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Releases: rocksdanister/lively

Big Update - Follow Up

18 Sep 18:01

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This follow-up update v2.2.1.0 builds on the previous release, bringing improvements and bug fixes.
For the list of v2.2.0 changes, click here.

Audio by Display

display_audio.mp4
  • You can now choose which display's wallpaper is allowed to play audio.
  • In Per-screen layout, only the wallpaper on the selected display will output sound.

Note: This feature is only available when using the "Grid" or "All process" pause algorithm.

Visualizer Audio Source

audio_input.mp4
  • You can now choose which audio device the wallpaper visualizer uses.
  • The Default option follows the system's default playback device and updates automatically if the system default changes.
  • If you pick a specific device, it will stay fixed and only switch if that device is disconnected.

Join the Beta Channel

beta_switcher.mp4

Lively has grown so much over the years that it's no longer possible for me to personally test every feature or account for every way people use it. Joining the beta and reporting any issues early is a great way to help.

  • You can now switch to Beta or Testing release directly from within the application.
  • Test releases are updated more frequently and may contain bugs - join only if you're comfortable with potential issues.

Similarly you can switch back to the stable release, but because settings or configuration may change between versions, you might occasionally need to delete the settings file to fully revert.

When you encounter a problem, report it in the GitHub issues and mention that you're using the beta build.

Note: This feature is not available for Microsoft Store version.

Enhancements

  • In Span layout, wallpaper pausing now depends on the "Display pause" rule:
    Per screen: Pauses only when windows cover all screens.
    All screen: Pauses when a window covers any screen.

Fixes

  • Fixed wallpapers not being cleaned up when a crash occurred during import.
  • Fixed incorrect update notifications inside the app.
  • Fixed application pause rules not applying correctly.
  • Fixed language translation link not working.

Updates

  • Updated MPV player.
  • Updated CefSharp player.
  • Updated community translation.

SHA256

98f4e96bb8e2c416384eeaf48016eadaea9dce8263b8d212052775ebcf2d7e34

Big Update

03 Sep 18:00

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hero_art (Custom)

This is the biggest update in a long time and comes with better wallpaper pausing, better localization, better screensavers and over 20+ fixes and improvements - including full compatibility with Windows 11 24H2.

Grid Pause Algorithm

grid_pause.mp4
  • Replaced the default foreground window based pause detection with a grid based screen coverage algorithm - the screen is now divided into a grid (tiles), and intersection calculation is used to check if windows are visually covering the display (by default 95%.)
    Solves several edge cases where the previous logic failed:
    • Multiple windows (example: side by side), now correctly trigger pause.
    • Works even if a background window, not the foreground one, is covering the wallpaper.
    • Each display can now pause independently in per-display mode.
    • Reliable desktop detection.
      To see the detection in real time, right-click the Lively tray icon and choose Report Bug → Grid Detection Overlay.
  • Now when duplicate layout is selected all wallpapers are paused.
  • New All Process algorithm available in settings - scans all windows and check for fullscreen.
    Learn more

Note: Some performance related settings will be reset to default after this update.

Animated WebP Support

webp_support.mp4
  • Added support for animated WebP format.
  • WebP files are converted to WebM during import.
    This is an initial experiment, planning on adding conversion support for more formats in the future.
  • Wallpaper customization is supported.

Language Enhancements

localization.mp4
  • Added custom language selection - preferred language can be selected from settings.
  • [Experimental] Language change applies instantly without requiring an app restart.
  • Added localization support for:
    • LivelyProperties (wallpaper customization.)
    • LivelyInfo (wallpaper metadata.)
      Show documentation

Wallpaper Enhancements

wallpaper_creation.mp4
  • Improved wallpaper import system: now copies wallpaper file(s) to the wallpaper library location instead of just referencing the original path.
    • Previously imported wallpapers remain unaffected - to migrate them, use the Edit option in library.
    • For wallpaper projects with multiple files, a confirmation dialog now shows the expected folder structure before importing.
    • From this version onward, newly imported wallpapers no longer depend on the original file - you can safely delete it without causing file not found errors.
  • Faster bulk imports: multiple media wallpapers are now imported faster by utilizing system thumbnail cache.

