Provides high-detail views of the Earth at day and night, which can be used either as a desktop wallpaper or a screensaver, with different maps and locations to choose from.
- EarthView
- License :Trial
- OS :Windows All
- Publisher :DeskSoft
EarthView is a dynamic desktop wallpaper and screensaver application that displays real-time images of the Earth from space. It’s known for its beautiful visuals and ability to show:
- Day/night regions in real time
- City lights and atmospheric effects
- Clouds, weather data (optional)
- Maps in various projections
It works on Windows only and is developed by DeskSoft.
🌍 Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time Earth wallpaper | Live updating Earth images on your desktop |
| Screensaver mode | Use EarthView as a moving screensaver |
| Map types | Daylight map, night map, clouds, city lights |
| High-res support | Up to 10k resolution (if you have the maps) |
| Cloud updates | Optional live cloud coverage (downloaded) |
| Multiple projections | Globe, flat, cylindrical, and more |
| Multi-monitor support | Stretch across or duplicate on all screens |
🧰 How to Use EarthView
🔹 1. Download & Install
- Website: https://www.desksoft.com/EarthView.htm
- Free trial available; paid license unlocks full features
🔹 2. Initial Setup
After installing:
- EarthView runs in the background
- Right-click its tray icon (globe) → Choose Options
⚙️ EarthView Options Breakdown
🖼 Wallpaper Mode
- Enable “Live wallpaper”
- Choose your map projection: Globe, flat, etc.
- Adjust update interval (e.g., every 10 minutes)
- Enable/disable features: Clouds, city lights, atmosphere, moonlight
💤 Screensaver Mode
- Go to Windows Screensaver Settings → Select “EarthView”
- Customize appearance and animation speed in EarthView settings
🗺 Maps
- You can download high-resolution maps (separate downloads)
- In “Map” tab, choose from various map sets:
- Political
- Natural
- City-light overlays
- Seasonal
🌦 Cloud Data (Optional)
- Enable real-time cloud overlay
- Requires periodic downloads (~1MB updates)
- Set update frequency in “Clouds” tab
- Can auto-download or update manually
🧠 Tips
- Use “globe mode” for a 3D rotating Earth effect
- If you want realistic night lighting, enable city lights + atmosphere
- For lower CPU usage, reduce update frequency and disable clouds
- Multi-monitor users: test layout in “Display” settings
🆚 EarthView vs. Other Tools
| Tool | Main Use | Live Updates | Screensaver |
|---|---|---|---|
| EarthView | Real Earth wallpaper/screensaver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wallpaper Engine | Animated/custom wallpapers | ❌ (not real-time Earth) | ✅ |
| DeskScapes | Animated wallpapers/screensavers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Rainmeter | Custom system widgets | ❌ | ❌ |
💰 Pricing
- Free trial: Limited features, watermark
- Paid version (~$25 USD one-time):
- Unlocks high-res maps
- Full configuration
- Commercial use allowed (with license)
✅ Summary
| Purpose | EarthView Delivers? |
|---|---|
| Real-time Earth wallpaper | ✅ |
| Night lights & cloud overlay | ✅ |
| Screensaver with globe view | ✅ |
| High-res Earth maps | ✅ (with license) |
| Customizable projections | ✅ |