Hobbyist Software - FAQs
Wallpaper - Troubleshooting
Note: This faq applies to Multi Monitor Wallpaper, or Perfect Wallpaper.
The steps are the same for either app.
There are a handful of common issues. Fortunately - I haven't come across something we can't fix yet!
The steps are the same for either app.
There are a handful of common issues. Fortunately - I haven't come across something we can't fix yet!
Wallpaper won't set for one or all screens
Whatever you do, it just doesn't set the wallpaper correctly.
You have tried creating a wallpaper manually, and the autochanger.
Either one screen - or all the screens simply don't change.
Wallpaper is lost/broken when you attach or remove monitors
You can set wallpapers ok, but when you attach or remove monitors, they either lose the wallpaper, or it is scaled wrongly.
Autochanger doesn't work
You can set wallpapers manually, but the autochanger doesn't change.
You can right-click on the menu icon, or click the 'change now' button - but nothing happens.
You're using a folder on your computer as a source of wallpapers
Wallpaper - Reset Wallpapers
Note: This fix applies to Multi Monitor Wallpaper, or Perfect Wallpaper.
The steps are the same for either app.
This fix typically works if:
The steps are the same for either app.
This fix typically works if:
- Multi Monitor Wallpaper Wallpaper or Perfect Wallpaper won't set the wallpaper for a screen
- Wallpaper is lost/broken when you attach or remove monitors
What to do
- Open Multi Monitor Wallpaper or Perfect Wallpaper
- Open settings (click on the cog icon, or menu/preferences)
- Click on 'Reset All Wallpapers'
- Allow the app access to the required folder
reset all wallpapers
This will reset all your spaces/desktops (though you won't immediately see the change in your currently visible workspace)
- Once you have done this, you can set your wallpapers again
Background for the Technically Minded
Setting the wallpaper is actually a very simple command in Mac OS. Essentially - I say 'set this image for screen N'
Once that is done - Multi Monitor Wallpaper or Perfect Wallpaper has no part in 'keeping the wallpaper active' - the operating system is completely in charge.
This means that when the wallpaper is 'lost' - the operating system failed to properly save and restore the configuration.
In some cases, the system gets 'stuck' and stops allowing apps to set new wallpapers.
I have pinned down at least one way to reliably re-create this bug on my mac. What seems to happen is that the database where the system stores what image is applied for each screen/space gets corrupted.
- The database is stored at ~/Library/Application Support/Dock/desktoppicture.db
- I have reported this to Apple (and submitted a demonstration project and corrupted database
Show All