How to Use Zoom Backgrounds on Mac & Windows PC
Did you want to hide your messy bedroom or workspace during your next online meeting on Zoom? In that case, you’ll be excited to try out Zoom’s Virtual Background feature that allows you to replace your background with an image or scene.
One of the fun ways Zoom stands out from the rest of the video calling services is by letting users change their backgrounds while they’re in a video call. This is extremely helpful in cases where your surrounding environment isn’t safe for work, the room is just a mess, or if you’re having privacy concerns and don’t want other people in the meeting to figure out where you are. Masking the actual background using Zoom is a fairly straightforward procedure on a computer, whether on a Mac or Windows PC, so let’s discuss how you can use virtual backgrounds in Zoom.
How to Use Zoom Virtual Backgrounds on Mac or Windows
Make sure you have the latest version of Zoom installed on your computer before you get started with this procedure. Regardless of whether you’re using Windows or macOS, the steps are going to be fairly identical.
- Launch the Zoom desktop client on your computer.
- If you’re on Mac, click on “zoom.us” from the menu bar. If you’re on Windows, you can click on the gear icon in the application window to head over to settings.
- Choose “Preferences” from the dropdown menu to access Zoom’s settings.
- This will take you to the audio settings for Zoom. Choose “Background & Filters” from the left pane, as shown in the screenshot below.
- Here, you’ll be able to select and use any of the stock images offered by Zoom. If you want to add your own picture, click on the “+” icon as shown here.
- Now, you can choose either “Add Image” or “Add Video” and use any picture or video that’s stored on your computer as a Zoom background.
- You can do the same while you’re in an ongoing meeting too. Click on the chevron icon next to Start/Stop Video and click on “Choose Virtual Background” to use any background of your choice or change it.
That’s pretty much all there is to it, you’re now using virtual backgrounds in Zoom.
If you’re using a custom video as your Zoom background, it’s worth keeping in mind that maximum video resolution that can be used as a virtual background is currently limited to 1080p Full HD.
Zoom’s virtual background feature works best with a green screen and uniform lighting. It’s similar to how streamers mask their backgrounds. The green screen helps Zoom to easily detect the difference between you and your actual background. Regardless, the feature works fine as long as you’re not moving around too much, and the simpler the area behind you the better the performance will be. If you can pick a plain wall, it will generally work quite well.
Do you use an iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone as your primary mobile device? In that case, you’ll be pleased to know that you can add virtual backgrounds while participating in Zoom meetings from your iPhone, iPad, and Android devices as well.
Apart from this, Zoom also brings interesting features like being able to share your Mac’s screen with other participants in the meeting. This could come in handy for handling presentations, online lectures, sharing ideas, and more.
We hope you managed to mask your room with a virtual background during your Zoom meeting. What do you think about this handy feature and how well did it work for you? Do share your thoughts and experience in the comments section down below.