WebView2 (Default)

webview2_install.mp4
  • WebView2 is now the default browser engine for website wallpapers.
  • Since WebView2 comes pre-installed with Windows, the app no longer needs to bundle a browser engine, reducing the install size by ~50%.
  • Now website wallpapers supports H.264 media playback out of the box.
  • New debug DevTools - opens in a separate window.
  • Improved handling of media elements - when a wallpaper is paused, any playing video or audio elements on the page are also paused automatically.
  • Previous CefSharp player is provided as additional download.

Note: Some browser related settings will be reset to default after this update.

Screensaver Enhancements

screensaver_fadein.mp4
  • Fade-in animation when screensaver starts, any user input during this phase cancels activation. #2736
  • Introduced a grace period: if input is received shortly after screensaver starts, system lock is skipped (when "lock on resume" is enabled.) #2806
  • Screensaver settings have been reorganized and are now part of the main settings page for easier access.

Video Enhancements

  • Upgraded to MPV player’s new gpu-next video backend.
  • Better performance and improved video quality.
  • Enhances color accuracy and HDR passthrough support in settings.

Windows 11 24H2 Compatibility

Core components were fully rewritten to adapt to platform changes introduced in Windows 11 24H2.

  • Fixed a critical issue where wallpapers could enter a restart loop on this version of Windows.
  • No more wallpaper restarts during some system changes - a limitation of older versions has been removed.

Special thanks to Microsoft engineers and community members who reached out and helped.

Enhancements

  • Added new Choose a Fit option for scaling desktop picture wallpaper.
  • Improved MPV error messages for file loading and unknown arguments.
  • Added system tray tooltip for wallpaper errors when UI is closed.
  • Optimized page navigation for smoother and faster UI performance.
  • Website wallpapers now follow application theme (dark/light.)
  • Website wallpapers now show theme color (dark/light) while loading for the first time.
  • Made the screensaver setup message dismissible.
  • Reload command-line control now supports optional monitor argument.
    Show documentation
  • Volume command-line control now supports increment/decrement.
    Show documentation
  • Added new fadeIn command-line argument for starting the screensaver with a fade effect.
    Show documentation
  • Set wallpaper command-line control random argument now selects a different wallpaper if the current one is already running.
  • Improved error presentation in the wallpaper customize dialog.
  • Improved file downloader with better error handling and performance.
  • Improved performance of video wallpaper screenshot capture (app theme and desktop picture).
  • Added WebView2 install prompt when selecting it in settings if the runtime is missing.
  • Added in-app notification when WebView2 runtime is missing while selecting a wallpaper.
  • Changed wallpaper directory UI: address bar now opens the folder, side button allows selecting a new folder.
  • Switch from ListView to Segmented control in active wallpaper dialog.
  • New Grid visualizer debug tool in Diagnostic page.
  • Lots of code refactoring.

Fixes

  • Fixed unwanted border appearing on top-left of video wallpapers.
    If you previously added border=no to mpv.conf as a workaround, it's recommended to remove it now.
  • Fixed an issue where wallpapers did not respect Windows swapped mouse button settings.
  • Fixed website login not persisting across wallpaper restarts, requires disk cache to be enabled in settings.
  • Fixed website wallpaper having wrong display scale.
  • Fixed screensaver plugin required message not updating.
  • Fixed missing wallpaper art in screensaver dialog when preview file is absent.
  • Fixed screensaver stopping early with "lock on resume" enabled.
  • Fixed on-screen controls showing in video screensavers.
  • Fixed local file wallpapers not loading in WebView2.
  • Fixed wallpaper remains paused in some instances even when on desktop.
  • Fixed "Restore Default" button not visible when LivelyProperty is empty.
  • Fixed input issues in newer CefSharp player versions.
  • Fixed file picker allowing multiple selections where only one was expected.
  • Fixed screenshot capture, theme and desktop picture not working in WebView2 player.
  • Fixed webpage wallpaper briefly ignoring mute setting on startup.
  • Fixed incorrect layout in screensaver dialog when using mirror mode.
  • Fixed unnecessary error messages on first startup if config files are missing.
  • Fixed customize tray-menu not fitting on screen in some system configurations.
  • Fixed FileNotFound exception when using absolute path URL wallpapers.
  • Fixed MPV player screenshot feature crashing on some systems.
  • Fixed file save dialog not opening when app is run elevated.
  • Fixed missing app icon in WebView2 wallpaper player.
  • Fixed video not looping in VLC player.

