How to Change Desktop Background on Apple Mac Without Third-Party Apps

Updating your desktop background is a simple yet effective way to personalize your Apple Mac. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to change your desktop background using native MacOS features in Ventura or later versions without the need for any third-party applications.

Step 1: Access System Settings

First, you need to open the System Settings on your Mac. This can be done by opening the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. From there, select the gear icon, which will open the System Settings application. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Cmd ],

Step 2: Choose Wallpaper Settings

Once you have opened the System Settings, navigate to the Desktop Displays tab. Here, you can customize various display settings, including your desktop background. Select the Wallpaper option to adjust your desktop’s appearance.

Step 3: Select Your New Background

The Wallpaper section provides several options to set your desktop background, including:

Choose an Image: Click on the Change… button on the right to browse and select an image from your computer. This option allows you to upload any image file as your wallpaper. Choose a Photo: This option lets you pick an image from the Photos app, making it easy to use any photo saved on your device. Choose a Color: If you prefer a solid color, use this option to set your background to a specific color of your choice. Enter a URL: You can also set your desktop background to a custom image by entering the URL of the image. Choose a Theme: MacOS offers several built-in themes that can enhance your desktop appearance.

Step 4: Apply Background Settings

After selecting your desired wallpaper, you can also choose how your image will appear on your desktop. Options include:

Fit: Scales the image to fit the screen. Fill: Scales the image to fill the screen, possibly cropping parts of the image. Center: Positions the image in the center of the screen. Span: Tiled repeat of the image or full screen if image is largest. Along: Positions the image along the edges of the screen. Cycle: Automatically switches between images in the folder, particularly useful if you have multiple images in the selected folder.

Step 5: Customize Appearance

You can further customize your desktop appearance by adjusting the screen intensity and transparency if your display is enabled. To do this, simply click on the Intensity slider to adjust the brightness, and toggle the Translucent Display switch to make the edges of the display slightly transparent for a unique touch.

Conclusion

Changing your Mac’s desktop background is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your user experience. By using native MacOS features, you can personalize your desktop with any image, color, or theme, free from the limitations of third-party apps. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect look that suits your style and needs. Happy customizing!