Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
0
votes
1
answers
131
views
Wallpaper not showing behind Mission Control/App Exposé or resized window on only one Desktop
No clue why this is happening ([screen recording link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cm82c9ApbNU1qF6bjCzITMpnQ00xlvmN/view?usp=sharing)): For whatever reason, the desktop wallpaper only shows up when I use the Hot Corner (cmd + bottom right), but not in the background of Mission Control or App Ex...
No clue why this is happening ([screen recording link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cm82c9ApbNU1qF6bjCzITMpnQ00xlvmN/view?usp=sharing)) :
For whatever reason, the desktop wallpaper only shows up when I use the Hot Corner (cmd + bottom right), but not in the background of Mission Control or App Exposé or even when I resize the Chrome Window. Desktop 2, however, shows the wallpaper anytime it should.
I moved all the windows onto Desktop 2, and deleted Desktop 1, and it showed the wallpaper as normal for about 30 seconds. Then Mission Control started showing an empty black square in the spot where Desktop 2 would have been.
Currently running the newest macOS.
Jacob Ivanov
(131 rep)
Jan 26, 2021, 07:49 PM
• Last activity: Jul 7, 2025, 11:00 AM
1
votes
2
answers
859
views
Server/machine name on desktop background
I've seen that single-color desktop background with the familiar serif font showing the computer's name since the 1990s. I very much doubt that all of the server admins I've come across in that time have painstakingly created actual image files with the same font treatment. How the heck does one set...
I've seen that single-color desktop background with the familiar serif font showing the computer's name since the 1990s.
I very much doubt that all of the server admins I've come across in that time have painstakingly created actual image files with the same font treatment.
How the heck does one set that up? (I'm in a Yosemite environment with Yosemite servers, and I'm trying to put their names on their desktops. Shouldn't be that difficult, right?)
Dani
(13 rep)
Dec 10, 2015, 08:59 PM
• Last activity: Jun 12, 2025, 03:55 PM
0
votes
1
answers
234
views
Wallpaper reset to "Fill Screen" on log out
How can I stop my wallpaper getting reset to "Fill Screen" every time I log in? I have to keep going to settings, select an image, set it to "Fit to Screen", then switch back to auto-rotate, random. It seems to happen at random on either or both of my internal and external displays. Ventura/M2
How can I stop my wallpaper getting reset to "Fill Screen" every time I log in?
I have to keep going to settings, select an image, set it to "Fit to Screen", then switch back to auto-rotate, random.
It seems to happen at random on either or both of my internal and external displays.
Ventura/M2
Denis Howe
(155 rep)
Nov 17, 2023, 11:29 AM
• Last activity: Apr 23, 2025, 08:10 PM
6
votes
2
answers
3719
views
Catalina Dynamic Wallpaper doesn't change with the time of the day
Both Apple stock dynamic wallpapers aren't changing accordingly to the time of the day. For example Catalina Dynamic wallpaper is stuck during the day in one picture and it doesn't change and transition. Night time Catalina Dynamic wallpaper isn't completely dark, but looks like sunset one. And Auto...
Both Apple stock dynamic wallpapers aren't changing accordingly to the time of the day. For example Catalina Dynamic wallpaper is stuck during the day in one picture and it doesn't change and transition. Night time Catalina Dynamic wallpaper isn't completely dark, but looks like sunset one. And Auto Appearance doesn't work either, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.
What can I do, as I tried resetting, doing PRAM, changing wallpapers, trying 3rd party apps like Night Owl, sacrificing virgins to the volcano, idk. Help!
Demian
(59 rep)
Jun 7, 2020, 09:16 AM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2025, 12:09 PM
14
votes
6
answers
62499
views
How do I set an animated GIF as my desktop wallpaper?
How can I make my desktop wallpaper image an animated GIF?
How can I make my desktop wallpaper image an animated GIF?
