Create time-based desktop wallpapers

Creating time-based desktop wallpapers means having your computer automatically change wallpapers based on the time of day—morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Here’s how you can create and set up time-based wallpapers on different operating systems:

1. Design or Collect Wallpapers for Different Times of Day

You’ll need at least 4 high-resolution images:

• Morning (6 AM – 12 PM): Bright, fresh tones; sunrise scenes

• Afternoon (12 PM – 6 PM): Vibrant, energetic colors; blue skies

• Evening (6 PM – 9 PM): Warm golden tones; sunsets

• Night (9 PM – 6 AM): Dark, calm themes; starry or moonlit skies

You can use tools like Photoshop, Canva, or Midjourney/AI generators to create or enhance these wallpapers.

2. Windows Setup

Using Task Scheduler:

1. Save wallpapers in a dedicated folder and name them like:

   • morning.jpg, afternoon.jpg, evening.jpg, night.jpg

2. Open Task Scheduler > Create Basic Task.

3. Set a name like Set Morning Wallpaper.

4. Trigger: Daily > Set start time (e.g., 6:00 AM).

5. Action: Start a Program

6. Program/script:

   CopyEdit
   powershell.exe
   

7. Add arguments:

   powershell
   CopyEdit
   -command "(Add-Type -MemberDefinition '[DllImport("user32.dll")] public static extern int SystemParametersInfo(int uAction, int uParam, string lpvParam, int fuWinIni);' -Name NativeMethods -Namespace Win32Functions -PassThru)::SystemParametersInfo(20, 0, 'C:Wallpapersmorning.jpg', 3)"
   

Repeat for the other 3 time periods with appropriate times and image paths.

3. macOS Setup

Using Automator + Calendar

1. Open Automator > New Document > Application

2. Add action: Run Shell Script

3. Use this script to change wallpaper:

   bash
   CopyEdit
   osascript -e 'tell application "System Events" to set picture of every desktop to "/Users/YourName/Wallpapers/morning.jpg"'
   

4. Save as SetMorningWallpaper.app

5. Open Calendar > Create a new event (e.g., Morning Wallpaper)

6. Add an alert > Custom > Open file > Select the .app file

7. Set the time (e.g., 6:00 AM)

Repeat for the other time periods.

4. Linux (Ubuntu/GNOME) Setup

Using cron jobs

1. Save wallpapers in a folder, e.g., ~/Pictures/Wallpapers

2. Open terminal:

   bash
   CopyEdit
   crontab -e
   

3. Add lines like:

   bash
   CopyEdit
   0 6 * * * gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background picture-uri 'file:///home/user/Pictures/Wallpapers/morning.jpg'
   0 12 * * * gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background picture-uri 'file:///home/user/Pictures/Wallpapers/afternoon.jpg'
   0 18 * * * gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background picture-uri 'file:///home/user/Pictures/Wallpapers/evening.jpg'
   0 21 * * * gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background picture-uri 'file:///home/user/Pictures/Wallpapers/night.jpg'
   

Ensure the cron environment has access to the display:

bash
CopyEdit
export DISPLAY=:0

5. Optional Enhancements

• Use dynamic wallpaper creators like:

  • WinDynamicDesktop (Windows)

  • Dynaper or 24 Hour Wallpaper (Mac)

• Use sunrise/sunset APIs for location-based dynamic timing

• Add transitions or create a full-day video wallpaper with Wallpaper Engine (Windows) or Komorebi (Linux)

6. Naming and Organization Tips

• Store all wallpapers in one folder: ~/Wallpapers/TimeBased/

• Keep consistent file names: 06_morning.jpg, 12_afternoon.jpg, etc.

• Optionally, include day-specific or seasonal variations like:

  • morning_summer.jpg, night_winter.jpg

This setup ensures a dynamic and visually engaging desktop experience, matching your screen with the rhythm of your day.