SnowMyScreen
Mac desktop guide
How to Add Snow to Your Mac Desktop (and Other Seasonal Effects)
To add falling snow to your Mac desktop, install SnowMyScreen from the Mac App Store, open its menu bar settings, enable Weather effects and select Snow. Choose Desktop only to keep the animation behind your windows, then adjust the intensity, size, speed and wind.
A still wallpaper can set the mood, but a little movement changes how a workspace feels. SnowMyScreen adds seasonal animation as a transparent layer, so you can keep your favorite background and continue using your apps. This guide explains the setup, the controls worth changing first and how to move beyond snow.
Desktop overlay, live wallpaper or screensaver?
These are different ways to decorate a Mac. A wallpaper is the background behind your windows. A screensaver appears when the Mac is idle. A desktop overlay adds a separate layer of animation that can stay visible while you work.
SnowMyScreen uses overlays. It does not install a new wallpaper or replace the macOS screensaver. In Desktop only mode, effects appear behind your open windows. Over the content mode places them in front. The overlay ignores mouse clicks, so it does not stop you from clicking a document, an app or a desktop icon.
How to put falling snow on your Mac desktop
- Check compatibility. The app target supports macOS 14.6 and later. Check the requirements of the release currently available on the Mac App Store before downloading.
- Install and open the app. Look for its icon in the menu bar. Open settings from there; the effect does not need an open settings window to keep running.
- Enable Weather effects and select Snow. The theme picker also contains Rain, Autumn leaves, Spring petals, Summer fireflies and Add your image.
- Choose placement. Start with Desktop only for a subtle background effect. Use Over the content if you want snow visible over your open windows.
- Adjust intensity and size. Start with a small amount of smaller flakes. Increase either control until the snowfall is noticeable without covering the details of your work.
- Set speed and wind. A slower fall gives a gentler result. Wind changes the direction; drifting adds movement to the snow. Pick a built-in flake shape you like.
If a full-screen effect is too much, choose the top strip. It confines the weather effect to the upper 150 points of the screen. This is useful when you want a hint of movement near the menu bar while leaving most of the workspace clear.
Find a setup that stays out of your way
For reading, writing or a busy desktop, try Desktop only, small particles and a slower speed. Your app windows then cover the effect wherever they overlap the wallpaper. For a more visible seasonal setup, switch to Over the content and adjust the density.
The right balance depends on your wallpaper and screen size. Bright flakes are easier to see on a dark background; pale wallpapers may need a more visible shape or a different theme. Change one control at a time so you can see what makes the difference.
If you prefer a quieter setup, reduce intensity or turn off the weather effect when you do not want it. Use the menu bar to change or stop the effect without keeping settings open.
Switch from snow to rain, leaves, petals or fireflies
Snow is only one option. Open the theme picker to change the atmosphere:
- Rain: choose a drizzle, steady rain or shower preset, then adjust the drop size, wind and intensity. This is a visual effect; it does not play rain audio.
- Autumn leaves: amber and crimson leaves drift and tumble. Wind and drifting controls let you change their movement.
- Spring petals: blush-colored petals give the desktop a softer seasonal look.
- Summer fireflies: warm lights move through the scene rather than filling it with falling flakes.
These themes are decorative, not forecasts. They do not follow the weather outside or fetch live weather data. You choose the atmosphere yourself. Explore the complete set of desktop effects to compare the options.
Animate your own images
Choose Add your image and import a PNG. SnowMyScreen supports up to 10 images, each up to 5 MB and 1024 × 1024 pixels. A transparent background helps the artwork blend with your desktop instead of appearing as a falling rectangle.
Select one image or mix several, then choose motion like snow, leaves or rain. This makes it possible to use your own artwork for a seasonal celebration or a personal desktop decoration. Keep the artwork small enough that you can still read and work comfortably.
Add decorative lights, with or without weather
Garlands have separate controls from Weather effects. Decorate the menu bar, Dock or both. Choose a color palette, bulb shape and steady, twinkle, wave or chase animation. You can use lights on their own, combine them with snow for Christmas or pair a warm palette with autumn leaves.
What to check if the effect is not visible
Confirm that the app is running and Weather effects is enabled. In Desktop only mode, a maximized window can cover the animation; reveal the wallpaper or try Over the content. Check the selected theme and increase intensity if it is too subtle.
The app creates an overlay for each connected display and updates it when the display setup changes. If you still need help, visit setup and support or email Andrew with your app version, macOS version and display setup.
Start with one simple effect and make small adjustments. You do not need a new wallpaper or a complicated setup to give your desktop a different season.