Changing the lock screen photo on your Mac is a great way to personalize your computer and give it a fresh look. Whether you want to use a favorite family photo, a stunning landscape, or an inspiring quote as your lock screen image, this tutorial will guide you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Find the Perfect Image
Before we begin, make sure you have an image ready that you would like to set as your lock screen photo. It could be a picture saved on your computer or one downloaded from the internet. Remember, choosing an image with high resolution will ensure it looks crisp and clear on your lock screen.
Step 2: Open System Preferences
To change your lock screen photo, start by opening System Preferences. You can do this by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Access Desktop & Screen Saver
Within System Preferences, you’ll find various settings for customizing your Mac. Look for the “Desktop & Screen Saver” icon and click on it to proceed.
Changing Desktop Background
If you’re using macOS Mojave or later, changing the lock screen photo involves changing the desktop background as well. Don’t worry; we’ll cover both aspects in this tutorial.
Step 4: Select Desktop Tab
Once you’re in the “Desktop & Screen Saver” window, make sure you’re in the “Desktop” tab. Here, you’ll see different options for setting up your desktop background.
Step 5: Add Your Image
To add your chosen image as both the desktop background and lock screen photo, simply drag and drop it onto the preview area provided in this window. Alternatively, you can click on the “+” button at the bottom of the left sidebar and browse your computer to find the image.
Step 6: Adjust Image Position
By default, macOS will try to fit the image to your screen size. However, if you prefer a different display option, click on the “Fit,” “Fill Screen,” or “Stretch to Fill Screen” dropdown menu located below the preview area and choose the option that suits your preferences.
Changing Lock Screen Photo
Now that we have set up our desktop background, let’s move on to changing the lock screen photo specifically.
Step 7: Select Screen Saver Tab
Go back to the “Desktop & Screen Saver” window by clicking on its icon in System Preferences. This time, navigate to the “Screen Saver” tab. Here, you can customize various settings related to your Mac’s screensaver and lock screen.
Step 8: Choose a Screensaver
Within the “Screen Saver” tab, you’ll see a list of available screensavers on the left side of the window. Select any screensaver from this list; it doesn’t matter which one since we’re going to change it in the next step.
Step 9: Customize Screensaver Settings
Once you’ve selected a screensaver from the list, click on the “Screen Saver Options..” button located just below it. A new window will pop up with specific settings for that screensaver.
Step 10: Set Your Image as Lock Screen Photo
In this new window, look for an option called “Show with clock.” Enable this checkbox by clicking on it.
Now click on the “+” button next to it and select your chosen image from your computer. This will set your image as both your lock screen photo and screensaver background when your Mac is locked.
Step 11: Apply Changes
After selecting your image, close the screensaver options window by clicking “Done.” You will be taken back to the “Screen Saver” tab in System Preferences. Make sure to click on the “Screen Saver Options.” button again and uncheck the “Show with clock” checkbox if you don’t want the clock to appear on your lock screen.
Step 12: Enjoy Your New Lock Screen Photo
Congratulations! You have successfully changed your lock screen photo on your Mac. Lock your computer, and you’ll see your chosen image displayed when you wake it up.
- Tips:
- To change your lock screen photo again in the future, simply repeat these steps.
- If you want a different lock screen photo than your desktop background, make sure to select a different screensaver from the list in Step 8.
- Experiment with various images and position settings to find what suits you best!
With just a few simple steps, you can easily personalize your Mac’s lock screen with an image that brings a smile to your face or motivates you every time you unlock it. Enjoy the new look of your Mac and have fun exploring different images to keep things fresh!