If you are looking to customize your Macs home screen, look no further. When scrolling TikTok and Instagram, I kept seeing the funniest and cutest customized home screens. I had to discover how influences were doing it. Now you can know too! Learn how to customize your background and create your plane Jane folders into themed icons to spice up your daily laptop routine. keep scrolling!
Step 1: Choose your theme
Some example themes could be: Ocean, Coffee, Sport, Food, Zoo, your favorite Movie/Series, or hobby!
For my personal laptop, I currently have a Studio Ghibli theme. I will use photos from that for visuals throughout this post. I got this idea from an IG creator: @unfollowadrian
Step 2a: Google your photos (PNG only) with transparent background
Google your desired theme and be sure to find images that either have transparent backgrounds or can be easily removed. This looks best if you have distinct icon images, like a loaf of bread, a fish, or Spiderman.
Step 2b: How to easily remove backgrounds of photos using iPhone or Canva Pro
There are a wide variety of ways to remove backgrounds from images. My top two are to either use the hold and copy method on iPhone or BGR on Canvas Pro. If you have an iPhone, hold down on your desired image and press copy, text that image to yourself then save it to your laptop! If you are able to invest in Canva Pro or have it already, simply upload your image and use the background remover option for a clean AI photoshop.
Reminder: these images MUST be converted to PNG, it won’t work otherwise. Be sure to remove all backgrounds first THEN convert to PNG!
Step 2c: Drag chosen photos onto home screen
Once you have all of your desired icons/images, drag them onto your present Home Screen. Don’t forget to pick out your main image that will serve as the landing page and home for your icon folders.
Step 3: Organize your existing home screen
Creating and setting aside folders that you want to be visible on your home screen. Line up all of your folders vertically. Then, one by one, place your desired image next to each folder (not in the folder, but beside it)!
Step 4: Upload your main background image
Using the search icon, type “wallpaper.” When the display options pop up, drag your desired background photo into the icon that looks like a mini laptop labeled “Built-in Display.” BOOM your background image is set!
Step 5: Converting your plain outdated folders into cute little icons to fit your desired theme!
Assuming you have your desired images ready and numbered equal to the amount of folders you have on your main display, start by double clicking on the first folder. When the list of options appear, scroll up and click “Get info.” Simply drag your PNG image to the top left corner and voilà, move your new folder icons around to fit your display to your desired aesthetic!
For a visual example, check out my reel on IG to see the finished product on how to customize your Mac home screen and folders! 🙂
Cheers,
Cosette & David
