This just in: Customizing your screen with widgets, transparent docks and animated backdrops is the *ultimate* way to romanticize studying. Grab an iced matcha latte and follow this quick tutorial to unlock your dream aesthetic workspace using some of our fave viral tech apps.

Lock in your custom theme

Before you do anything, you need to decide on an aesthetic. If you need some inspo, check out Pinterest or Canva to find the perfect backdrop. Try searching for one of these trendy styles:

🩰 Coquette
🪶 Dark academia
🤍 Clean girl 
🍄 Cottagecore
💿 Y2K
🌸 Pastel

Add widgets for a Pinterest-worthy home screen

Widgets are an easy way to make your desktop look useful and pretty. You can add a digital clock, a monthly calendar, your everyday to-dos or a live view of what you’re spinning on Spotify. If you use a Mac, try WidgetWall. Windows girlies should check out BeWidgets. (No boring desktops here, TYVM!) 

Make your folders *actually* cute

Ditch the generic “New Folder” look. Try renaming your folders to match your personality so clicking on your assignments feels like MCE:

📚 HW HQ
✨ Academic Weapon
💭 Brain Dump
🎀 Outfit Inspo

Psst: If you’re really committed to the aesthetic, be extra and swap your default blue or yellow folder icons for tiny graphics like bows, stars, books or pastel hearts. It’s low effort, but it instantly makes your entire screen look on-theme.

Hide the clutter

Having a million files floating around is the opposite of zen. Gather up your random screenshots and loose docs, then tuck them away into your newly named folders. Try to keep only your daily apps visible on the main screen. Once your space feels calmer, everything feels a tiny bit more manageable.

Try a transparent dock

A translucent dock keeps your screen looking clean and trendy. Windows users can download TranslucentTB or MyDockFinder for an ultra-sleek transparent taskbar. Mac users can check out uBar to customize their dock instead.

Add a live wallpaper

Give your screen some movement with an animated background—best believe it changes the whole vibe. You can use Lively Wallpaper for Windows or Dynamic Wallpaper Club for Mac. Think calm ocean waves, falling rain or even a looping clip inspired by your fave Studio Ghibli film (can’t go wrong with Kiki’s Delivery Service).

Match your browser

Pls, don’t skip this step! The last thing you want to do is make your wallpaper all cute and then, bam—your browser is still stuck in 2008 (retro chic but still, we can do wayyy better). Make your web browser feel intentional by matching your Google Chrome theme to your new wallpaper. You can also organize your bookmarks into clean folders and update your user profile picture.

Bonus points if…you protect your newly upgraded tech with a cute case. (We love a Puffy Laptop Sleeve). A clean laptop + a fresh desktop = It girl of the school year. 

Romanticize study mode

Now that your tech makeover is complete, it’s time to hit up those article tabs you’ve been saving for weeks (DW, we’re guilty too). Cue up a fresh focus playlist on Spotify, turn on DND, light a candle and get studying. 

Looking for more crafty DIYs? Right this way:
💻 Our Fave Summer Craft? Bedazzling *Everything*
💻 Your Old Clothes Need A Tie-Dye Makeover
💻 Make Pen-Paling Your Next Hobby This Summer

Images: @julianne.gonzaless, @daizedreams, @milkbiancakes, @by.mirasoul, @momodokii, @mirumys, @loula_cr