One way to add a touch of creativity and personalization to your virtual meetings is by using virtual backgrounds on your Zoom calls. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to add additional virtual backgrounds to your Zoom account, including some helpful tips and insights based on my own experience.
Step 1: Update Your Zoom Client
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you have the latest version of the Zoom client installed on your device. This is important because older versions may not have the option to add virtual backgrounds.
You can easily update your Zoom client by following these steps:
- Open the Zoom application on your computer.
- Click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
- Select “Check for Updates” from the dropdown menu.
- If there is a newer version available, click “Update” to download and install it.
Step 2: Choose Your Virtual Backgrounds
Now that you have the latest version of Zoom, it’s time to find some new virtual backgrounds to spice up your Zoom calls. There are several ways you can do this:
- Zoom Backgrounds Gallery: Zoom offers a built-in gallery of virtual backgrounds that you can choose from. To access this gallery, follow these steps:
- Open the Zoom application on your computer.
- Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the settings.
- In the settings menu, click on the “Virtual Background” tab.
- Here, you will find a selection of pre-loaded backgrounds provided by Zoom. Choose the one that suits your style and click on it to select it as your virtual background.
- Online Resources: There are many websites that offer free virtual backgrounds for Zoom. Simply search for “Zoom virtual backgrounds” in your favorite search engine and browse through the results. You can find backgrounds related to nature, cities, pop culture, and much more. When you find a background you like, download it to your computer.
- Create Your Own: If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can create your own virtual backgrounds. Use image editing software like Photoshop or Canva to design backgrounds that reflect your personality or brand. Once you’re done creating, save the image to your computer.
Step 3: Add Your New Virtual Backgrounds to Zoom
Once you have chosen or created your virtual backgrounds, it’s time to add them to Zoom. Follow these steps:
- Open the Zoom application on your computer.
- Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the settings.
- In the settings menu, click on the “Virtual Background” tab.
- Click on the “+” button next to “Choose Virtual Background”.
- A window will open, allowing you to browse and select the image file of your virtual background on your computer. Select the background image you want to use and click “Open”.
Step 4: Test and Adjust Your Background
It’s always a good idea to test your virtual background before using it in a meeting. Here are some tips to make sure it looks great:
- Make sure you have adequate lighting in your room. Poor lighting can make your virtual background look unnatural.
- Choose a background that contrasts with your appearance. For example, if you’re wearing a white shirt, a background with darker colors may look better.
- Position yourself properly in front of the camera. Zoom allows you to adjust your position and size in the virtual background settings.
Conclusion
Adding more virtual backgrounds to Zoom is a simple way to add a touch of personality to your video calls. Whether you choose from the built-in gallery, find backgrounds online, or create your own, the options are endless. Just remember to update your Zoom client, choose backgrounds that reflect your style, and test them out before your next meeting. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to impress your colleagues and friends with your creative virtual backgrounds!