Match your wallpaper to Dark mode automatically

How to set it up

1. Create a Dark profile. Add a System appearance (Dark / Light) rule set to Dark.
2. Choose a dark image. Add Set desktop wallpaper and pick a dark Apple wallpaper or one of your own photos.
3. Create a Light profile. Add the same rule set to Light, with a bright wallpaper.
4. Set priorities. Give place profiles such as Office a higher priority (lower number) if their wallpaper should win during the day.

Get Profiles Switcher on the Mac App Store, for macOS 13 or later

Some Apple wallpapers do this, your photos do not

A few of Apple’s wallpapers have light and dark versions and follow the appearance on their own. A favorite photo does not: a bright beach picture in Dark mode is glaring at night. With two small profiles, any image can follow the appearance.

When the appearance changes

Set macOS to Auto in System Settings > Appearance and it switches to Dark at sunset and back in the morning. Profiles Switcher notices each change immediately and switches the wallpaper with it. Switching by hand from Control Center works the same way.

More than the wallpaper

Dark mode often means evening. The Dark profile is a good place for other evening settings:

• Set system volume lower, so a notification sound does not startle anyone.
• Hide an app such as Mail, to switch off from work.
• Run a Shortcut that turns on a Focus mode for the evening.

Remember that one profile is active at a time: if a place profile such as Office also sets a wallpaper, the priority decides which one you see.

Frequently asked questions

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