Updates

  • Updated MPV player.
  • Updated to .NET 9.
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK.
  • Updated dependencies (includes important security patches.)
  • Updated community translations.

Known Issues

  • When keyboard input is enabled for wallpapers, key presses may be duplicated because the wallpaper also captures input when focused. As a workaround, switch to mouse input mode when typing.

SHA256

d60590c94c3e9fbc141327d82330ac8884e8c73dae6ef1ffeee881cae6c6bc86

From the Developer

It’s been a while since the last Lively update - I took a health break and have been gradually easing back into development. During this time, I also worked on a few side projects.. cue self promotion 😁

Screenbox - An open-source media player based on VLC created by Tung Huynh. I contributed a real-time audio visualizer, based by Lively’s own wallpaper visualizer.

screenbox_15s_demo.mp4

Lively Weather - A native DirectX powered animated weather app I’ve been building alongside. The latest update brings upto 50% performance boost after implementing D2D1 shaders.

lw_renderer.mp4

Better Everything + hotfix

31 May 18:21

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This is a patch release to fix issues in v2.1.0.6 deemed important for stability based on bug reports.

For the full list of v2.1 changes visit:
https://www.rocksdanister.com/lively/changelog/

Miscellaneous

music_app_exclusion.mp4
  • Apps can now be excluded from displaying music information in the settings (Experimental.)
  • New reload setwp option to restart wallpapers.
    Show documentation
  • Added library item reorganizing animation.
  • Control panel styling improvements.

Fixes

  • Fixed Set as Wallpaper context menu not showing screen selector when required.
  • Fixed media properties resetting on restart in some systems.
  • Fixed splashscreen always showing in some systems.
  • Fixed Mpv player writing to log excessively.

Translations

  • Added Irish language. Thanks to socbocs.
  • Updated community translations.

SHA256

93e873373a84a6444f9ff0966dd36c1d38f3f7230c4011e61eb61a01a6194eb4

Better Everything

23 May 14:53

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This page may not display properly in older versions of Lively, open in browser:
https://www.rocksdanister.com/lively/changelog/

hero_art

This update has been cooking for months.. lots of features and fixes 🥳.

New "Music Tunnel" Wallpaper

music_tunnel.mp4

Better Screensavers

screensaver_ui.mp4
  • You can now select different screensavers independently of the running wallpaper.

  • Each screensaver can have a custom layout, such as span or duplicate, separate from the wallpaper settings.

  • Screensavers can now run without needing the Lively app to be open. You can use Lively exclusively as a screensaver app!
    Note: This feature is available only in the installer version of Lively.

  • Optimized and reduced Screensaver Plugin size from 30MB to just under 8KB 🪄
    Requires new Screensaver Plugin.

Better Control Panel

control_panel.mp4
  • Introducing the new display selector interface that resembles Windows settings. This feature visually shows the positions, sizes and other details of connected displays.
    Creating this custom control from scratch was quite a task, as there is no stock way to achieve this 😅

Better Performance - 100,000+ Controls!

customise_performance.mp4
  • The wallpaper customization menu code has been completely rewritten for better performance and easier maintenance.
  • Thanks to virtualization and templating techniques, the new system has been tested to handle over 100,000 controls effortlessly.

Better Update Experience

updater.mp4
  • The app updater (installer) has been better integrated into the main interface, featuring simple and non-distracting notifications.
  • The latest update information can now be viewed directly from within the app.

