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Have you ever wondered how to change the background on your Mac’s Desktop 2? Many Mac users are unaware of this feature or find it challenging to customize their second desktop background. In this blog post, we will explore the process of changing the background on Desktop 2 and provide you with several methods to do so. Whether you want to personalize your workspace or differentiate between work and personal tasks, customizing Desktop 2 can be a great way to enhance your Mac experience.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Desktop 2 Background on Mac
Changing the background on Desktop 2 may seem like a daunting task for some Mac users. Unlike the primary desktop, which can easily be customized through System Preferences, Desktop 2 requires a slightly different approach. By default, macOS sets the same background for all desktops, making it difficult to distinguish between workspaces. However, with a few simple steps and tricks, you can overcome this challenge and give your Desktop 2 a unique look.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods of changing the background on Desktop 2, there are a few things you should prepare for. Firstly, make sure your Mac is running on macOS Mojave or later, as these versions introduce the ability to set separate backgrounds for each desktop. Additionally, gather a collection of images or wallpapers that you wish to use as backgrounds for Desktop 2. It’s always best to have a variety of options, so you can switch between them depending on your mood or task at hand.
Method 1: How to Change Desktop 2 Background via System Preferences
To change the background on Desktop 2 using System Preferences, follow these steps:
1. Open the "System Preferences" by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "System Preferences."
2. In the System Preferences window, click on the "Desktop & Screen Saver" icon.
3. The Desktop & Screen Saver window will open. Click on the "Desktop" tab.
4. On the left side of the window, you will see thumbnail images of the available desktop backgrounds. Scroll through the options and find the one you want to set as the background for Desktop 2.
5. Click on the thumbnail image to select it.
6. In the drop-down menu below the thumbnail images, select "Desktop 2."
7. Close the System Preferences window. Your Desktop 2 background will now be updated with the selected image.
Pros:
| Pros | 1. Easy to follow |
|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Only supports static images |
Method 2: How to Change Desktop 2 Background via Mission Control
Changing the background on Desktop 2 using Mission Control is another method you can try. Here are the steps:
1. Open Mission Control by either swiping up with three fingers on your trackpad or pressing the F3 key on your keyboard.
2. Move your mouse cursor to the top-right corner of the screen to reveal the Desktops overview.
3. Hover over Desktop 2 and click on the "Options" button that appears in the top-left corner of the thumbnail.
4. A drop-down menu will appear. Select "Change Desktop Background" from the options.
5. The Desktop & Screen Saver window will open. Follow steps 4 to 7 from Method 1 to select and set a new background for Desktop 2.
Pros:
| Pros | 1. Quick access via Mission Control |
|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Limited to static images |
Method 3: How to Change Desktop 2 Background via Terminal
For more advanced users who prefer the command line, changing the background on Desktop 2 via Terminal can be a great option. Follow these steps:
1. Open Terminal. You can do this by searching for "Terminal" in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter: `sqlite3 ~/Library/Application Support/Dock/desktoppicture.db "update data set value=’/path/to/your/image.jpg'"`.
– Replace "/path/to/your/image.jpg" with the actual file path of the image you want to set as the background for Desktop 2.
3. Once the command is executed, restart the Dock process by typing `killall Dock` in Terminal and pressing Enter.
4. The Dock will restart, and your Desktop 2 background will be updated with the selected image.
Pros:
| Pros | 1. Allows customization beyond static images |
|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires familiarity with Terminal |
Method 4: How to Change Desktop 2 Background via Third-Party Apps
If you prefer a more user-friendly and feature-rich approach, using third-party apps can provide you with additional customization options for your Desktop 2 background. Here’s how:
1. Research and choose a third-party app that allows you to set separate backgrounds for each desktop. Some popular options include "TotalSpaces2" and "Dexpot."
2. Download and install the selected app according to the provided instructions.
3. Open the app and navigate to the settings or preferences section.
4. Look for the option to set separate backgrounds for each desktop or virtual workspace.
5. Follow the app’s instructions to select and set a new background image for Desktop 2.
Pros:
| Pros | 1. Provides advanced customization options |
|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires installation of third-party software |
Why Can’t I Change the Desktop 2 Background on Mac
There can be various reasons why you might encounter difficulties changing the background on Desktop 2. Here are a few possible reasons and their fixes:
1. Lack of macOS version support: Ensure that your Mac is running on macOS Mojave or later versions, as earlier versions do not support separate backgrounds for each desktop.
2. Limited image format compatibility: Make sure the image you’re trying to set as the background is in a compatible format, such as JPEG or PNG.
3. File permissions issue: Check the file permissions of the image file you want to use. Ensure that it is readable by your user account.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to enhance your Desktop 2 background customization experience:
1. Experiment with different wallpapers: Don’t be afraid to try out different wallpapers and images to find the perfect background for Desktop 2. You can choose scenic landscapes, calming patterns, or motivational quotes, depending on your preferences.
2. Organize your space with virtual desktops: Consider using multiple virtual desktops to organize your workspaces effectively. Assign different backgrounds to each desktop to give yourself visual cues for different tasks or projects.
3. Regularly update your backgrounds: To prevent boredom or monotony, update your backgrounds regularly. Change them based on the season, your mood, or the type of work you’re engaged in.
5 FAQs about Changing Desktop 2 Background on Mac
Q1: Can I use animated wallpapers as the background for Desktop 2?
A: No, macOS only supports static images as backgrounds for Desktop 2. Animated wallpapers are not currently supported.
Q2: Do I need to restart my Mac after changing the Desktop 2 background?
A: No, you do not need to restart your Mac after changing the Desktop 2 background. The changes will take effect immediately.
Q3: How can I revert to the default background on Desktop 2?
A: To revert to the default background on Desktop 2, follow the same steps outlined in the methods above but select the default background option provided by macOS.
Q4: Can I set different backgrounds for other virtual desktops?
A: Yes, with the methods mentioned above, you can set different backgrounds for each virtual desktop on your Mac.
Q5: Are there any performance impacts when using third-party apps?
A: While third-party apps allow for additional customization, there may be a slight performance impact depending on the app’s resource usage. It’s always a good idea to check the system requirements and user reviews before installing any third-party app.
In Conclusion
Customizing the background on Desktop 2 can bring a fresh and personalized feel to your Mac experience. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily change the background on Desktop 2 and enhance your productivity by differentiating between workspaces. Whether you prefer the native options via System Preferences or the advanced features provided by third-party apps, there are various ways to make Desktop 2 reflect your unique style. Experiment, have fun, and make your Mac truly yours!