Change screen animation also in the Mac lock screen: Backdrop 2.0 available
If you want to run a fancy animation in the background of your Mac, you need special tools. Backdrop 2.0 can now also do this on the lock screen.
Backdrop 2.0 in action: The Mac wallpaper doesn't have to be static.
(Image: Cindori)
Apple has enabled pretty animated lock screens since macOS 14 Sonoma. However, it is not possible to use these animations as desktop backgrounds with the on-board tools. However, there are various apps that provide this function. One of these, Backdrop, has now been updated—and comes with a special function.
Beautify the lock screen yourself
Backdrop comes from Cindori, a small Swedish developer known for Mac tools such as Sensai and Trim Enabler. The recently launched version 2.0 is the very first app to offer the option of not only animating the desktop but also Apple's lock screen wallpaper, which was previously only available to the macOS manufacturer. “Backdrop uses a previously unknown method to create custom video wallpapers that are compatible with the macOS lock screen,” explains developer Oskar Groth.
This method was discovered through extensive reverse engineering of the macOS wallpaper system. “The result is a completely secure method of applying backdrop videos as wallpapers so that they can be played on the lock screen, just like Apple's native recordings.” Interesting fact: Backdrop 2.0 wallpapers are even displayed as a separate category in the macOS wallpaper settings. However, this requires a utility program to be running in the background.
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Community built in
Backdrop 2.0 has otherwise been adapted to macOS 26, has a new video engine that consumes less performance (allegedly only 0.3 percent CPU load with GPU acceleration), and comes with an integrated community platform, via which you can currently access over 1000 curated background videos—and also contribute your content if you wish.
The app costs just under 40 US dollars for a lifetime license. Alternatively, you can also rent it for 2 dollars a month or 15 dollars a year. During the current launch phase, there is a 25 percent discount on the lifetime license. The app can be tested free of charge for seven days until you have to unlock it. The minimum requirement is a Mac with macOS 14, because only then (see above) is support for the so-called live wallpapers available.
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