Welcome to the world of Mac! Owning a Mac device comes with a host of benefits- one of which is the ability to easily customize your device to suit your preferences. So, to all Mac users out there, are you tired of staring at the same default screensaver every time your device goes into sleep mode? Well, worry not, because in this article, we’ll be taking you through 12 easy steps on how to change screensavers on Mac.
Steps
Step 1: Go to System Preferences
To begin the process of changing your screensaver, start by clicking on the Apple icon on the top left corner of your screen. From there, select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Click on the “Desktop & Screen Saver” option
Within System Preferences, look for the “Desktop & Screen Saver” icon, and then click on it.
Step 3: Select the “Screen Saver” tab
Once you click on “Desktop & Screen Saver,” it will open a new window. In that window, you should see a “Screen Saver” tab. Select that option.
Step 4: Browse through the available screensavers
Within the “Screen Saver” tab, there is a grid of available screensavers. Take some time to browse through them and select the one you like the most.
Step 5: Set your preferred screensaver
Once you’ve selected the screensaver that you want, click on it to choose it. You should now see a preview of what the screensaver will look like when it is enabled.
Step 6: Customize the screensaver settings
Each screensaver has its own settings that can be customized. To access these settings, click on the “Screen Saver Options” button on the bottom right corner of the window.
Step 7: Adjust the settings as you prefer
Once you’re in the screensaver options, you can adjust settings such as the speed, direction, and font of the screensaver text, among others. Choose the settings that you like and click “OK.”
Step 8: Set the start time for screensaver
After customizing your screensaver settings, you can now choose the time when your screensaver should come on. To do this, go back to the “Screen Saver” tab and use the “Start after” option.
Step 9: Test the screensaver
To preview how your new screensaver will look like, click on the “Preview” button on the bottom right corner of the window.
Step 10: Save the new screensaver settings
If you’re happy with your new screensaver settings, click on “Save” to save the changes.
Step 11: Disable password protection for the screensaver
If your Mac requires a password to log in, then the password will be required when exiting the screensaver. To disable this, uncheck the “Require password” checkbox on the bottom left corner of the window.
Step 12: Enjoy your new screensaver!
Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy your new customized screensaver.
Explanation
Now that we’ve gone through the steps of changing your screensaver on Mac, let’s explore a little deeper into the reasons why you might want to change your screensaver. First of all, customizing your screensaver allows you to personalize your device and make it more visually appealing to your taste.
Moreover, choosing screensavers that are in line with your interests or hobbies can have a calming effect on your mind, helping you to relax and unwind. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks from work or screen time and engaging in calming activities such as looking at screensavers can result in increased productivity and improved mood.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Experiment with different types of screensavers
There are many different types of screensavers to choose from, ranging from images of nature to cultural landmarks. Experiment with different types to find what best suits your style.
Tip 2: Use your own pictures as screensavers
If you have pictures that you’ve taken yourself, you can use them as a screensaver. This adds a personal touch to your device and allows you to showcase your photography skills.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to modify default screensavers
Even if you like a default screensaver, you can still modify it to suit your preferences. Play around with the screensaver settings to create a unique and customized look.
Tip 4: Keep your screensaver clean and simple
Remember that your screensaver is meant to be a visual break from work or screen time, not a distraction in and of itself. Keep it simple and clean to avoid getting too caught up in it.
Tip 5: Don’t forget to adjust your screensaver settings
Depending on your work or home environment, you may need to adjust the screensaver settings to conserve battery life or to avoid causing a disturbance.
Tip 6: Change your screensaver periodically
Just like changing up your background or wallpaper, changing your screensaver periodically can keep things fresh and interesting.
Tip 7: Use a screensaver that matches your device’s display resolution
Using a screensaver that is optimized for your device’s resolution can help to ensure that the screensaver looks its best.
Tip 8: Take note of the screensaver’s source and licensing
If you’re downloading a screensaver from a third-party source, make sure that it is legitimate and properly licensed.
Tip 9: Be mindful of others around you when choosing a screensaver
If you’re using your device in a shared space, such as an office or library, make sure that your screensaver is not too distracting or inappropriate.
Tip 10: Have fun with it!
At the end of the day, changing your screensaver is a simple and fun way to personalize your Mac. So, take your time, experiment, and enjoy the process!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing Your Screensaver on Mac
Advantages
1. Personalization: By changing your screensaver, you can add a personal touch to your Mac. You can use your own photos, favorite images, or even a video as your screensaver.
2. Reduce Eye Strain: Changing your screensaver can help reduce eye strain, especially if you work on your computer for long hours. By using a screensaver with a dark background, you can reduce the amount of light emitted by your screen.
3. Security: You can set your screensaver to lock your Mac automatically after a certain period of inactivity. This is an excellent security feature, as it ensures that no one can access your computer when you’re away.
4. Save Energy: If your Mac is set to sleep after a period of inactivity, changing your screensaver to a dark background can help save energy. The darker the screen, the less energy your Mac will consume.
