The best MacBook wallpaper size is the display's native resolution: 2560×1664 for a 13-inch MacBook Air, 2880×1864 for a 15-inch MacBook Air, 3024×1964 for a 14-inch MacBook Pro, and 3456×2234 for a 16-inch MacBook Pro. If one image has to fit every Mac, use 3456×2234 or larger at roughly a 16:10 ratio and let macOS scale it down.
MacBook Air wallpaper sizes
- MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4 and later): 2560×1664
- MacBook Air 15-inch (M2, M3, M4 and later): 2880×1864
- MacBook Air 13-inch (M1, 2020): 2560×1600
- MacBook Air 13-inch Retina (Intel, 2018 to 2020): 2560×1600
MacBook Pro wallpaper sizes
- MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro and later): 3024×1964
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 Pro and later): 3456×2234
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, M2): 2560×1600
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (Intel, 2019): 3072×1920
- MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (Intel): 2880×1800
iMac and Apple display wallpaper sizes
- iMac 24-inch (M1 and later): 4480×2520
- iMac 27-inch 5K (Intel): 5120×2880
- Studio Display: 5120×2880
- Pro Display XDR: 6016×3384
- 4K external monitor: 3840×2160
Why the number in System Settings is smaller
System Settings > Displays shows a *scaled* resolution such as "looks like 1512×982" on a 14-inch MacBook Pro. The panel really has twice as many pixels in each direction, and macOS renders at that size for sharp Retina text. Size your wallpaper for the physical pixels above, not the scaled number, or it will look soft. The full explanation is in resolution and displays.
Aspect ratio and the notch
- Recent MacBooks are close to 16:10; external monitors are usually 16:9. A 16:10 image cropped slightly works on both.
- On notched MacBooks the top strip sits behind the menu bar. Keep faces and text out of the top 40 or so pixels of the image.
- Desktop icons live on the right edge by default, so a subject on the left or centre stays readable.
Live wallpaper sizes
Video wallpapers follow the same rule, but bigger is not free: a 4K loop on a 1080p monitor decodes pixels you never see. MacWall catalog loops are mostly 4K or 1440p and scale to each display automatically. Browse 4K live wallpapers or read about 4K video wallpaper on Mac.
Frequently asked questions
- What size should a MacBook Air wallpaper be?
- 2560×1664 pixels for the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 or later, 2880×1864 for the 15-inch model, and 2560×1600 for the M1 and Intel Retina models.
- What size should a MacBook Pro wallpaper be?
- 3024×1964 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 3456×2234 for the 16-inch model (M1 Pro and later). Older 13-inch models use 2560×1600.
- Is a 4K wallpaper good for a MacBook?
- Yes. A 3840×2160 image is larger than every MacBook panel, so macOS scales it down cleanly. It is 16:9, so a thin strip is cropped on 16:10 MacBook screens.
- What aspect ratio are Mac wallpapers?
- Current MacBooks are about 16:10 (slightly taller with the notch area), while iMacs, Apple displays, and most external monitors are 16:9.
