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Clockwork Orange

github.com

WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.9 #11 of 34 in Desktop Wallpaper Software

What it is

Clockwork Orange manages desktop wallpapers on KDE Plasma 6, Windows 10/11 and macOS 13+. It can select random images from local folders, distribute choices fairly among sources and assign a different image to each monitor. On KDE Plasma, it can rotate the lock-screen image separately from the desktop. Download plugins fetch images from Wallhaven and DuckDuckGo Images on hourly, daily or weekly schedules, with a file limit configurable for each source. Wallhaven’s full catalogue requires an API key. The app records image URLs and content hashes to prevent duplicate downloads, even if a file has been deleted. Marking an image in the window deletes the file and adds its hash to a blacklist for future downloads. Version 4 is a native Go program with a command-line binary that also runs as the daemon, plus a Fyne desktop window with plugin controls, history, blacklist management and settings. It is free under the MIT License. On Linux it can run as a systemd user service; the macOS app is ad-hoc signed and not notarised.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Clockwork Orange manages desktop wallpapers for KDE Plasma 6, Windows 10/11, and macOS 13+.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The project is released under the MIT License, which permits use, copying, modification, and distribution without restriction, subject to its conditions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Background operation
On Linux it can run as a systemd user service; on all supported platforms it can run in a window with a tray icon.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Blacklist
Marking an image in the window deletes the file and stores its hash so a later plugin download of that image is deleted too.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration
The application uses a YAML configuration file and stores download history and blacklist data in SQLite databases.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration and storage
Configuration, download history, and blacklist data are stored locally in YAML and SQLite files under the user's home directory.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Download schedule
Image plugins can run hourly, daily, or weekly, and each source can have a configured file limit.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Duplicate tracking
It records downloaded image URLs and content hashes to avoid downloading the same image again, including after its file is deleted.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Image history
It records downloads by URL and content hash to avoid fetching the same image again, even after its file is deleted.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Image sources
Download plugins fetch images from Wallhaven and DuckDuckGo Images; Wallhaven's full catalogue requires an API key.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The README describes Arch Linux and Debian/Ubuntu packages, source installation on Linux, and downloadable zip files for Windows and macOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interface
The desktop window includes plugin controls, download review, history, blacklist management, settings, and appearance options.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux service
On Linux, it can run as a systemd user service that reloads configuration changes within about two seconds.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Lock screen
On KDE Plasma, it can rotate the lock-screen image and use a different image for the desktop.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS distribution
The macOS app is ad-hoc signed and not notarised, and the README says users must clear its quarantine flag after moving it to Applications.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS signing
The README says the macOS app is signed ad hoc, is not signed with an Apple Developer ID, and is not notarised.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release downloads
The releases page lists version 4.3.1 as the latest release and shows six assets for it.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Rotation
It supports timed rotation, including hourly, daily, and weekly download intervals, and can choose one image per monitor.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported systems
The project describes support for KDE Plasma 6, Windows 10/11, and macOS 13+.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Version 4
Version 4 is a native Go program with a command-line binary that also serves as the daemon and a desktop window built with Fyne.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Wallhaven limit
A Wallhaven API key is needed to access its full catalogue.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Wallpaper rotation
It selects random wallpapers from local directories, choosing sources fairly, and can assign one image per monitor.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Wallpaper sources
It selects images from local folders and downloads them through Wallhaven and DuckDuckGo Images plugins.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports KDE Plasma 6, Windows 10/11 and macOS 13+.
  • Assigns separate wallpapers to multiple monitors.
  • Schedules image downloads hourly, daily or weekly.
  • Tracks duplicates and supports image blacklisting.

Limits

  • Wallhaven’s full catalogue requires an API key.
  • The macOS app is not notarised.
  • macOS users must clear its quarantine flag after moving it to Applications.

Who it suits

Clockwork Orange suits people who want scheduled wallpaper rotation across its supported desktop systems, including per-monitor images. KDE Plasma users can also rotate the lock screen independently.

Verdict

Clockwork Orange offers local and plugin-based wallpaper rotation, with history and blacklist tools. Check the macOS distribution steps and Wallhaven’s API-key requirement before relying on those options.

Where Specifiction places it

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