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Lerg/random_desktop_image.scpt

Last active February 5, 2023 20:57
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macOS AppleScript to set the same random picture as a desktop background on all monitors. Pictures are taken from the `~\Pictures` directory.
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random_desktop_image.scpt
tell application "Finder"
set randomimage to some file of folder ((path to home folder as string) & "Pictures") as string
end tell
tell application "System Events"
tell every desktop
set random order to false
set picture to randomimage
end tell
end tell
@Lerg
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Lerg commented Feb 18, 2019

Export the script as an application bundle and set it as a login item. This way the picture will change automatically on login.
Be sure to uncheck "Change picture" checkbox in desktop background settings for both monitors.

@fpuhan
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fpuhan commented Feb 5, 2023

I was looking for a way to do this! macOS Ventura (13.2) seems to have broken a lot of things in AppleScript. When I run this on my Mac, I get a desktop picture change, but it's not coming from the folder I specified. I have a "Deskpics" folder inside my Documents folder, but when I change the code to

set randomimage to some file of folder ((path to home folder as string) & "Documents:Deskpics") as string

I still get files from (apparently) the last folder used in my System Settings.

I haven't found any release notes from Apple or updated documentation on the changes to AppleScript in macOS Ventura, and I know I'm not alone in this. I wonder if Apple is dropping support for AppleScript?

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