Better Wallpaper Scaling

media_scaler.mp4
  • For better flexibility and user control wallpaper scaler settings are now applied for individual media file and wallpaper layout like span and duplicate.
  • This feature is only available when Mpv video player is selected.
    Old media customization settings will be cleared to enable this feature.

Better FolderDropdown Control

folderDropdown.mp4
  • Redesigned FolderDropdown control with file preview and deletion support.
  • Preview is supported for most popular formats as it is generated from system shell.
    Show documentation.

Patreon Supporters <3

patreon_supporters.mp4
  • Just a little something to show appreciation.

Miscellaneous

tray_light.mp4
  • New light themed system-tray menu.
  • While installing application wallpaper now there is option to add launch arguments.
  • Modernized the interface with new Segmented control.

Windows 24H2 Support

  • Upgrades have been implemented to ensure compatibility with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 release.
  • These enhancements are expected to function with insider versions of Windows; however, please note that insider builds are not officially supported.

64-bit Architecture

  • Lively is transitioning from x86 (32-bit) to x64 (64-bit) process architecture.
  • This change will enhance application performance by better utilizing system resources.
    If your current installation has admin privileges, you may receive a one-time prompt asking for the install type. This is normal.
    A restart may be requested at the end of the installation process. While not strictly required, it is recommended.
    For backward compatibility, the installer filename remains listed as x86.

Commandline

  • New random setwp option to randomly select a wallpaper from the library.
    Show documentation
  • New showExclusive command, allowing Lively to function as a standalone screensaver application.
    Show documentation
  • Setting wallpaper not present in library will now get auto imported if its media file.
  • Sending commands directly through application executable is now instant, 1s delay is gone.

Fixes

  • Fixed close wallpaper button disabled in span layout when non primary display was selected previously.
  • Fixed video wallpaper position not synchronized on startup in duplicate layout.
  • Fixed Customize wallpaper not applying to selected screen if wallpaper is not running.
  • Fixed application crashing when adding some program to wallpaper pause rules.
  • Fixed high system resource usage during update download.
  • Fixed InfoBar overlapping with other elements.
  • Added unicode support for LivelyProperties Textbox and FolderDropdown.
    For example now you can interact with text and filenames with Chinese characters.
  • When unique DeviceId is not available for display a hashcode is generated which should resolve some display related wallpaper bugs.
  • Optional TaskbarCrashTimeOutDelay settings variable to configure the check time between Taskbar Explorer process crash.
  • Fixed app v2.1.0.4 crashing on some systems with fractional display scaling.

Translations

  • Added Belarusian, Galician, Kazakh, Burmese and Slovak languages.
  • Updated community translations.

Updates

  • Upgraded .NET runtime to 8.0.5 (x64).
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.5.240404000.
  • Upgraded Visual C++ Redistributable v2015-2022 (x64).
  • Updated Mpv player.
  • Updated CEF player.
  • Updated dependencies.

SHA256

e9a1fb80d9736e6336ef3e0b7c900446dd45bcb0865caad3ddb91e11717d19cc

Windows 11 22H2 Support

26 Oct 06:51

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This update includes patches for Windows 11 22H2 update and other critical bugfixes.

See the new feature in action:
https://rocksdanister.com/lively/changelog

What's changed in Lively v2.0.7.4

Fixes

  • Windows 11 22H2 update patches.
    Fixed wallpaper disappearing when Copilot(Preview) opened.
    Fixed wallpaper disappearing when Bluetooth device connected.
    Fixed wallpaper disappearing when USB device connected.
    Fixed wallpaper disappearing when Display settings changed.
  • Fixed wallpaper disappearing on some systems resuming from sleep.
    This is a Chromium/driver issue, as a workaround wallpaper is restarted if crashed.
  • Fixed wallpaper taking focus when starting.

Performance

  • Refactoring and updates results in improved UI and Core performance.

Updates

  • Updated Mpv player build 20231008
  • Updated CefSharp browser v111.2.70
  • Updated .NET Core Runtime v7.0.12
    You may receive a prompt to restart after updating, but it is not necessary.
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.4.231008000
  • Updated community translations.

