Introduction
Changing your desktop background is one of the easiest and most effective ways to revamp your computer and personalize your experience. Whether you prefer a tranquil nature scene, a bold graphic design, or a cherished family photo, your desktop background sets the tone for your work and entertainment. However, not everyone knows how to change their desktop background, nor the different ways and options available. In this article, we will guide you through different methods and provide useful tips to take your desktop background to the next level!
Step-By-Step Guide
Windows
To change your desktop background on a Windows computer, follow these simple steps:
- Right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize”.
- Click on “Background” and choose a picture from the default options, or click on “Browse” to select your own image.
- Select the picture position, ranging from fill, fit, stretch, tile, and center.
- Click “Save changes” and enjoy your new desktop background!
For Windows 10 users, you can also change your background automatically by selecting “Slideshow” in the background tab and choosing the folder containing your desired pictures. You can adjust the frequency, shuffle, and other settings to your liking.
Mac
To change your desktop background on a Mac computer, follow these easy steps:
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
- Click on “Desktop & Screen Saver”.
- Select the desired picture from the “Desktop” section or click the “+” button to browse your own image.
- Choose the picture position, ranging from fill screen, fit to screen, stretch to fill screen, and center.
- Close the window and admire your new desktop background!
For Mac users, you can also set the background to change automatically by selecting “Dynamically change desktop picture” and adjusting the interval and source folder.
Linux
To change your desktop background on a Linux computer, follow these straightforward steps:
- Open your Desktop Environment Settings. This may differ depending on your Linux distribution and desktop environment, but generally can be accessed through the menu, right-clicking on the desktop, or searching in the applications.
- Find the “Background” option in the settings.
- Select a default picture or browse for your own image.
- Adjust the picture position, ranging from centered, scaled, tiled, and zoomed.
- Save the changes and be pleased with your new desktop background!
Linux users can also use third-party software like Variety or Nitrogen to change their backgrounds automatically and create dynamic wallpaper effects.
Using Third-Party Software
While the default options for changing desktop background are convenient and sufficient for most users, third-party software can provide more advanced features, customization, and automation. Here are some recommendations:
Wallpaper Engine
Wallpaper Engine is a popular third-party software for creating interactive and animated desktop backgrounds. It supports various formats and sources such as web pages, videos, music, and games, and includes a growing workshop with user-generated content. Some of its features include:
- Customizable effects such as particle, weather, audio visualization, and mouse interactivity.
- Multi-monitor and 4K support.
- Low system resources consumption.
The software costs $3.99 on Steam and offers a 30-day free trial.
Rainmeter
Rainmeter is a flexible and open-source software for creating and customizing desktop skins and widgets. It allows users to display various useful information such as time, weather, calendar, system status, and media control. Some of its features include:
- Endless customization options through its easy-to-use interface and thousands of user-made skins and plugins.
- Low system resources consumption.
- Compatibility with different Windows versions.
Rainmeter is available for free on its official website.
Themes and Wallpapers
Using themes and wallpapers can significantly enhance your desktop background experience by providing a cohesive look, mood, and style. Here are some options:
Windows
Windows offers an extensive collection of themes and wallpapers on its Microsoft Store. You can browse them by categories such as Art, Nature, Animals, Games, and more. Some of them are free while others may require a purchase or subscription. Once you download a theme, you can easily apply it by going to the “Personalize” settings and selecting it from the “Themes” tab.
Mac
Mac also provides a variety of themes and wallpapers in its designated section in System Preferences. You can sort them by categories such as Dynamic, Stills, and Slideshow, and preview them before applying. Additionally, you can visit websites like Nullsoft or Pexels to download free or paid wallpapers compatible with Mac OS, and set it as your background by clicking “Desktop & Screen Saver” in System Preferences and drag-and-drop the image to the wallpaper preview box.
Linux
Linux users can explore the vast selection of wallpapers and themes on websites like GNOME Look, KDE Store, and XFCE Look, where you can find community-driven contributions and custom-made designs. To install them, you need to download and extract the .tar.gz file to your home folder, usually under .themes or .icons directory. Then, go to your desktop environment settings and choose the desired theme or wallpaper.
Customizing Desktop Backgrounds
If you want to elevate your desktop background to match your unique preferences, you can customize it by adding personal images, creating a slideshow, and adjusting its position, size, and color.
Adding Personal Images
To add your own images to your desktop background, simply follow the instructions for your operating system to browse and select the picture, or drag and drop it to the desktop. You can preview the image by right-clicking on it and selecting “Preview” on Windows or “Quick Look” on Mac. You can also set it as your background by clicking the “Set as Desktop Background” option or dragging and dropping it to the wallpaper preview box.
Creating a Slideshow
If you have multiple images that you love, consider creating a slideshow for your background to alternate between them. You can follow the same steps for changing the background and instead select the “Slideshow” option. You can customize the slideshow settings, such as the time interval, picture order, folder location, and transitions.
Adjusting Position, Size, and Color
Most operating systems allow you to adjust the position, size, and color of your desktop background. You can right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize” or go to “System Preferences” to find the respective settings. You can select the position, ranging from fill, fit, stretch, tile, and center. You can also adjust the size, such as by zooming in or out. Moreover, you can change the color of the background by using color filters, like grayscale, sepia, or inverted.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some bonus tips and tricks for changing your desktop background:
Keyboard Shortcuts
You can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly change your background. For example, on Windows, you can press Windows key + I, then select “Personalization”, and choose a new background. On Mac, you can press Ctrl + Shift + F5 to take a screenshot and use it as your background.
Custom Shortcuts
You can also create custom shortcuts to access different backgrounds or settings. For example, on Windows, you can go to “Personalization” and select “Themes” to create a new theme. Then, you can right-click on the desktop and choose a different theme by clicking on the personalized shortcut. On Mac, you can use Automator to create a workflow that changes your background according to a schedule or a preference.
Scheduling Desktop Background Changes
You can schedule your desktop background to change automatically based on a certain time, event, or source. For instance, on Windows, you can use Task Scheduler to create a trigger that changes your background every day at a specific time. On Mac, you can use the Automator or third-party apps like BackgroundCycler to rotate your desktop backgrounds at set intervals.
Conclusion
Changing your desktop background can transform your computer experience and reflect your personality and mood. Whether you use the default options or explore third-party software, themes, and wallpapers, or customize your own, the possibilities are endless. We hope this step-by-step guide and tips and tricks inspire you to try new ways and unleash your creativity.
