Can You Resize Desktop Widgets in macOS 13?

This article explains the limitations of widget functionality in macOS 13 (macOS Ventura), specifically regarding desktop placement and interactivity. The short answer is no: Apple does not natively support placing or resizing interactive widgets directly on the desktop in macOS 13. Those features were introduced in macOS 14 (macOS Sonoma). However, you can still resize standard widgets within macOS 13's Notification Center.

Why You Cannot Use Desktop Widgets in macOS 13

In macOS 13 Ventura, widgets are restricted entirely to the Notification Center sidebar. You cannot drag them onto the desktop, nor are they interactive. Clicking a widget in macOS 13 simply launches its parent application rather than allowing you to interact with tasks, play media, or trigger actions directly.

True desktop placement and full widget interactivity were only added to the Mac with the release of macOS 14 Sonoma.

How to Resize Widgets in macOS 13 (Notification Center)

While you cannot place widgets on the desktop in macOS 13, you can resize the widgets available in your Notification Center:

  1. Open the Notification Center by clicking the date and time in the top-right corner of your menu bar, or by swiping left with two fingers from the right edge of your trackpad.
  2. Locate the widget you want to resize.
  3. Right-click (or Control-click) the widget.
  4. Select your preferred size from the context menu: Small, Medium, or Large (availability depends on the app).

How to Get Interactive Desktop Widgets

If you want interactive widgets directly on your desktop, you have two options:

  • Upgrade to macOS 14 Sonoma (or later): If your Mac supports it, updating your operating system enables you to drag widgets directly onto your desktop, interact with them directly without opening apps, and resize them at any time via a simple right-click menu.
  • Use Third-Party Software: If you cannot upgrade from macOS 13, third-party utilities such as WidgetWall or Übersicht allow you to add and customize widgets directly on your desktop workspace.