Setting wallpaper on your desktop or mobile device is a great way to customize and personalize your space. Wallpaper can reflect your style and interests, while also changing the entire look and feel of your device. Setting wallpaper properly ensures it looks crisp and visually appealing. There are a few key steps to follow when setting wallpaper on both desktop and mobile. With the right approach, you can set wallpaper easily within minutes.
Things Needed Before Setting Wallpaper
Before jumping into the actual wallpaper setting process, there are a few prerequisites to get in order first:
- Select wallpaper – This involves picking out wallpaper that you want to use. Determine if you want a busy pattern or simple solid color. Also decide if you want an image like landscape photography or an abstract design. Consider screen resolution to ensure the wallpaper renders properly.
- Download wallpaper – After picking wallpaper, you need to download the file to your device. Many wallpapers can be downloaded online from sites like Unsplash or WallpaperAccess. Be sure to download a high resolution image for best appearance.
- Check device compatibility – Make sure the wallpaper you selected works for your device’s screen size and resolution. Wallpaper that looks good on a desktop may appear distorted on a mobile phone.
- Backup existing wallpaper – If you want to be able to revert back to your original wallpaper, make a backup copy before changing to new wallpaper.
Following these preparatory steps allows you to have the new wallpaper file ready to use and avoid any compatibility issues.
How to Set Wallpaper on Desktop
Setting wallpaper on a desktop computer is straightforward for major operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. Here are the steps to follow:
Windows
- Right click empty space on desktop and select “Personalize”
- Click “Background” along top menu
- Click “Browse” to select new wallpaper image file downloaded
- Choose “Picture Location” on dropdown menu
- Select image file you want to use as wallpaper
- Click “Choose picture” once file is selected
- Preview of selected wallpaper will display on desktop
- Click “Save changes” to set new wallpaper
Mac
- Go to Apple menu > System Preferences
- Select “Desktop & Screen Saver”
- Click the “Desktop” tab
- Select the wallpaper folder you want from left sidebar
- Double click image file to preview it on desktop
- Arrange the image if needed using “Position” dropdown
- Click “Change Desktop Background” to set selected wallpaper
Chromebook
- Right click empty space on desktop
- Select “Set Wallpaper”
- Click “My Images” to choose wallpaper from downloads
- Select wallpaper image file you want
- Use “Position” dropdown to arrange wallpaper
- Click “Set Wallpaper” to confirm
As you can see, the process involves just a few clicks to select the wallpaper file and confirm the change. Within seconds you can have new wallpaper set on desktop.
How to Set Wallpaper on Mobile
Setting wallpaper on a mobile device like smartphone or tablet is also quick and easy. Here are the steps for iPhone and Android:
iPhone
- Go to Settings > Wallpaper
- Tap “Choose New Wallpaper”
- Select wallpaper image from options
- Preview wallpaper by holding finger on screen
- Tap “Set” and choose “Set Both” to change home screen and lock screen
- Pinch and zoom wallpaper to position
- Tap “Set” to confirm
Android
- Long press empty space on home screen
- Tap “Wallpapers”
- Choose wallpaper image from list
- Move and scale image as needed
- Tap “Set Wallpaper”
- Select “Home screen”, “Lock screen” or both
- Tap “Set Wallpaper” to confirm
Similar to desktop, just locate the wallpaper image file and select it. Position or scale the wallpaper as needed before confirming the change.
Tips for Setting Wallpaper
Follow these tips when setting wallpaper for the best outcome:
- Choose high resolution wallpaper for sharpest image quality
- Make sure wallpaper dimensions match device screen
- Use larger solid patterns for consistent appearance across screens
- Check that important elements are not hidden if scaling image
- Preview wallpaper before setting to make adjustments
- Change wallpaper regularly to keep device looking updated
Properly sized and high resolution wallpaper prevents pixelation or distortion. Previewing first allows you to perfect the scaling and positioning. Rotating through new wallpaper keep your device feeling fresh.
Common Questions about Setting Wallpaper
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about setting wallpaper:
How do I set a gif as wallpaper?
To set an animated gif as wallpaper, download a gif file and follow the same wallpaper setting process for your device. Not all devices support gif wallpapers so check compatibility first. You may need to use a live wallpaper app for gif support.
Can I set video as wallpaper?
Setting a video as wallpaper is possible on some newer Android devices. Download a video file and select it from the wallpaper options. Alternatively, use a live wallpaper app for video support. iPhone does not currently support live video wallpaper.
How do I set different home and lock screen wallpaper?
On iPhone, choose unique wallpaper images when prompted to “Set Both”. On Android, toggle the separate home screen and lock screen options when confirming the wallpaper. Windows and Mac generally use the same wallpaper for desktop and lock screen.
Why is my wallpaper rotating?
Some devices have an automatic wallpaper rotation feature enabled. Disable this setting if you only want a single static wallpaper image shown. The wallpaper should then remain fixed in place.
How often should you change wallpaper?
There is no rule for how often to change wallpaper. Some people change it daily, others only a few times a year. Change wallpaper whenever you want a new look or get bored of the current image. Mix it up regularly for variety.
Conclusion
Setting wallpaper provides an easy way to change the entire visual style of your desktop or mobile device. With the proper sizing and positioning, wallpaper can look crisp and cohesive across screens. Follow the step-by-step process outlined above for smoothly setting wallpaper on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, or Android. Change wallpaper as often as you like to keep your device looking updated and matching your mood or interests. With the right wallpaper your computer or phone will stand out while still being fully personalized.