Backdrop

In plain words

Backdrop is a macOS app that enables users to set custom video wallpapers on both their desktop and Lock Screen. Developed by a Swedish indie developer, it works around Apple's restrictions by reverse engineering the macOS wallpaper system to allow personal videos where only Apple-provided animated wallpapers were previously supported. The app is designed for Mac users seeking greater customization of their system's visual appearance.

written from the facts on this page · September 2026

From the sources

Backdrop 2.0 brings video wallpapers to both your Mac Desktop and your Lock Screen. Smooth 4K playback with low CPU use. Browse 1,000+ scenes, or craft your perfect wallpaper with the built-in editor. Multi-display support, community platform, free trial.

Add stunning live wallpapers to your Mac desktop. Thousands of 4K scenes, smooth multi-display playback, low CPU use, and Lock Screen support.

Backdrop is the ultimate wallpaper app for macOS . Featuring 4K video backdrops with smooth multi-display playback, intelligent power optimization and Lock Screen support. Play stunning 4K video backdrops with smooth, high-performance playback — bringing motion and atmosphere to your desktop. Backdrop is the first app to bring custom video wallpapers to both your desktop and Lock Screen — an exclusive, world-first feature. Backdrop works seamlessly with multiple displays, letting you mirror a single backdrop or set different ones for each screen. Find exactly what you're looking for with powerful filters — search by style, color, mood, resolution, or creator across thousands of backdrops.…from cindori.com

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hi HN, I'm Oskar, a solo indie Mac developer from Sweden. For those in the Mac community, you might know me from my other apps like Sensei and Trim Enabler. For years, I've been frustrated by the lack of customisation of macOS. In particular the Lock Screen which supports animated wallpapers, but only ones provided…

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