Known issues

SHA256

ae6c0c40b8868a94db9b46306e894897527234a43b46077994098258d533445e

A New Smarter Lively

28 Jun 07:35

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Lively just got smarter with AI.. introducing first of many to come AI feature "Depth Wallpapers"

See the new feature in action:
https://rocksdanister.com/lively/changelog

What's changed in Lively v2.0.7.0

AI Depth Wallpapers

  • Using Machine Learning to predict distance of objects from the camera and then use GPU shaders to create 3D image!
  • When it comes to privacy, everything is run 100% local. No network required to run the model, no data sent to the cloud.
  • In my testing works best with scenery, dont be afraid to try different things out and share with the community what you find. You can get some stock images to try here: https://www.pexels.com/

New Wallpapers

UI/UX

  • Updated ColorPicker control, packed with new features.
  • Tray customize menu now takes display scaling into account.
  • Refactoring and improvements should yield better performance and consistency.

Enhancements

Fixes

  • Fixed wallpaper FileDialog not opening when the program is Run as administrator.
  • Fixed media not changing in music wallpapers when the new track is from the same artist.
  • Fixed scaling settings not working with Windows Media Foundation (wmf) player.

Translation

  • Updated translations.
  • The new features may not be translated to all the languages on first release due to the nature of community translations, hope you understand.
    You can help translating, learn more: https://crowdin.com/project/lively-wallpaper

Updates

  • Updated Mpv player.
  • Updated dependencies.
  • Updated .NET Desktop Runtime v7.0.7
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.3.2

Known issues

  • Incompatibility with MSI Afterburner RivaTuner Statistics Server, HW64 or other overlay; add exception for Lively UI.

SHA256

a83933272e3d3a03ac4136c64efd2a5d47ca6280a6c2e67cf6fcb93c9d5a1ec9

Search and improvements + hotfix

11 May 03:33

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This is a patch release to fix issues in v2.0.6.5 deemed important for stability based on user reports.

What's changed in Lively v2.0.6.6

  • Fixed application crashing/blank for some users
    microsoft/WindowsAppSDK#3616
  • Fixed Active Wallpaper button not showing wallpaper count on restart.
  • Fixed tray customize menu theme.

What's changed in Lively v2.0.6.5

New website

New Wallpapers

UI/UX

  • Search function implemented in title area, find installed wallpapers based on name.
  • Labels are hidden after first run for a more clean look.
  • Updated Mica Backdrop implementation based on latest guidelines.
  • New hover animation for expander menu and other enhancements
  • Made about page icons less jagged.

Enhancements

Performance

Fixes

  • Fixed application UI being blank for some users.
  • Fixed debugger title not visible in dark theme.
  • Latest WindowsAppSDK improvements.

Installer

  • Fixed Korean language not displaying correctly in Installer.
  • Removed duplicate languages from the list.

Translation

Updates

  • Updated dependency libraries.
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.3
  • Updated .NET Desktop Runtime v7.0.5

Known issues

  • Incompatibility with MSI Afterburner RivaTuner Statistics Server, HW64 or other overlay; add exception for Lively UI.
  • Elevation (Run as admin) is not fully supported in some versions of Windows and file dialog fails to open.

SHA256

f62eb93451e4aa704d5d94c40511e3af146b74b2cca9f304cd3b81f05e37df9a

Search and improvements

01 May 10:10

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This update includes new search feature, quality of life improvements and fixes.

I made a new interactive website for Lively, check it out: https://rocksdanister.com/lively

What's changed in Lively v2.0.6.5

New Wallpapers

UI/UX

  • Search function implemented in title area, find installed wallpapers based on name.
  • Labels are hidden after first run for a more clean look.
  • Updated Mica Backdrop implementation based on latest guidelines.
  • New hover animation for expander menu and other enhancements
  • Made about page icons less jagged.

Enhancements

Performance

Fixes

  • Fixed application UI being blank for some users.
  • Fixed debugger title not visible in dark theme.
  • Latest WindowsAppSDK improvements.

