Getting started with Backdrop

Welcome to Backdrop! This guide will help you get up and running with beautiful animated wallpapers on your Mac.

First Steps

After installing Backdrop:

  1. Launch the app from your Applications folder
  2. Sign in to iCloud if prompted - this is required to access the wallpaper collection
  3. Browse the collection in the app's browser to find wallpapers you like
  4. Click on a wallpaper to download and set it as your desktop background

Essential Settings

Enable Lock Screen Support

  • Go to Settings in the app
  • Toggle "Enable Lock Screen" to keep wallpapers animated when your Mac is locked
  • Follow the setup instructions that appear

Auto-Start on Login

  • Click the menu bar drop icon in the top-right of your screen
  • Toggle "Start on Login" to have Backdrop launch automatically when you log in to your Mac

Basic Controls

In the App:

  • Use the player bar to control playback
  • Browse different categories and collections
  • Download wallpapers for offline use

Menu Bar Item:

  • Click the drop icon for quick playback controls
  • Access settings and preferences
  • Enable/disable auto-start

iCloud Requirements

Backdrop requires an active, unrestricted iCloud account to:

  • Access the wallpaper collection
  • Download new content
  • Sync preferences

If you're not seeing any wallpapers in the browser, make sure you're signed in to iCloud on your Mac.

What's Next?

  • Explore different wallpaper categories
  • Set up Lock Screen animations
  • Customize playback settings
  • Consider enabling auto-start for seamless experience

Backdrop transforms your desktop with stunning animated wallpapers that bring your Mac to life!