5. Entertainment: Using a screensaver that displays your favorite photos, videos, or animation can be a source of entertainment when you’re taking a break from work.
6. Education: You can use screensavers to display educational content, such as historical photos, scientific images, or language lessons. This can be a fun and easy way to learn something new.
7. Advertise: If you run a business, you can use your screensaver to advertise your products or services. You can display information about your business, your logo, or your contact information.
8. Creativity: Creating your screensaver can be a fun and creative process. You can use your imagination and come up with unique designs that reflect your personality and style.
9. Mood Booster: Screensavers can be uplifting and mood-boosting. You can choose a screensaver that displays positive messages or inspiring quotes to lift your spirit.
10. Free: Changing your screensaver is a free and easy way to customize your Mac. You don’t need to install any software or buy any additional equipment.
Disadvantages
1. Distraction: Changing your screensaver can be a distraction if you’re easily distracted. Having an entertaining screensaver can make it hard to stay focused on work.
2. Inappropriate Content: If you’re using your own photos or videos as your screensaver, be careful not to display any inappropriate or sensitive material.
3. Reduced Productivity: Spending too much time creating or selecting screensavers can reduce your productivity. It’s important to balance creativity with work.
4. Compatibility Issues: Some screensavers may not be compatible with your Mac’s operating system or hardware. This can cause glitches and reduce the performance of your computer.
5. Technical Difficulty: Creating your screensaver may require technical skills that you don’t have. This can be frustrating and time-consuming.
6. Limited Options: The built-in screensavers on Mac may not offer enough options to satisfy your creative needs. You may need to look for additional screensavers online.
7. Lengthy Process: If you decide to create your screensaver from scratch, it can be a lengthy and complicated process. You may need to spend hours researching and experimenting until you get it right.
8. Storage Space: Using your own photos or videos as screensavers can take up a lot of storage space on your Mac. This can reduce the performance of your computer and slow it down.
9. Battery Drain: If you’re using a screensaver that requires a lot of graphics and animation, it can drain your battery faster than usual.
10. Malware: Downloading screensavers from untrusted sources can expose your Mac to malware and other security threats. Be careful when downloading screensavers from the internet.
FAQ
1. How do I access the screensaver settings on my Mac?
You can access the screensaver settings by opening System Preferences, clicking on Desktop & Screen Saver, and then clicking on the Screen Saver tab.
2. Can I set a custom screensaver image?
Yes, you can set a custom screensaver image by selecting a folder with your preferred images and selecting the “Custom Folder” option under the “Source” menu in the Screen Saver settings.
3. How do I change the screensaver transition style?
You can change the screensaver transition style by clicking on the “Change Effect” button in the Screen Saver settings and selecting your preferred option.
4. Can I set my own screensaver message?
Yes, you can set your own screensaver message by selecting the “Message” option in the Screen Saver text options and typing in your message.
5. Can I set the time for the screensaver to start?
Yes, you can set the time for the screensaver to start by adjusting the “Start after” timer in the Screen Saver settings.
6. Can I preview the screensaver before setting it up?
Yes, you can preview the screensaver before setting it up by clicking on the “Preview” button in the Screen Saver settings.
7. How can I disable the screensaver?
You can disable the screensaver by selecting “Start after: Never” in the Screen Saver settings.
8. Can I set a different screensaver for each monitor?
Yes, you can set a different screensaver for each monitor by selecting the “Different Screen Saver” option under the “Screen Saver” menu in the Desktop & Screen Saver settings and then selecting your preferred screensaver for each monitor.
9. Can I set a screensaver password?
Yes, you can set a screensaver password by selecting the “Require password” option in the Screen Saver settings and choosing your preferred options.
10. Can I set the screensaver to activate when I close my MacBook?
Yes, you can set the screensaver to activate when you close your MacBook by selecting the “Activate screensaver when display sleeps” option in the Energy Saver settings.
11. How do I download new screensavers for my Mac?
You can download new screensavers for your Mac from the App Store or by searching online for third-party options.
12. Can I set a screensaver from my own video?
Yes, you can set a screensaver from your own video by selecting the “iTunes Artwork” option under the “Source” menu in the Screen Saver settings and then choosing your preferred video.
13. Can I set a screensaver from my own music?
Yes, you can set a screensaver from your own music by selecting the “iTunes Artwork” option under the “Source” menu in the Screen Saver settings and then choosing your preferred music track.
How to Change Screensaver on Mac
If you are tired of your current screensaver on your Mac and want to change it, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change your screensaver on your Mac.
Conclusion and Closing
Changing your screensaver on your Mac is a quick and easy process that can add a little bit of personality to your device. Now that you know how to change your screensaver on your Mac, feel free to experiment with different images and animations to find the one that best suits your style. Remember to have fun with it and make your Mac truly yours. Thanks for reading and goodbye!