Zoom is one of the most popular video call platforms in the world, allowing for smooth face-to-face conversations no matter where the callers are located. If you’ve been on a Zoom call where someone has a flashy branded Zoom background, you may want to change up your background as well. Zoom offers many background options that are built into the platform, but you can upload your own customized background image as well with a little technical know-how.
No Green Screen Needed
When you change your Zoom background, the call platform automatically detects the boundaries of your silhouette and separates you from the background. This way, even if you move or gesture, you remain in focus while the virtual background remains behind you.
In the past, this effect was only possible using a green screen: a tarp of bright green fabric that makes it easier for computer graphics programs to project digital images onto a background. You can use a green screen for a crisper virtual background, but you don’t need one. Zoom’s virtual background tool works with any background, from a white wall to a living room or office.
How To Change a Zoom Background Before a Meeting
You can change your Zoom background from the pre-meeting screen or in the middle of an active meeting. Here’s how to change Zoom background in a few quick and easy steps:
- Log in to your Zoom account
- Click your profile picture to open the menu
- Select “Settings”
- Select the “Meeting” tab
- Navigate to “Virtual Background” and enable the feature by clicking the check box
- Select a background from Zoom’s default menu or upload your own background image
The administrator of a meeting can disable the virtual background feature for everyone on a call. If the virtual background option is grey and unclickable, the feature is disabled.
Making a Virtual Background Look Its Best
You don’t need a green screen to use the virtual background tool, but there are ways you can set up your space for a seamless and visually appealing background illusion. The most important consideration is lighting.
Ample and neutral-colored lighting helps Zoom distinguish between your figure and the background. It also helps your image look better on any Zoom call and improves communication. Framing yourself against a light-colored background reflects more light onto you and can help avoid a shadowy ring when using virtual backgrounds.
Show Off Your Logo
Take your background to the next level in professional meetings by creating your own custom background with your company’s logo. You can also include your name and job title.
First, open image editing software such as Canva, Photoshop or Microsoft Paint. Then, set the image resolution to the Zoom background standard of 1920×1080. Cut and paste your company’s logo into one corner. Make sure not to add too much text, as this can distract from your image on a call. Finally, click “upload” in the Virtual Backgrounds menu to use your custom background.
It only takes a few minutes to create a branded background, but it can make all of your video calls look more professional. Create Zoom office backgrounds for your entire team to use during meetings.
