How to Set Dynamic Wallpapers on Mac: Complete 2025 Guide
Your Mac desktop doesn't have to be static and boring. If you want dynamic wallpapers on Mac, they can bring life to your workspace by changing throughout the day or responding to system events. Whether you want time‑based wallpapers that shift with the sun or full‑motion video backgrounds, this guide shows what to choose and how to set them up.
What Are Dynamic Wallpapers?
Dynamic wallpapers are images or videos that change automatically on your Mac desktop. Apple introduced dynamic wallpapers in macOS Mojave, allowing your background to shift throughout the day based on the time. But in 2025, dynamic wallpapers have evolved far beyond Apple's original vision.
Dynamic vs. Live Wallpapers: What's the Difference?
Many Mac users confuse dynamic and live wallpapers, but they're actually different:
- Dynamic Wallpapers: Static images that change based on time of day or light/dark mode. Apple's native feature.
- Live Wallpapers: Full-motion video backgrounds that continuously play. Requires third-party apps.
Both can enhance your Mac experience, but live wallpapers offer more visual impact and customization options.
Method 1: Using macOS Built-in Dynamic Wallpapers
Apple includes several beautiful dynamic wallpapers right in macOS. Here's how to use them:
Step 1: Access Desktop & Screen Saver Settings
- Right-click anywhere on your desktop
- Select "Change Desktop Background..."
- Or go to System Settings > Wallpaper
Step 2: Choose a Dynamic Wallpaper
- In the left sidebar, select "Dynamic"
- Browse Apple's collection of time-shifting wallpapers
- Click on any wallpaper to preview it
- The wallpaper will automatically update throughout the day
Apple's dynamic wallpapers include:
- Solar Gradients: Beautiful color shifts that match the sun's position
- Big Sur: Iconic coastal scenery that changes with daylight
- Monterey: Mountain landscapes that evolve through the day
- Ventura: Abstract geometric patterns with time-based transitions
Limitations: While beautiful, Apple's built-in dynamic wallpapers are limited to about a dozen options and offer no customization. For more control and variety, you'll need a third-party solution.
Method 2: Creating Custom Dynamic Wallpapers
Advanced users can create their own dynamic wallpapers using Automator or specialized apps. This requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming.
Tools You'll Need:
- Photo editing software (Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro)
- Dynamic Wallpaper Creator apps (available on Mac App Store)
- Multiple images showing progression through day/night
Basic Process:
- Create or collect 16-20 images showing different times of day
- Use a dynamic wallpaper creator app to compile them
- Tag each image with its corresponding time
- Export as a
.heicfile - Install through System Settings
Reality Check: This process can take hours and requires significant technical skill. Most users prefer ready-made solutions.
Method 3: Live Wallpapers with Video Backgrounds (Recommended)
For the most stunning and customizable experience, live wallpaper apps offer thousands of high-quality video wallpapers that continuously play on your desktop. This is the modern evolution of dynamic wallpapers.
Why Choose Live Wallpapers?
- Unlimited variety: Thousands of 4K video wallpapers available
- True motion: Smooth, cinematic movement vs. static image transitions
- Full customization: Create your own or edit existing wallpapers
- Multi-monitor support: Different wallpapers on each display
- Lock screen support: Extend video wallpapers to your lock screen
The Best Live Wallpaper App: Backdrop
After testing every major live wallpaper app on the market, Backdrop stands out as the clear winner for dynamic and live wallpapers on Mac.
Why Backdrop is exceptional:
- Massive 4K library: Thousands of high-quality video wallpapers
- Ultra-low CPU usage: Uses only 0.3% CPU, less than a static image
- Video lock screen: The only app offering custom video lock screens
- Built-in editor: Create and customize your own wallpapers
- Multi-monitor support: Professional-grade display management
- Smart optimization: Auto-pauses during fullscreen apps or low battery
Transform Your Mac Desktop with Backdrop
Join 10,000+ Mac users who have elevated their desktop experience with stunning 4K video wallpapers. The only Mac app that supports lock screen playbook.
Setting Up Live Wallpapers with Backdrop
- Download Backdrop from the link above
- Launch the app and browse the collection
- Select a wallpaper you like
- Click "Set as Wallpaper" - it's that simple
- Optional: Enable lock screen support, configure multi-monitor settings, or use the editor to customize
The entire setup takes less than 60 seconds.
Performance Concerns: Will Dynamic Wallpapers Slow Down Your Mac?
This is the most common question about dynamic wallpapers. The answer depends on which method you use:
Apple's Dynamic Wallpapers
Impact: Virtually zero. They're just image files that swap based on time. No performance impact.