Carl
(141 rep)
Aug 14, 2012, 06:40 AM
• Last activity: Feb 9, 2025, 11:48 AM
0
votes
1
answers
765
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What does com.apple.extensionKit.errorDomain error 2 mean in shortcuts?
this error happens everytime the set wallpaper action is run on ios 18 but doesnt happen if the action is manually run a second time [![screenshot][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/2f2gppFM.webp
this error happens everytime the set wallpaper action is run on ios 18 but doesnt happen if the action is manually run a second time
Juliana Restrepo
(1 rep)
Sep 24, 2024, 12:16 AM
• Last activity: Feb 6, 2025, 11:22 PM
0
votes
0
answers
93
views
Are Aerial Screensavers stuttering in general or just on macOS Sequoia 15.1.1?
Ever since getting this M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro last December (2023), I have taken advantage of the generous space of the SSD to download all Aerial screensavers and set them up to rotate alongside the desktop wallpaper every 12 hours. Since yesterday, I have noticed that while the screensavers a...
Ever since getting this M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro last December (2023), I have taken advantage of the generous space of the SSD to download all Aerial screensavers and set them up to rotate alongside the desktop wallpaper every 12 hours.
Since yesterday, I have noticed that while the screensavers are still generally smooth, the "camera" movement seems to stutter every few seconds or so. The movement begins smoothly and then makes a small jump, both on the internal display and on the external one I use (MateView 28").
Not knowing how to technically express this, I could describe it as if the framerate of the display dropped for a while, though I doubt that is the case. This is more noticeable when looking at the edges of the screen, but it is there in any case.
Another, possibly related thing, is that when I drag the compose-Mail window around, the text becomes noticeably blurry until the drag operation is over. This is not so evident in other apps.
Any idea of what this could be?
NotationMaster
(1734 rep)
Dec 8, 2024, 11:25 AM
• Last activity: Dec 8, 2024, 08:40 PM
-1
votes
1
answers
750
views
Path to wallpaper is not displayed anymore on Sequoia
I configured my Mac to show different wallpapers on each MacOS Space. Until now, I had the path to the wallpaper shown on the screen as well. I had done this by setting defaults write com.apple.dock desktop-picture-show-debug-text -bool TRUE;killall Dock However, since my update to MacOS 15.1, the p...
I configured my Mac to show different wallpapers on each MacOS Space.
Until now, I had the path to the wallpaper shown on the screen as well. I had done this by setting
defaults write com.apple.dock desktop-picture-show-debug-text -bool TRUE;killall Dock
However, since my update to MacOS 15.1, the path is not shown anymore, even after re-issuing the
defaults write ... command.
Any idea of what I could do to find out the path to the wallpaper in a certain MacOS Space?
Note that
defaults read com.apple.dock desktop-picture-show-debug-text
displays 1, from which I conclude that the value was indeed set correctly. It just seems that Sequoia ignores it.
user1934428
(1458 rep)
Nov 2, 2024, 07:38 AM
• Last activity: Nov 25, 2024, 02:25 PM
2
votes
0
answers
38
views
How can I get a 1:1 image of the Apple logo on black background how it appears when booting?
I really like the “wallpaper” of the splash screen(consisting of the white Apple logo against the black background) that you see when the OS is starting up. I want to make this my actual desktop wallpaper. But I want it in 1:1 pixel perfect resolution so that it appears to transition seamleasly when...
I really like the “wallpaper” of the splash screen(consisting of the white Apple logo against the black background) that you see when the OS is starting up. I want to make this my actual desktop wallpaper. But I want it in 1:1 pixel perfect resolution so that it appears to transition seamleasly when logging in and maintains the clarity of the original. I tried using a virtual machine and taking a screenshot but for some reason it doesnt look the same. Any ideas? (I have a Macbook Pro M1)
user580098
(21 rep)
Nov 21, 2024, 06:41 AM
• Last activity: Nov 21, 2024, 06:42 AM
0
votes
0
answers
87
views
is there a way to quickly change to a particular set of wallpapers (background images) on multiple monitors on macOS
I have a multi-monitor setup. Sometimes I stream writing code from my Mac. When I do, I have a particular configuration of background images that I like to use, both: 1. for a consistent Brand™ Image 2. to make it easier to identify which monitor is "live" and which one is holding private stuff that...
