How to schedule wallpaper changes by time of day on macOS

Want your Mac's wallpaper to automatically adapt throughout the day? Whether you prefer bright, energizing images in the morning and calming scenes in the evening, macOS offers several ways to schedule wallpaper changes based on time. This guide covers everything from built-in dynamic wallpapers to custom automation solutions.

Built-in options: Dynamic wallpapers

macOS includes dynamic wallpapers that automatically change based on time of day or solar position. These sophisticated wallpapers show different phases throughout the day, creating a natural progression.

Setting up dynamic wallpapers

1. Open System Settings → Wallpaper
2. Look for wallpapers labeled "Dynamic" (they have a sunrise/sunset icon)
3. Select a dynamic wallpaper
4. Choose between "Dynamic" (changes based on time) or "Light/Dark" (follows system appearance)

Available dynamic wallpapers

• macOS Sonoma: Dynamic Desktop variants
• macOS Ventura: Nature-themed dynamic wallpapers
• macOS Monterey: Abstract gradient dynamics
• macOS Big Sur: Big Sur coastline through the day
• macOS Mojave: Desert landscape from dawn to night

Using Shortcuts for scheduled wallpaper changes

For more control over timing and specific wallpapers, use the Shortcuts app to create time-based automation.

Creating a time-based wallpaper shortcut

1. Open the Shortcuts app
2. Click the + button to create a new shortcut
3. Search for "Set Desktop Picture" action and add it
4. Select or drag the wallpaper image you want to use
5. Name your shortcut (e.g., "Morning Wallpaper")
6. Create separate shortcuts for different times of day

Automating shortcuts by time

1. Switch to the Automation tab in Shortcuts
2. Click + to create a new automation
3. Choose Time of Day
4. Set your desired time (e.g., 7:00 AM for morning)
5. Choose Run Immediately (no notification needed)
6. Click Next and select your wallpaper shortcut
7. Repeat for different times throughout the day

Suggested scheduling strategy

Advanced automation with command line

For developers and power users, you can use shell scripts scheduled with cron or Launch Agents to change wallpapers.

Basic command to change wallpaper

osascript -e 'tell application "System Events" to tell every desktop to set picture to "/path/to/your/wallpaper.jpg"'

Creating a scheduled script

Create a shell script that checks the current hour and sets appropriate wallpapers:

#!/bin/bash

HOUR=$(date +%H)
WALLPAPER_DIR="$HOME/Pictures/Wallpapers"

if [ $HOUR -ge 6 ] && [ $HOUR -lt 9 ]; then
    WALLPAPER="$WALLPAPER_DIR/morning.jpg"
elif [ $HOUR -ge 9 ] && [ $HOUR -lt 12 ]; then
    WALLPAPER="$WALLPAPER_DIR/focus.jpg"
elif [ $HOUR -ge 12 ] && [ $HOUR -lt 18 ]; then
    WALLPAPER="$WALLPAPER_DIR/afternoon.jpg"
elif [ $HOUR -ge 18 ] && [ $HOUR -lt 22 ]; then
    WALLPAPER="$WALLPAPER_DIR/evening.jpg"
else
    WALLPAPER="$WALLPAPER_DIR/night.jpg"
fi

osascript -e "tell application \"System Events\" to tell every desktop to set picture to \"$WALLPAPER\""

Third-party solutions

Wallpapery

Wallpapery offers intelligent wallpaper rotation throughout the day, automatically selecting appropriate images based on time and your preferences. It handles scheduling seamlessly in the background.

Other apps to consider

• Dynamic Wallpaper: Create custom time-based dynamic wallpapers
• Irvue: Unsplash integration with scheduling
• 24 Hour Wallpaper: Specifically designed for time-based changes

Integrating with Focus modes

Combine time-based wallpaper changes with macOS Focus modes for even more contextual customization. For example, when your "Work" Focus activates at 9 AM, trigger both notification filtering and a productivity-focused wallpaper change.

Learn more in our guide: Using focus modes with custom wallpapers.

Best practices

• Match your circadian rhythm: Bright, cool tones during the day; warm, darker tones in the evening
• Consider your work schedule: Use minimal wallpapers during peak work hours
• Don't overdo transitions: 3-4 changes per day is usually sufficient
• Test your schedule: Live with it for a week and adjust timing as needed
• Organize your wallpapers: Create folders by time of day for easy management

Troubleshooting

Shortcuts automation not running

• Check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation
• Ensure Shortcuts has permission to control System Events
• Make sure "Run Immediately" is enabled in automation settings

Wallpaper doesn't change across all displays

Modify the Shortcuts action to select "All Desktops" or create separate shortcuts for each display if you want different schedules per monitor.

Ready for effortless scheduled wallpaper changes? Try Wallpapery and enjoy automatically curated wallpapers that adapt to your day. Browse our designer collections for time-appropriate wallpapers.