Create Custom Home Screen Widgets iOS 14

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, you can create custom home screen widgets on iOS 14 using Apple’s built-in WidgetKit framework and the Shortcuts app, without needing a computer. You design widget backgrounds and text in any image editor, then use a third-party app like Widgetsmith or Color Widgets to place them on your home screen.

What Changed in iOS 14

Before iOS 14, the iPhone home screen was a static grid of app icons. Widgets existed only in the Today View, a separate screen to the left. iOS 14 introduced home screen widgets that sit alongside app icons, and crucially, they come in three sizes: small (2×2 grid), medium (4×2), and large (4×4). This opened the door for personalization—you can now make widgets that display photos, clocks, calendars, weather, or any custom image you create.

How Custom Widgets Work

Custom widgets are not a single Apple feature; they are a combination of two things:

WidgetKit – Apple’s framework that lets apps display live, updateable content in widget form.
Third-party widget apps – Apps like Widgetsmith, Color Widgets, and Photo Widget: Simple that let you upload your own images or choose from templates, then place them on your home screen.

When you create a “custom� widget, you are essentially making a static image (often with a transparent background effect) and telling the widget app to display it. The app then renders that image inside a widget container. Some apps also let you layer a real clock or date on top of your image, so the widget isn’t purely static.

How to Create a Custom Widget (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the general process, which works with most widget apps:

Choose a widget app – Widgetsmith is the most popular, but Color Widgets and Photo Widget are also widely used. Install it from the App Store.
Create your design – Use any image editor (like Canva, Procreate, or even the built-in Markup tool) to make a background image. For a seamless look, many people create a “transparent� widget that blends with the wallpaper. To do this, take a screenshot of your home screen with a blank area where the widget will go, then erase that area in your image editor to make it transparent.
Add the image to the widget app – In Widgetsmith, tap the “Add Small Widget� (or Medium/Large) button, then select “Photo� and choose your image. You can also add a clock or date overlay if you want.
Place the widget on your home screen – Exit the app, long-press on the home screen background until the icons jiggle, tap the “+� button in the top-left corner, search for your widget app, and add the widget size you created.
Assign your custom widget – After placing the widget, tap it and select the specific widget configuration you made in the app (e.g., “Small Photo�).

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

The most common issue is that the widget doesn’t match your wallpaper, especially if you use a transparent background. This happens because the widget app needs to know your exact wallpaper and icon layout to create the transparency effect. Most apps have a “Transparent Background� setting where you upload a screenshot of your home screen. Make sure you take the screenshot after you’ve arranged your icons exactly as they will be when the widget is placed.

Another issue is that the widget appears blurry or low-resolution. To avoid this, use an image that is at least the pixel dimensions of the widget size. For a small widget, that’s roughly 170×170 points (which is about 340×340 pixels on a Retina display). Always export your image at the highest resolution possible.

If the widget doesn’t update, check that the app has “Background App Refresh� enabled in Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Some widget apps only update when you open them, so if you want a live clock, make sure the app supports that feature.

Comparing Widget Apps

Widgetsmith is the most feature-rich, offering customizable fonts, colors, and multiple widget types (photos, clocks, calendars, weather, and more). It also supports “Smart� widgets that rotate based on time or location. Color Widgets is simpler and focuses on colorful backgrounds and text. Photo Widget is the most basic—it just displays a single photo. All are free with in-app purchases for premium features like additional widget slots or advanced customization.

If you want a fully transparent widget that shows only a clock or date, you can also use Apple’s built-in “Clock� widget, but it doesn’t allow custom backgrounds. For that, you need a third-party app.

Costs and Safety

Most widget apps are free to download, but premium features (like removing ads or unlocking more widget slots) cost a few dollars via in-app purchase. There are no recurring fees unless you subscribe to a service like Widgetsmith’s “Pro� tier, which is optional.

Safety-wise, these apps are generally safe, but they do request access to your photos and sometimes your location (for weather widgets). Only grant permissions that you’re comfortable with. Avoid apps that ask for excessive permissions or require you to create an account for basic functionality. Stick to well-known apps with good reviews.

Alternatives to Third-Party Apps

If you don’t want to use a third-party app, you can create a “widget-like� effect using the built-in Shortcuts app. However, this is more limited—you can only create a shortcut that opens an app or runs a script, and you can’t display a custom image. Another alternative is to use the “Scriptable� app, which lets you write JavaScript to create widgets, but that requires coding knowledge.

For most people, a dedicated widget app is the easiest route. It’s also worth noting that iOS 17 and later allow interactive widgets, but the customization options for backgrounds remain the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a widget that matches my wallpaper perfectly?

Yes, but you need to use a transparent background. Take a screenshot of your home screen with a blank space where the widget will go, then use an app like Widgetsmith’s “Transparent� feature to upload that screenshot. The app will calculate the exact offset and make the widget’s background clear, so it blends with your wallpaper.

Do custom widgets drain my battery?

No more than any other widget. Widgets update periodically, and a static image widget uses almost no power. Live widgets (like weather) may update more often, but the impact is minimal. If you notice battery drain, check which widgets are updating frequently and consider removing them.

Can I use my own photos in a widget?

Yes, most widget apps let you choose any photo from your library. You can also add a clock or date overlay on top of the photo. This is a popular way to display family photos or favorite artwork.

Will custom widgets work on older iPhones?

Yes, as long as your iPhone supports iOS 14 or later. That includes iPhone 6s and newer. However, performance may be slightly slower on older devices, but widgets themselves are lightweight.

Can I make a widget without a third-party app?

You can use the built-in Shortcuts app to create a “widget� that shows a static image, but it’s not a true widget—it’s a shortcut that opens a photo. For a real widget with a custom background, you need a third-party app.

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