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How-to guide

How to set a screensaver or live wallpaper on macOS Tahoe

A step-by-step guide to installing SCRNSVRS, setting any design as your Mac screensaver or live wallpaper, and controlling it from the menu bar.

By Filip Sokolowski2 min read

Flip Clock running on a MacBook Pro
Flip Clock – one of the screensavers in the free SCRNSVRS app.

macOS Tahoe treats screensavers and wallpapers as two sides of the same system – which means anything in SCRNSVRS can be either. Here’s how to get set up in about a minute.

  1. 1. Download and install SCRNSVRS

    Download the free disk image from scrnsvrs.com, open it and drag SCRNSVRS into your Applications folder. The first time, Control-click the app and choose Open (or allow it in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway).

  2. 2. Pick a screensaver

    Open SCRNSVRS and browse the library – Originals, Retro Classics, Games and Clocks. Click any design to see it running live, and adjust its settings, including playback speed.

  3. 3. Set it as your screensaver

    Click Set as Screensaver. SCRNSVRS becomes your Mac's screensaver straight away; you can also choose it any time under System Settings → Screen Saver.

  4. 4. Or use it as a live wallpaper

    Click Set as Wallpaper to run the scene on your desktop behind your windows. It runs at up to 30 fps and pauses automatically when windows cover the desktop.

  5. 5. Control it from the menu bar

    Use the SCRNSVRS menu bar icon to switch scenes, build a shuffle playlist, skip to the next scene, pause the wallpaper or start the screensaver right now.

Frequently asked questions

Which macOS versions are supported?

SCRNSVRS needs macOS Tahoe 26 or later and runs on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

How do I set how soon the screensaver starts?

Open System Settings → Lock Screen and choose a time for 'Start Screen Saver when inactive'.

How do I go back to Apple's screensavers?

Pick any built-in screensaver or wallpaper in System Settings → Screen Saver or Wallpaper. SCRNSVRS stays installed if you want it back.

Does a live wallpaper drain my battery?

Very little: it's capped at 30 fps, drops further on battery and Low Power Mode, and pauses whenever the desktop isn't visible. You can also pause it from the menu bar.