I have a multi-monitor setup. Sometimes I stream writing code from my Mac. When I do, I have a particular configuration of background images that I like to use, both:
1. for a consistent Brand™ Image
2. to make it easier to identify which monitor is "live" and which one is holding private stuff that only I can see
When I'm streaming, I want to have a specific wallpaper on a specific monitor, and when I'm *not* streaming, I want to put those images back to a different configuration. However, I have two problems with this:
1. I have found that as I open and close my laptop lid, plug in my external monitor, activate my virtual streaming display, etc, macOS gets confused and swaps around the images sometimes, making it hard to put stuff back.
2. locating the images that I want to use in the somewhat jumbled "Wallpaper" pref pane, which has no search or even folder organization that I can see, takes time and is annoying.
Is there an app or a command-line utility for this that would let me save & restore wallpaper configurations, or maybe just some more streamlined way to use the wallpapers prefpane to select things quickly, out of the big pile of Apple stuff and "Pictures" and "Photos" and dynamic wallpapers and etc?
Glyph
(1828 rep)
Oct 24, 2024, 07:45 PM
0
votes
0
answers
199
views
How to change stretch/centering of Lock Screen wallpaper on iOS 18?
My wallpaper album on my iPhone is showing most wallpapers off center on iOS 18 on my iPhone 15 Pro. How do I change the fill/centering of my wallpapers in my album so they align nicely on my Lock Screen?
My wallpaper album on my iPhone is showing most wallpapers off center on iOS 18 on my iPhone 15 Pro.
How do I change the fill/centering of my wallpapers in my album so they align nicely on my Lock Screen?
TestinginProd
(651 rep)
Sep 26, 2024, 06:25 PM
0
votes
2
answers
417
views
Displaying file name of desktop wallpaper on desktop
I'm running Ventura (macOS 13.2) on an M1 MacBook Pro. I typically use five desktops (spaces). I have the desktop wallpaper on each to randomly change from a specified folder every hour. Everything works. What I'd like to do is superimpose the file name of the wallpaper image on the desktop it's bei...
I'm running Ventura (macOS 13.2) on an M1 MacBook Pro. I typically use five desktops (spaces). I have the desktop wallpaper on each to randomly change from a specified folder every hour. Everything works.
What I'd like to do is superimpose the file name of the wallpaper image on the desktop it's being displayed on. I know this can be done, because the Particulars applet (freeware by Fraser Hess) does this, as does an older wallpaper manager, Change Desktop.
I think I could use an AppleScript or Shortcut to get the file name, but I don't know how to display it (overlay) on the image. Any ideas?
OldStrummer
(11 rep)
Feb 17, 2023, 06:34 PM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2024, 02:51 PM
1
votes
0
answers
31
views
AppleScript Not Selecting Button in System Settings
I'm trying to write an AppleScript that selects "Shuffle All" and toggles "Show on all Spaces" in the Wallpaper preference pane in System Settings (see screenshot). However, the command to click on the button "Shuffle All" doesn't seem to work. [![enter image description here][1]][1] Here's the Appl...
I'm trying to write an AppleScript that selects "Shuffle All" and toggles "Show on all Spaces" in the Wallpaper preference pane in System Settings (see screenshot). However, the command to click on the button "Shuffle All" doesn't seem to work.