Live Wallpaper Apps (varies by app)
Impact: Ranges from 0.3% CPU (Backdrop) to 15%+ CPU (poorly optimized apps).
How to ensure good performance:
- Choose native, Apple Silicon-optimized apps
- Look for smart pause features (fullscreen detection, battery saving)
- Check reviews for performance feedback
- Avoid apps that require constant network connection
Backdrop was built specifically for optimal performance on Apple Silicon Macs. Read our detailed performance analysis to see how we achieved 0.3% CPU usage.
Where to Find Dynamic Wallpaper Content
For Built-in Dynamic Wallpapers:
- macOS System Settings: Apple's curated collection
- Dynamic Wallpaper Club: Free .heic files (dynamicwallpaper.club)
- 24 Hour Wallpaper: Time-based wallpaper collections
For Live Video Wallpapers:
- Backdrop Community Platform: Thousands of 4K videos, constantly updated
- Your own videos: Import personal footage or downloaded videos
- Wallpaper Engine exports: Compatible with many Wallpaper Engine creations
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Scheduling Wallpaper Changes
Want different wallpapers for work vs. personal time? Use Shortcuts app:
- Open Shortcuts app
- Create automation: "At 9 AM, change wallpaper to X"
- Create another: "At 5 PM, change wallpaper to Y"
Multi-Monitor Dynamic Wallpapers
For users with multiple displays:
- Apple's method: Each display can have its own dynamic wallpaper
- Backdrop method: Span one ultra-wide video across all monitors OR set different wallpapers per display
Combining Dynamic and Static Wallpapers
Mix it up based on your needs:
- Work hours: Professional static wallpaper
- Personal time: Vibrant live wallpaper
- Presentation mode: Clean, minimal background
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dynamic Wallpaper Not Changing
Solutions:
- Check Date & Time settings are set to automatic
- Restart your Mac
- Reselect the dynamic wallpaper
- Update to latest macOS version
Performance Issues with Live Wallpapers
Solutions:
- Check Activity Monitor for CPU usage
- Ensure app has smart pause features enabled
- Lower video quality if available
- Switch to a lighter app like Backdrop
Wallpaper Resets After Restart
Solutions:
- Check login items in System Settings
- Ensure wallpaper app launches at login
- Grant necessary permissions in Security & Privacy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do dynamic wallpapers drain battery on MacBook?
Apple's built-in dynamic wallpapers have no measurable battery impact. For live wallpapers, it depends on the app. Well-optimized apps like Backdrop use minimal resources and include smart battery-saving features that auto-pause when battery is low.
Can I create my own dynamic wallpaper for Mac?
Yes! For time-based dynamic wallpapers, you can use apps like "Dynamic Wallpaper Creator" to compile multiple images. For live video wallpapers, apps like Backdrop include built-in editors that let you import and customize your own videos with ease.
What's the best dynamic wallpaper app for Mac?
For built-in time-based wallpapers, macOS includes everything you need. For live video wallpapers with full customization, Backdrop is the best choice thanks to its performance optimization, massive content library, and exclusive features like video lock screen support.
Do I need to keep the app running for dynamic wallpapers?
Apple's built-in dynamic wallpapers work automatically without any app. For live wallpapers, most apps do need to run in the background, but well-designed apps like Backdrop use minimal resources and include menu bar controls for easy management.
Can I use dynamic wallpapers on multiple monitors?
Yes! macOS supports different wallpapers (including dynamic ones) on each display. For advanced multi-monitor setups with live wallpapers, Backdrop offers the best experience with options to span wallpapers across displays or set unique wallpapers per screen.
The Bottom Line
Dynamic wallpapers are an excellent way to add personality and visual interest to your Mac. Whether you choose Apple's elegant built-in options or embrace the full potential of live video wallpapers, you have plenty of excellent choices in 2025.
Quick Recommendation Summary:
- For simplicity: Use Apple's built-in dynamic wallpapers
- For stunning visuals: Choose Backdrop for live video wallpapers
- For DIY enthusiasts: Create custom dynamic wallpapers with third-party tools
Ready to transform your Mac desktop?
Ready to Switch to the Best Mac Wallpaper App?
Unlike other wallpaper apps, Backdrop offers 4K video quality, lock screen support, and a thriving community of creators. See why it's the #1 choice for Mac users.
Want more Mac customization tips? Check out our guide on the best live wallpaper apps for Mac and learn about live wallpaper performance. For complete system monitoring and optimization, explore Sensei.
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