How to Change the Screensaver on Mac

Setting a screensaver on your Mac is a great way to personalize your computer and prevent screen burn-in. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to change the screensaver on your Mac.

Step 1: Open System Preferences

To change the screensaver settings on your Mac, start by opening the System Preferences. You can do this by either clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "System Preferences," or by clicking on the "System Preferences" icon in your Dock.

Step 2: Access Desktop & Screen Saver Settings

Once the System Preferences window is open, locate and click on the "Desktop & Screen Saver" option. It is usually in the top row, represented by an icon with a picture of a desktop and a star.

Step 3: Go to Screen Saver Settings

After clicking on "Desktop & Screen Saver," a new window will appear with two tabs at the top: "Desktop" and "Screen Saver." Click on the "Screen Saver" tab.

Step 4: Choose a Screensaver

On the left side of the "Screen Saver" tab, you will see a list of available screensavers. You can preview each screensaver by clicking on its name. Once you find a screensaver you like, select it.

Step 5: Adjust Screensaver Settings

Once you have chosen a screensaver, you can customize its settings to your liking. Some screensavers have adjustable options, such as slideshow speed, image selection, or text display. To access the screensaver settings, click on the "Screen Saver Options" button located just below the screensaver list.

Step 6: Preview and Set Screensaver

After adjusting the screensaver settings, you can preview your selected screensaver by clicking on the "Preview" button. This will display a demo of the screensaver on your screen. If you are satisfied with the settings and want to set the screensaver as your default, click on the "OK" button.

Step 7: Set a Start Time (Optional)

If you wish to have your screensaver activate after a certain period of inactivity, you can set a start time. To do this, ensure that the "Screen Saver" tab is still selected, and next to the "Start after" option, use the dropdown menu to choose your preferred time interval.

Step 8: Close System Preferences

Once you have chosen and configured your screensaver settings, you can close the System Preferences window. You have now successfully changed the screensaver on your Mac.

Congratulations! You have learned how to change the screensaver on your Mac. Feel free to experiment with different screensavers and settings to find the perfect combination for your personal preferences.

Note: The steps mentioned above were based on macOS Big Sur (11.0). The process may vary slightly on different versions of macOS, but the general steps should remain similar.