As of right now, macOS doesn't let you add widgets to your Mac's desktop; you can only use first-party widgets on the Notification Center. However, with the help of an app called WidgetWall, you can easily customize your desktop and add as many widgets as you like.

So if you want to get a clock, weather forecast, music player, and other widgets on your Mac desktop, we'll show you how.

You Need a Third-Party App to Get Widgets on Your Mac Desktop

The only way to access widgets on a Mac is by going to the Notification Center, which you can find by clicking the clock in the top-right corner of your screen. And while you can rearrange and edit widgets in the Notification Center, you can't move them to your Mac's desktop.

With that said, there's still a workaround you can use, although you'll need to pay for it. Thanks to WidgetWall, an app made by Amico Apps, you can add many different widgets to your Mac's desktop. The app comes with a lot of default widgets you can try, like a calculator or a weather widget. Additionally, you can also create your own shortcuts for your favorite apps, tools, and web pages.

WidgetWall App
Image Credit: Amico Apps
 

WidgetWall is a premium app that costs $9.99 per year, but it does offer a seven-day free trial. As soon as the free trial ends, you'll need to buy the license key to activate it. Alternatively, WidgetWall is one of the many high-quality apps available with a SetApp subscription.

Download: WidgetWall (Subscription required; free trial available)

How to Add Widgets to Your Mac's Desktop

To get started using WidgetWall, you first need to download and install the app from the WidgetWall website. Unfortunately, you won't find the app on the App Store (at the time of writing), so you'll need to learn how to install third-party apps on your Mac first.

After you're done installing WidgetWall, the app will automatically fill your desktop with widgets.

Default widgets WidgetWall

You can rearrange any widget simply by dragging it with your mouse and placing it wherever you want. You can also change the widget's size, delete it, or add new ones from a list of default widgets.

How to Customize Your Mac's Desktop Widgets

To start customizing your Mac's widgets, you first need to hover your cursor over the app you want to customize. Then, click on the three-dot button in the top-right corner of the widget.

Finally, you can start changing the color or size of the widget. You can also click Pin to top so the widget always appears on top of other widgets, or click Delete to get rid of the widget.

Customize widgets WidgetWall

Don't worry; you can always add the widget again. To add more widgets to your Mac's desktop, click the WidgetWall icon in the top-right of your menu bar. Afterward, you'll see a list of widgets you can add simply by clicking on them.

We recommend you start with the Browser, Sticky Notes, and Calendar widgets. These are the most useful, and they'll help you get started.

Widget list WidgetWall

Finally, it's also worth mentioning that above the list of widgets, you'll also find a few helpful buttons. From left to right, you can click the icons to:

  • Hide the widgets on your desktop.
  • Change WidgetWall's settings.
  • Send an email to the team behind WidgetWall.
  • Close WidgetWall.

Customize Your Mac's Desktop With Widgets

As you can see, adding widgets to your desktop couldn't be any easier. With the help of WidgetWall, you can quickly add and customize widgets and shortcuts with just a few clicks.

Unfortunately, you'll have to pay a small yearly subscription to use the WidgetWall app to its full potential. The good news is that you can always try it for free for the first seven days and see if it's worth your money. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend any money, you could always try using apps and shortcuts in your Mac's menu bar.