Here's the AppleScript
-- Open System Preferences
tell application "System Settings"
activate
delay 1
set current pane to pane id "com.apple.Wallpaper-Settings.extension"
end tell
-- Wait for the Wallpaper pane to load
delay 1
tell application "System Events"
tell process "System Settings"
click button 1 of UI element 1 of scroll area 6 of UI element 1 of scroll area 2 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window "Wallpaper"
set theCheckbox to checkbox "Show on all Spaces" of group 2 of scroll area 1 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window "Wallpaper"
tell theCheckbox
if not true then click theCheckbox
end tell
end tell
end tell
I believe the UI element is correct. I ran
Here's the AppleScript
-- Open System Preferences
tell application "System Settings"
activate
delay 1
set current pane to pane id "com.apple.Wallpaper-Settings.extension"
end tell
-- Wait for the Wallpaper pane to load
delay 1
tell application "System Events"
tell process "System Settings"
click button 1 of UI element 1 of scroll area 6 of UI element 1 of scroll area 2 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window "Wallpaper"
set theCheckbox to checkbox "Show on all Spaces" of group 2 of scroll area 1 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window "Wallpaper"
tell theCheckbox
if not true then click theCheckbox
end tell
end tell
end tell
I believe the UI element is correct. I ran entire contents of window 1 and it seems clear that "Shuffle All" is indeed button 1 of UI element 1 of scroll area 6 of UI element 1 of scroll area 2 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window "Wallpaper".
Why the command to click the button doesn't do anything is a mystery to me, though. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Xehelios
(11 rep)
Jul 19, 2024, 04:25 PM
2
votes
1
answers
301
views
Set macOS wallpaper without re-encoding image
I have a PNG gradient with the same resolution as my screen, 3072 × 1920, and 16-bit color, which renders without banding when viewed full-screen using Preview, but becomes banded when set as the desktop wallpaper. How can I prevent whatever re-encoding is doing this? I’ve tried exporting the w...
I have a PNG gradient with the same resolution as my screen, 3072 × 1920, and 16-bit color, which renders without banding when viewed full-screen using Preview, but becomes banded when set as the desktop wallpaper. How can I prevent whatever re-encoding is doing this?
I’ve tried exporting the wallpaper as an 8-bit PNG, but that introduces banding even when viewed in Preview. I’ve also tried the sRBG, Display P3, and Color LCD color profiles, and using a TIFF, as well as setting the wallpaper via System Settings, the Finder context menu, and an AppleScript that tells Finder
set desktop picture to POSIX file "/example/filename.png".
twhb
(201 rep)
Feb 15, 2023, 12:07 PM
• Last activity: Jul 18, 2024, 07:07 AM
3
votes
1
answers
729
views
Using a screensaver as a desktop wallpaper?
I've looked around a lot for a way to use one of the screensavers as the wallpaper for my desktop. I found a few options but all of them didn't seem to work on macOS Catalina. The way I tried to attempt this was by using the following code. ```/System/Library/CoreServices/ScreenSaverEngine.app/Conte...
I've looked around a lot for a way to use one of the screensavers as the wallpaper for my desktop. I found a few options but all of them didn't seem to work on macOS Catalina. The way I tried to attempt this was by using the following code.
/System/Library/CoreServices/ScreenSaverEngine.app/Contents/MacOS/ScreenSaverEngine -background &
user293769
(31 rep)
Jul 2, 2020, 12:14 AM
• Last activity: Jul 12, 2024, 08:01 AM
1
votes
1
answers
247
views
how to select a Ventura wallpaper image on Sonoma?
After upgrading to Sonoma and trying several of its wallpapers, how do I go back to one of Ventura's gorgeous ocean photos? Are those images available to download? The file was present at least until I started viewing Sonoma wallpapers.
After upgrading to Sonoma and trying several of its wallpapers, how do I go back to one of Ventura's gorgeous ocean photos?
Are those images available to download? The file was present at least until I started viewing Sonoma wallpapers.
