How To: Use Screensaver Images as your Wallpaper

by Tanner Godarzi Feb 25, 2008

Apple has shipped some decent screensavers in OS X, and although it’s not anything to write home about, there might be that one particular image that’s piqued your interested but has stumped you on how to obtain it. Here’s how.

The screensavers in OS X are nothing more than a glorified folder with a few pretty images and a nice wrapping. They function no differently than having your iPhoto library or any folder designated as a source for your screensaver. This makes dissecting them all the easier.

First, you’ll need to navigate your way to /System/Library/Screensavers and select any one that you want, besides screensavers that have the .qtz extension. Right click (control + click) on any one and select “Show Package Contents.”

Click on over from Contents > Resources and you’ll have access to that Sscreensaver’s source images.
Another interesting tidbit is that you can Quicklook any Screensaver that ends with the extension .qtz to get a full preview of what that ’saver contains.

Comments

  • Another interesting tidbit is that you can copy any Screensaver that ends with the extension .qtz and paste it into your Macintosh HD > Library > Compositions folder and use it for a Photo Booth/AOL Instant Messenger (through iChat) super background!

    DCJ001 had this to say on Feb 25, 2008 Posts: 7
  • Ha, did not know you could do that, DCJ001! Nice tip.

    Smaran Dayal had this to say on Feb 25, 2008 Posts: 15
  • A. I’m glad that people read these tips.

    B. I’m glad that Smaran liked what I had to offer!

    DCJ001 had this to say on Feb 26, 2008 Posts: 7
  • The command needs to be on a single line in order to execute properly. If you’re having issues copying and pasting the above text, you can split it into two commands. -Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams

    GHWLegal had this to say on Aug 09, 2011 Posts: 9
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