Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferences have become the standard for most individuals. Whether it is for professional purposes, academic activities, or socializing with loved ones, virtual meetings have replaced face-to-face interactions. While video meetings offer convenience by enabling us to connect with others from our own spaces, they also pose their own set of difficulties.
One common challenge during video meetings is the lack of control over what’s happening in the background. Maybe you’re working from a messy bedroom, or you simply want to maintain privacy by blurring out your surroundings. Whatever the reason, blurring your Zoom background can help create a more professional and polished look.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of blurring your Zoom background before a meeting. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to achieve a clean and distraction-free background that will leave a lasting impression on your meeting attendees.
Step 1: Update to the Latest Version of Zoom
Before you can start blurring your background, make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom. This ensures that you have access to all the latest features and improvements.
To update Zoom, follow 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 an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Step 2: Enable Virtual Backgrounds
Once you have updated Zoom, the next step is to enable virtual backgrounds. This feature allows you to replace your actual background with an image or a blurred effect.
Here’s how you can enable virtual backgrounds:
- 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, select “Virtual Background” from the left sidebar.
- Make sure the option to “Enable” virtual backgrounds is toggled on.
Step 3: Choose a Blurred Background
Now that you have enabled virtual backgrounds, it’s time to choose a blurred background that you’d like to use during your meeting. Zoom provides a set of default backgrounds, including a few blurred options.
Here’s how you can select a blurred background:
- Open the Zoom application on your computer.
- Click on the arrow next to the “Start Video” button in the bottom left corner.
- Select “Choose a virtual background” from the menu that appears.
- In the virtual background settings, you’ll see a few preloaded blurred options. Select the one that suits your preference.
If you want to use your own image as a blurred background, you can also click on the “+” icon and upload an image from your computer.
Step 4: Test Your Blurred Background
Before your actual meeting, it’s a good idea to test your blurred background to ensure everything looks as expected. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments before going live.
To test your blurred background, follow these steps:
- Open the Zoom application on your computer.
- Click on the arrow next to the “Start Video” button in the bottom left corner.
- Select “Choose a virtual background” from the menu that appears.
- In the virtual background settings, make sure your chosen blurred background is displayed correctly.
- If necessary, adjust the positioning or choose a different background until you’re satisfied with the result.
- Click “Close” to exit the virtual background settings.
Conclusion
Blurring your Zoom background before a meeting can help create a more professional and distraction-free environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to easily enable virtual backgrounds, choose a blurred background, and test it before your meeting.
Remember, a clean background not only enhances your overall appearance but also allows your meeting attendees to focus on your message without distractions. So, go ahead and give it a try in your next Zoom meeting!