Installer

  • Fixed Korean language not displaying correctly in Installer.
  • Removed duplicate languages from the list.

Translation

Updates

  • Updated dependency libraries.
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.3
  • Updated .NET Desktop Runtime v7.0.5

Known issues

  • Incompatibility with MSI Afterburner RivaTuner Statistics Server, HW64 or other overlay; add exception for Lively UI.
  • Elevation (Run as admin) is not fully supported in some versions of Windows and file dialog fails to open.

SHA256

01c8069f2a47834362da7d301a796c3838385c54546da3f33b9b96b91bea98be

Music wallpaper are here! + hotfix

22 Feb 15:55

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Lively wallpapers that show currently playing music from Spotify, Chrome.. are here!

Check out this trailer to see what's new:
https://youtu.be/sU20riug44Y

What's changed in Lively v2.0.6.1

Music wallpaper (NowPlaying API)

UI/UX

  • New Report bug tray-menu that helps with reporting issue (will work even in the event some issue is preventing the main app to fail.)
  • New library hover animation and selection design.

Enhancements

  • New optional AppData Mpv configuration path.
  • Learn more: #1482

Fixes

  • Improved startup time of wallpapers using System Information API.
  • Fixed check update system-tray menu crashing when there is no internet.
  • Fixed webpage wallpapers not working when installed as admin. #1579

Development

  • JSON Schema for LivelyProperties API implemented thanks to @dejohansson
  • Learn more: #1542

Installer

  • Added 27 new language.
  • Updated Inno Setup v6.2.2
  • Removed unused NODEPENDENCIES flag.

Translation

  • Added Lithuanian language, thanks Sharanchius.
  • Added Norwegian language, thanks Magnus Røkke.
  • Updated language translations.

Updates

  • Updated dependency libraries.
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.2.3
  • Updated .NET Desktop Runtime v7.0.3
  • Updated CefSharp browser v110.0.280

Known issues

  • Incompatibility with MSI Afterburner RivaTuner Statistics Server, HW64 or other overlay; add exception for Lively UI.
  • Elevation (Run as admin) is not fully supported in some versions of Windows and file dialog fails to open.
  • When using Lively screensaver, display log-on screen settings do not lock system.

SHA256

3991f4c4af685c2ff20ebfde2cbdebe27f4f468c11f036a5e3140b43605317c6

Music wallpaper are here!

21 Feb 17:53

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Lively wallpapers that show currently playing music from Spotify, Chrome.. are here!

Check out this trailer to see what's new:
https://youtu.be/sU20riug44Y

What's changed in Lively v2.0.6.0

Music wallpaper (NowPlaying API)

UI/UX

  • New Report bug tray-menu that helps with reporting issue (will work even in the event some issue is preventing the main app to fail.)
  • New library hover animation and selection design.

Enhancements

  • New optional AppData Mpv configuration path.
  • Learn more: #1482

Fixes

  • Improved startup time of wallpapers using System Information API.
  • Fixed check update system-tray menu crashing when there is no internet.

Development

  • JSON Schema for LivelyProperties API implemented thanks to @dejohansson
  • Learn more: #1542

Installer

  • Added 27 new language.
  • Updated Inno Setup v6.2.2
  • Removed unused NODEPENDENCIES flag.

Translation

  • Added Lithuanian language, thanks Sharanchius.
  • Added Norwegian language, thanks Magnus Røkke.
  • Updated language translations.

Updates

  • Updated dependency libraries.
  • Updated WindowsAppSDK v1.2.3
  • Updated .NET Desktop Runtime v7.0.3
  • Updated CefSharp browser v108.4.130

Known issues

  • Incompatibility with MSI Afterburner RivaTuner Statistics Server, HW64 or other overlay; add exception for Lively UI.
  • Elevation (Run as admin) is not fully supported in some versions of Windows and file dialog fails to open.

SHA256

17851ab868ce7c0e27636851f2e200b63fe2cae4490dfa6143042c6ed8635338