In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
Wallpapers
ENLARGE

Click the size you would like to download:

Icon: smaller resolution800 x 600 pixels—best for smaller monitors
Icon: larger resolution1024 x 768 pixels—best for medium-size monitors
Icon: extra larger resolution1280 x 1024 pixels—best for larger/widescreen monitors
An elder from the Stoney Indian tribe sits on horseback at the Indian Days festival in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The Stoney, who call themselves Nakoda, got their name from European explorers impressed by the Indians' method of cooking soup using hot rocks.
Photograph by Walter Meayers Edwards
HOW TO DOWNLOAD WALLPAPER
For Windows 95 and Higher
  1. Click the wallpaper size that fits your desktop.
  2. Once the image appears, right-click on it.
  3. Choose "SET AS WALLPAPER" or "SET AS BACKGROUND."
For Mac OS X
  1. Click the wallpaper size that fits your desktop.
  2. Once the image appears, drag it onto your desktop.
  3. Hold down the Control button on your keyboard and click on an empty area of your desktop.
  4. Choose CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND.
  5. Click CHOOSE FOLDER.
  6. Choose DESKTOP. (Or, if you have saved the wallpaper in a different folder, choose that folder.)
  7. Click on the name of the wallpaper and click CHOOSE.
HOW TO DELETE WALLPAPER
For Windows Users (Internet Explorer)
  1. From your desktop, click the MY COMPUTER icon.
  2. Once the window opens, click the following folders, in this order: LOCAL DISK (usually the C: drive), DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS, YOUR USERNAME, APPLICATION DATA, MICROSOFT, INTERNET EXPLORER.
  3. In the INTERNET EXPLORER folder, delete the file called INTERNET EXPLORER WALLPAPER.BMP by right-clicking on it and choosing DELETE on the menu. Or you can simply hit the DELETE key on your keyboard.
  4. The wallpaper will remain visible on your desktop until you restart the computer. To delete from view without restarting, right-click anywhere on an empty part of the desktop and select PROPERTIES from the menu.
  5. Click the DESKTOP tab, select a different background, and click OK.
For Mac OS X
  1. Hold down the Control button on your keyboard and click on an empty area of your desktop.
  2. Choose CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND.
  3. Choose a different image or background color.
  4. To remove the wallpaper permanently from your computer, locate the image on your hard drive and drag it to the trash.
ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.COM
Image: A world map

MapMachine: Check out satellite images, street maps, and more in this online atlas.

Let's Go
  • Photo: Cat staring straight ahead

    Cats

    Look at cute pictures of cats grooming, playing, and more!

    Check it Out
  • Photo: Sand dunes, Oman

    Desert Landscapes

    Take a look at pictures of the driest places on the globe.

    Check it Out
  • Photo: Tourists looking up at Ramses statues

    Ancient Egypt

    Take a look at ancient artifacts.

    Check it Out
  • Photo: Rhythmic gymnast

    Awesome Athletes

    Twisting...bending...jumping. See all the different ways the human body can move, just in time for National Recess Week.

    Check it Out
  • Photo: Multiple rows of pumpkins

    Fall Scenes

    Look at colorful pictures of pumpkins and leaves.

    Check it Out
  • Photo: Miniature horse foal and egret in a field

    Miniature Horses

    We're not horsing around ... these tiny animals are for real! Check out pictures of miniature horses.

    Check it Out