Introduction
Do you want to personalize your Mac and make it your own? One way to do this is by changing your background. Not only does this add character to your computer, but it can also improve productivity by reducing eye strain and providing a more aesthetically pleasing workspace.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
The first method to change your background on Mac is to use the System Preferences. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Alternatively, you can use the spotlight search feature to search for “System Preferences.”
Step 2: Select “Desktop & Screen Saver”
Once you’ve opened System Preferences, look for the “Desktop & Screen Saver” option and click on it.
Step 3: Choose a Background
You’ll now see a variety of backgrounds to choose from on the left side of the window. Click on the one you want to preview it in the main window. If you like what you see, click “Set Desktop Picture.”
Customizing the Desktop with Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for even more customization options, there are several third-party apps available for Mac that can help you create a truly unique background. Here are just a few examples:
DeskCover
DeskCover is a simple app that lets you customize your desktop by dimming everything else. This is especially useful if you have a cluttered desktop or find some backgrounds distracting.
Unsplash Wallpapers
Unsplash Wallpapers provides a huge collection of curated images that you can use as your desktop background. You can even set it up to change your background automatically every day.
Video Tutorial
If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this video tutorial that demonstrates how to change your background on Mac:
Comparison of Different Methods
There are several ways to change your background on Mac, but some methods may be more suitable for your personal needs than others. Here’s a comparison of the different methods:
System Preferences
- Pros: Easy to use, built-in feature, no additional apps required
- Cons: Limited customization options
Third-Party Apps
- Pros: More customization options, can set up automatic background changes
- Cons: May require payment, some apps may slow down your computer
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for changing your background on Mac:
Shortcut Keys
If you don’t want to go through System Preferences every time you want to change your background, you can use the following shortcut keys:
- Control + Click: Opens up a menu of background choices
- Option + Click: Sets the current window’s background as your wallpaper
- Shift + Control + Click: Changes your background to the next picture in the folder
Cycle Through Different Backgrounds at Set Intervals
If you’re using the System Preferences method and want to cycle through different backgrounds at set intervals, you can use the following steps:
- Under the “Desktop & Screen Saver” tab in System Preferences, click on the “+” button to add a folder of pictures.
- Check the box next to “Change picture” and choose how often you want your background to change.
- Select the “Random Order” option to ensure that your backgrounds cycle through in a different order each time.
Troubleshooting Guide
Here are some common issues you may encounter when changing your background on Mac, and how to fix them:
Background Image Won’t Change
If your background image won’t change, try restarting your computer and following the same steps again. If that doesn’t work, check to make sure the image you’re using is in a compatible file format (e.g. JPEG, PNG).
Image is Distorted or Blurry
If your image appears distorted or blurry, try selecting a different image resolution in System Preferences. You can also try changing the “Fill Screen” option to “Fit to Screen” or “Stretch to Fill Screen” to get a better fit.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to change your background on Mac, you can personalize your computer and create a more productive workspace. Whether you use the System Preferences or a third-party app, there are plenty of options available to make your background truly unique.