Jerry101
(171 rep)
Jan 4, 2024, 10:10 AM
• Last activity: Jun 12, 2024, 07:08 AM
1
votes
1
answers
3710
views
Using Wallpaper Shuffle with a set order (iOS 16)
I want to use Wallpaper Shuffle (iOS lock screen photo shuffle) to show a carousel of images, but they are being shown in a random order. This isn't very functional. Is there any way to turn this off or make a shortcut? I'm using “change on tap.”
I want to use Wallpaper Shuffle (iOS lock screen photo shuffle) to show a carousel of images, but they are being shown in a random order. This isn't very functional. Is there any way to turn this off or make a shortcut?
I'm using “change on tap.”
zane
(11 rep)
Feb 17, 2023, 12:38 PM
• Last activity: Apr 14, 2024, 09:40 AM
2
votes
1
answers
803
views
Go to actual photo shown on iOS wallpaper when using random shuffling
I’m using the [random shuffle function][1] on iOS to choose a random (in my case „nature“) photo from my library as a background. Is there a way to either 1) go to the corresponding photo currently shown as the wallpaper in the photos app *or* 2) see which photos are currently selected as „random“,...
I’m using the random shuffle function on iOS to choose a random (in my case „nature“) photo from my library as a background.
Is there a way to either
1) go to the corresponding photo currently shown as the wallpaper in the photos app
*or*
2) see which photos are currently selected as „random“, i.e., a folder containing the sequence of photos used as wallpapers (I’ve realized that the same photos pop up over time)
Why am I asking? I have a lot of photos and sometimes would like to know where and when the currently displayed photo was taken.
hlzl
(970 rep)
Mar 4, 2024, 05:12 PM
• Last activity: Mar 5, 2024, 06:56 AM
2
votes
1
answers
138
views
Video file location of dynamic wallpaper preview in system preferences
i want to know the location of the little video that keeps on playing in a loop when we select a dynamic wallpaper ( Catalina for eg) and turn it to dynamic mode in system preferences. Anyone knows where it is stored?[![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/SdF1V.png
i want to know the location of the little video that keeps on playing in a loop when we select a dynamic wallpaper ( Catalina for eg) and turn it to dynamic mode in system preferences.
Anyone knows where it is stored?
Red Rakham
(21 rep)
May 2, 2021, 11:08 PM
• Last activity: Jan 19, 2024, 02:14 AM
2
votes
1
answers
2503
views
Modify "Show on all Spaces" wallpaper setting by shell on macos Sonoma
In system settings, under Wallpaper, there is a new toggle option to "Show on all Spaces". I'm looking for a way to set this option via shell in terminal since when a new wallpaper is set the switch toggles back to false. [![wallpaper][1]][1] I've tried diffing defaults before and after toggling the...
In system settings, under Wallpaper, there is a new toggle option to "Show on all Spaces". I'm looking for a way to set this option via shell in terminal since when a new wallpaper is set the switch toggles back to false.
I've tried diffing defaults before and after toggling the switch to see if there is some setting I have access to there, but no luck. Also looking into osascript and I am able to set the desktop picture there, but I haven't found a way to toggle that setting from osascript.
Edit: here's one way to do it, but it's less than ideal. I'd like to be able to set it without launching the application!
I've tried diffing defaults before and after toggling the switch to see if there is some setting I have access to there, but no luck. Also looking into osascript and I am able to set the desktop picture there, but I haven't found a way to toggle that setting from osascript.
Edit: here's one way to do it, but it's less than ideal. I'd like to be able to set it without launching the application!
tell application "System Events"
tell application "System Settings"
activate
end tell
delay 0.5
tell process "System Settings"
delay 0.5
click menu item "Wallpaper" of menu "View" of menu bar 1
delay 0.5
click checkbox "Show on all Spaces" of group 2 of scroll area 1 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window "Wallpaper"
end tell
delay 0.5
tell application "System Settings"
quit
end tell
end tell
Jared Wyce
(23 rep)
Oct 10, 2023, 10:50 PM
• Last activity: Nov 21, 2023, 05:20 AM
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