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Change the login window background in Mac OS X

by Laurie A. Duncan Aug 9th 2005 at 8:30AM

Creativebits just reminded me how simple it is to change the background of the login window in OS X.

  • Step 1: Locate the file "Aqua Blue.jpg," which is in /Library/Desktop Pictures/. Rename it so you don't overwrite it later.
  • Step 2: Create a new image or re-purpose an existing image that inspires you. Name the new image "Aqua Blue.jpg" and place it in the /Library/Desktop Pictures/ directory.
  • Step 3: There is no step 3.
aqua blue

You might think this trivial hack serves no purpose other than eye candy, but it's also a good way to identify your Powerbook/iBook in case of loss or theft by adding your name and/or phone number to the login window background image.
 

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Creativebits just reminded me how simple it is to change the background of the login window in OS X.Step 1: Locate the file "Aqua...
 

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Scott Gardner

This is very cool, and free to boot. But if you're looking for additional functionality along these lines (e.g., you can even add a message to your login box like "HELP I'M LOST"), check out Visage ($10 shareware, free trial). It works great and the developer is very responsive. It's right up there with Saft on my list of favs.

August 10 2005 at 12:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
big steve

I think the best use for this is to set a different background picture for every startup disk. Not that it's that big of a deal, but it personalizes bootable FireWire HDs or alternative boot disks for quick reference. My main startup background is from pixelgirl: and my "Oh Shit!" startup disk is a 3d render of the kernal panic/restart screen that I can't seem to find at the moment... all in all, fun.

August 10 2005 at 5:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BM5k

Yeah, because everyone knows that whoever steals your laptop would never wipe the hdd and reinstall the os. Or chop your box up and sell it as parts.

August 09 2005 at 5:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
glad

I have just done the hack and now have a picture of Halle Berry in a bikini just right of my login as result I take a bit longer to login and there's extra drool on the keyboard!:-)

August 09 2005 at 3:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dan Peterson

Google Images is another great resource for finding just the image you need. I used a padlock. http://budgetstockphoto.com/samples/pics/padlock.jpg

August 09 2005 at 12:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Oliver

In case of theft? So the guy who steals your powerbook is going to see your name and phone number everytime he/she logs in, and eventually become so overcome by feelings of guilt that they decide to give you a call... :-p

August 09 2005 at 11:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Laurie

Jesse - do you mean the background I used in the image in this post? I have it in my own collection and it originally came from http://www.macdesktops.com/index.phtml?Picture=3451&res=TRUE

August 09 2005 at 8:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David Moss

I'm not sure about that particular background Jesse, but I've only recently realised myself what a great resource www.flickr.com is for images suitable for nackgrounds. I have the most amazing sunset set as my current one, and I might rename it, so that it stays ther when I login. Thanks for the tip, Laurie!

August 09 2005 at 8:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jesse Dodds

Anyone know where i could get that great desktop background??? Cheers

August 09 2005 at 8:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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