Home or office not creating the best Zoom background for your calls?
Do not fear. Zoom Virtual Backgrounds are here!
Zoom makes it easy to add a virtual background so you can keep your home secrets secret 😉 And Canva makes it easy to create one. Today I’ve got a quick tutorial for you. If you would rather watch you can scroll down for the video!
First we will talk creating your background with Canva and then how to setup in Zoom.
Create Your Virtual Zoom Background with Canva
Head over to Canva.com and type Zoom into the search bar.
Select the Virtual Zoom Background option. The size is 1280 x 720 pixels.
There are a few options already available but we’re going to choose Blank
I like to go to Elements then Grids and put in a single photo grid so the background image I choose will resize to the perfect fit when I drag and drop.
You can then upload your own background image or choose one from Photos. I use the built-in Photos feature but also like to get images directly from Unsplash.com because it is easier to see the images. You get great images with Canva Pro.
You can search for interiors, or more specific like living rooms, home office, etc. Look for images that are the right scale for your background and ones that have something closer in the foreground also if you can find them. They look more realistic. If you try an image in Zoom and don’t like it, you can always replace it. So play around a bit. If you want a plain background you can also search for just a wall image of brick or wood or even just a color.
Once you have your image dropped in, remember that you can flip the image if you want any features on the other side.
You can then add logos, or props to make your background more custom.
When you are finished, download your image as a “png” for higher quality.
Now on to Zoom.
Add Your New Zoom Background
If you have not already, you will need to download the Zoom Desktop version. If mobile, Virtual background is available for IOS (iPad and iPhone) but not yet available for Andriod.
To add your background, open Zoom, and log in. Click Home and then the Gear Icon at the top right corner. When the settings box pops up click Virtual Background
Then you click the plus symbol to upload your background.
If you have text in your background image that is showing up backward you can Check the Mirror My Video box at the bottom.
This is also where you will see a box to check if you are using a green screen. My desktop is old and so the technology of my webcam requires the green screen to pick up my background. If you have a newer computer you may not need to use a green screen.
DIY Green Screen If Needed
But if you do, my easy fix is a green sheet. I hang mine with painter’s tape so it does not damage the wall and just hang it over the whiteboard in my office right behind my desk. This is easy and fast to put up and take down as needed.
Because my Webcam is older, I also use an app on my Mac called WebCam settings. It is a one time fee to download and may be worth it if you have a lot of calls and are also working with an internal webcam. You can adjust the brightness, saturation and more to get your background to show up on top of your green screen.
Zoom Background Goes Virtual For Your Meeting
To use your background for a meeting you will start the meeting and then click the up arrow at the bottom left, Choose Virtual Background, and then the background you want to use.
You’re all set!
Watch The Tutorial! Create Your Zoom Background
Here are some backgrounds that I have chosen for your inspiration:
Also check out:
5 TIPS: STARTING WITH ZOOM CALLS THE INTROVERT’S GUIDE
And now that your Zoom game is on point, let’s get the rest of your business organized. Ultimate Guide How To Organize Your Online Business Now
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Kaybee Lives says
This is so helpful! I go back and forth between a comfortable location with a bad background or having a good background and being uncomfortable. Thanks for the tips to help me make zoom meetings better!