How to Create Dynamic Wallpapers for macOS

Dynamic wallpapers are one of macOS's most elegant features, automatically adjusting your desktop background based on the time of day. In this guide, we'll show you how to create your own dynamic wallpapers using the .heic format.

What Are Dynamic Wallpapers?

Dynamic wallpapers in macOS are special images that can change based on various factors like time of day, light/dark mode, or even your location's sun position. They use the High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) format to store multiple images along with metadata about when each image should be displayed.

Requirements for Creating Dynamic Wallpapers

Multiple high-quality images (ideally 6-16 images for a day/night cycle)
Image editing software for preparing your images
Terminal or a dynamic wallpaper creation tool
Basic understanding of command-line tools

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Images

Start by creating or collecting a series of images that represent different times of day. Make sure they:

Have the same resolution (recommended: 3840×2160 or higher)
Follow a logical progression (e.g., dawn, morning, noon, afternoon, sunset, night)
Are saved in a high-quality format (PNG recommended)

2. Convert Images to HEIC

macOS uses the HEIC format for dynamic wallpapers. You can convert your images using various tools:

Using Preview app to export as HEIC
Using third-party dynamic wallpaper creation tools
Using command-line tools like heif-convert

3. Add Metadata

The magic of dynamic wallpapers lies in their metadata. Each image needs:

Time information (when it should be displayed)
Solar elevation angles (for sun-based transitions)
Appearance settings (light/dark mode compatibility)

Tips for Great Dynamic Wallpapers

Ensure smooth transitions between images
Consider both light and dark mode users
Test your wallpaper at different times of day
Keep file sizes reasonable (under 30MB recommended)

Tools and Resources

Several tools can help you create dynamic wallpapers:

Dynamic Wallpaper Club - Online community and resources
HEIC Converter tools
Dynamic wallpaper creation apps

Creating dynamic wallpapers takes time and effort, but the result can be truly stunning. If you're looking for ready-made dynamic wallpapers, check out our collection or try Wallpapery for automated wallpaper management.