Apple has moved the wallpaper controls around over the years, so the exact path depends on your macOS version. On macOS Ventura and later it lives in System Settings; on Monterey and earlier it’s under System Preferences. Both take just a few clicks.
On macOS Ventura, Sonoma & newer
- Open System SettingsClick the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings.
- Click WallpaperSelect Wallpaper from the sidebar on the left.
- Pick a wallpaperChoose one of Apple’s designs, a dynamic wallpaper, or a solid colour.
- Add your ownClick Add Photo or drag an image in to use your own picture.
On macOS Monterey & earlier
- Open System PreferencesFrom the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- Click Desktop & Screen SaverThen open the Desktop tab.
- Choose an imagePick from the folders on the left, or click + to add your own folder of wallpapers.
Tip: For a razor-sharp desktop, use an image at least as large as your screen — 3840 × 2160 (4K) for most Macs, or higher for a 5K iMac or Studio Display.
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Quick answers
How do I set a photo as my wallpaper? In System Settings › Wallpaper, click Add Photo and choose the image from your library.
Can the wallpaper change automatically? Yes — choose a folder and tick “Change picture” to rotate through it on a schedule.