just a few clicks.

In this article, we’ll show you how to change wallpaper on Mac step-by-step — plus share tips for customizing your wallpaper settings.

🧭 Step 1: Open System Settings

1. Click the Apple Menu  in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences if you’re using an older macOS version).
3. From the sidebar, choose Wallpaper.

👉 Image suggestion:
Screenshot of the Apple Menu with “System Settings” highlighted.
Alt text: “Mac System Settings option in Apple Menu”

🌄 Step 2: Choose a Built-in Wallpaper

macOS offers a beautiful selection of built-in wallpapers that automatically adjust for Light and Dark Mode.

1. In the Wallpaper window, you’ll see several sections such as Dynamic Wallpapers, Light and Dark Wallpapers, and Desktop Pictures.
2. Click any wallpaper thumbnail to instantly apply it to your desktop background.

👉 Image suggestion:
Screenshot of Mac Wallpaper Settings showing dynamic wallpaper options.
Alt text: “Mac dynamic wallpaper settings interface”

📸 Step 3: Use Your Own Photos as Wallpaper

Want to set your favorite picture or a custom image as your background?

1. In the Wallpaper settings, click the Add Folder or + button.
2. Navigate to the folder containing your image(s).
3. Select the photo you want, and it will appear as your new wallpaper instantly.

💡 Tip: For the best quality, use images with a minimum resolution of 2560×1600 for Retina displays.

👉 Image suggestion:
A Mac desktop showing a custom photo wallpaper.
Alt text: “Custom photo wallpaper on Mac desktop”

🔁 Step 4: Set a Slideshow Wallpaper (Auto-Rotate Backgrounds)

If you like variety, you can make your wallpaper change automatically.

1. In the Wallpaper window, select a folder of images.
2. Enable Change picture and choose how often it changes (every 5 minutes, 1 hour, daily, etc.).

Now your background will rotate automatically — keeping your Mac fresh and inspiring every day.

⚙️ Step 5: Adjust Wallpaper Settings

You can fine-tune how your wallpaper appears on screen:

• Fill Screen: Crops and fills your screen entirely.
• Fit to Screen: Keeps the full image visible (may leave borders).
• Stretch to Fill Screen: Enlarges image to cover your display.
• Center: Keeps the image at the center without resizing.

Experiment with these options to find the best fit for your image.

💻 Bonus: Change Wallpaper from Finder (Quick Method)

Here’s a shortcut if you’re already viewing the image in Finder or Photos:

1. Right-click (or Control-click) the image.
2. Choose Set Desktop Picture.

That’s it — no need to open settings!

👉 Image suggestion:
Right-click menu on a Mac image with “Set Desktop Picture” highlighted.
Alt text: “Set desktop picture option on Mac Finder”

🧠 Pro Tips for Mac Wallpaper Lovers

• Try Dynamic Wallpapers — they change based on the time of day.
• Use Aerial Screensavers (from macOS Sonoma) for a more interactive desktop feel.
• Download free 4K Mac wallpapers from sites like WallpaperWant.com to keep your desktop stunning.
• Keep your desktop clutter-free to make your wallpaper shine!

✅ Final Thoughts

Changing your wallpaper on Mac is simple yet powerful. It’s more than just decoration — it sets the mood for your daily workflow. Whether you’re using macOS Sonoma, Ventura, or Monterey, the steps above will help you customize your Mac background effortlessly.