Guide · Open source
How to use Aerial: Apple TV screensaver for Mac
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Aerial is a free, open-source screensaver for macOS that plays the scenic aerial videos Apple uses on its Apple TV screensaver. It is written in Swift and released under the MIT licence. This guide explains what it does, how to get the screensaver bundle, and who it is and is not suited to.
AerialJohnCoates/Aerial · ★ 21.2k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Confirm you are on a Mac. Aerial is a macOS screensaver, so it only applies to Mac computers.
- 2Open the latest release. Go to the project's latest release page on GitHub, the source the README points to.
- 3Download Aerial.saver.zip. Download the screensaver bundle named Aerial.saver.zip from that release.
- 4Read the README before installing. Use the project's README for any setup steps beyond the download, since this guide does not cover them in detail.
What Aerial does on your Mac
Aerial is a Mac screensaver. When your Mac is idle, it plays the aerial videos that Apple uses on its Apple TV screensaver, so your desktop looks like the Apple TV version.
It is built around those aerial videos. If you want a screensaver that shows only your own photos, Aerial is not designed for that.
- Runs on macOS only
- Plays Apple's aerial videos
- Free and open source under the MIT licence
- Written in Swift
Download the Aerial screensaver bundle
Aerial is distributed as a downloadable screensaver bundle. The project's README points to the latest release, where you download the file named Aerial.saver.zip.
Download the file from the project's latest release page on GitHub rather than from a random mirror, so you get the version the maintainers published.
Aerial.saver.zipCheck the prerequisites and the README first
The source material lists no prerequisites for Aerial. That does not guarantee your setup is ready, so read the project's README before you install.
The README was not reviewed in detail for this guide. Setup steps beyond downloading the bundle should be taken from the README itself rather than from this page.
- Confirm you are on a Mac, since Aerial is a macOS screensaver
- Read the full README in the project repository
- Only install bundles you have downloaded from the official release
Who Aerial suits and who should choose something else
Aerial suits Mac users who like the Apple TV aerial look, people who want a pleasant screen while the Mac is idle, and anyone who wants a free, open-source option instead of the built-in screensaver choices.
It is a poor fit if you want your own photos, if you use Windows, Linux or another non-macOS system, or if you are uneasy about installing third-party screensaver bundles.
What people use it for
- Turning an idle Mac screen into the Apple TV aerial screensaver look
- Using a free, open-source screensaver instead of the built-in options
- Showing a calm visual display on a Mac when it is left unattended
Frequently asked questions
What is Aerial?
Aerial is an open-source macOS screensaver that plays the aerial videos Apple uses on its Apple TV screensaver. It is written in Swift and distributed as a downloadable screensaver bundle.
Is Aerial free?
Aerial is released under the MIT licence, which is an open-source licence. The source material does not mention any price.
How do I install Aerial?
The README points to the latest release, where you download Aerial.saver.zip. The source material does not list further install steps, so check the README for setup details.
Does Aerial work on Windows or iPhone?
No. Aerial is a Mac screensaver, so it is for macOS only.
Can I use my own photos with Aerial?
Aerial is built around Apple's aerial videos. If you need a screensaver that shows only your own photos, it is not the right tool.
Is Aerial better than the built-in Mac screensaver?
The source material does not include a comparison with the built-in screensavers or other projects. It offers the Apple TV aerial look and is free and open source, so judge it against what you want to see.
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Our verdict
Aerial is a good choice if you want the Apple TV aerial look on a Mac for free and you are comfortable downloading a third-party screensaver bundle from the project's release page. If you need your own photos on screen, use Windows or another non-macOS system, or want setup guidance this page cannot give you, pick a different option or read the full README first.
Install options & downloads