Here are the main ways to change your desktop wallpaper on macOS.

Method 1: Use Webshots (Recommended)

Webshots for Mac automatically rotates your wallpaper from 5,000+ HD and 4K photos. Download and install the free app, sign in, and click "Make Wallpaper" on any photo. here →

For Desktop photos (Wallpaper), leave the macOS Desktop & Screen Saver System Preferences alone and use the built-in Webshots Wallpaper controls instead.

Method 2: System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)

  1. Click the Apple menu () → System Settings.
  2. Select "Wallpaper" in the sidebar.
  3. Browse the built-in options or click "Add Photo…" to use your own image.
  4. Click any wallpaper to apply it immediately.
  5. Optionally enable "Rotate Automatically" to cycle through a folder of images.

Method 3: System Preferences (macOS Monterey and earlier)

  1. Click the Apple menu () → System Preferences.
  2. Open "Desktop & Screen Saver".
  3. Click the "Desktop" tab.
  4. Select a folder on the left or click "+" to add your own photos folder.
  5. Click a photo to set it as your wallpaper.

Method 4: Right-click from Finder

  1. Find the image in Finder.
  2. Right-click (or Control-click) the file.
  3. Select "Set Desktop Picture".

For a curated library of professional HD and 4K wallpapers that rotate automatically, download the free Webshots app at here →