VideoPaper

KO | EN

gitlite — search

#javascript #python #hacktoberfest #react #ai #typescript #llm #go #golang #android #machine-learning #rust #deep-learning #linux

★ 32 Open GitHub ↗

Add custom wallpaper videos to your MacOS 26+ Wallpaper Settings

// repository documentation

Was this content helpful?

★ 0 (0 ratings)

# VideoPaper

VideoPaper is a lightweight macOS utility that lets you add your own looping video wallpapers so they appear natively inside System Settings > Wallpaper alongside Apple’s built‑in aerial / motion wallpapers — all without requiring admin privileges.

> Current format support: **`.mov` only** (H.264 or HEVC recommended). Additional formats may come later.

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/aa475087-e72f-4828-bca6-8fd488810f24

---

## Table of Contents
- [Features](#features)
- [Requirements](#requirements)
- [Why .mov Only?](#why-mov-only)
- [Installation](#installation)
- [Quick Start](#quick-start)
- [Preparing Your Video](#preparing-your-video)
- [FAQ](#faq)
- [Credits](#credits)

---

## Features
- Adds your custom video(s) so they appear like native motion wallpapers
- No administrator permissions required
- Simple, focused UI (made initially for SwiftSaturday)
- Designed for macOS 26+ (see note below)
- Clean removal (no invasive system changes)

---

## Requirements
- macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later  
  (If you are testing on earlier public macOS versions, behavior may be undefined.)
- Apple Silicon or Intel Mac
- Xcode (only required if building from source)

---

## Why `.mov` Only?
macOS prefers `.mov` containers for certain system‑integrated media workflows. Restricting to `.mov` ensures:
- Reliable metadata parsing
- Smooth looping behavior
- Compatible codecs (H.264 / HEVC)

Support for `.mp4` or other containers may be explored later.

---

## Installation

### Option 1: Download (Recommended)

#### Homebrew (Also Recommended)
1. Install [Homebrew](https://brew.sh) if necessary
2. Tap our formulae with `brew tap mcrich-llc/homebrew-formulae`
3. Then install VideoPaper with `brew install --cask VideoPaper`

#### GitHub Releases
1. Visit the repository’s Releases page.
2. Download the latest `VideoPaper.app` zip.
3. Move the app to `/Applications` (optional but recommended).
4. Launch it (you may need to right‑click > Open the first time due to Gatekeeper).

### Option 2: Build from Source
1. Clone the repo:
   ```
   git clone https://github.com/Mcrich-LLC/VideoPaper.git
   cd VideoPaper
   ```
2. Open in Xcode:
   ```
   open VideoPaper.xcodeproj
   ```
3. Select your target + Run.

---

## Quick Start
1. Launch VideoPaper.
2. Click the + button.
3. Upload a `.mov` file
4. (Optional) Change the thumbnail to a custom one.
5. Click Save
6. Open System Settings > Wallpaper and choose your new custom video.
7. Enjoy the looping motion wallpaper.

---

## Preparing Your Video

### Recommended Specs
- Format: `.mov`
- Codec: HEVC (smaller) or H.264 (broader compatibility)
- Resolution: Matches or is close to your display (e.g., 1920×1080, 2560×1440, 3840×2160)
- Frame Rate: The higher the better!
- Duration: 5–30 seconds, seamlessly loopable

### Converting with `ffmpeg`
If your source is `input.mp4`, convert to `.mov`:

HEVC (smaller file, macOS modern):
```
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx265 -tag:v hvc1 -crf 26 -preset medium -an output.mov
```

H.264 (broader compatibility):
```
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -preset slow -an output.mov
```

(Optional) Add a slight fade to hide loop seams:
```
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex "fade=t=out:st=24:d=1,fade=t=in:st=0:d=1" -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -an output.mov
```

## FAQ

**Does this modify system files?**  
No. It aims to work without privileged changes.

**Can I use `.mp4`?**  
Not yet. Convert it to `.mov` using the steps above.

**Does it auto-loop?**  
Yes—macOS handles the looping once registered.

**Audio supported?**  
macOS wallpaper videos are typically silent—strip audio for best efficiency.

---

## Credits
Inspired creation by SwiftSaturday. Built with Swift and enthusiasm for customizable macOS experiences.

---

## Feedback
Have ideas or found an issue? Open an Issue or Pull Request on the repository.

Enjoy your new motion wallpaper experience!

VideoPaper

Explore Similar Repositories

Was this content helpful?

Recent Feedback

Download README