Zoom has become a necessary tool for virtual gatherings, online courses, and distance teamwork. A beneficial aspect offered by Zoom is the side-by-side mode, enabling you to see several participants on one screen at once. In this article, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the side-by-side mode on Zoom.
Enabling Side-by-Side Mode
To enable side-by-side mode in Zoom, follow these steps:
- Launch the Zoom application on your computer.
- Sign in to your Zoom account or join a meeting as a guest.
- Once you are in a meeting, click on the “View Options” button located at the top-right corner of the Zoom window. It looks like a rectangular grid icon.
- From the drop-down menu that appears, select “Side-by-Side Mode”.
- Now, you will see all participants in the meeting arranged side by side on your screen.
Using side-by-side mode can enhance your Zoom experience by allowing you to see everyone in a meeting at once, making it easier to follow the conversation and non-verbal cues.
Customizing Side-by-Side Mode
Zoom also offers options to customize the side-by-side mode to suit your preferences. To access these options, follow these steps:
- While in a meeting with side-by-side mode enabled, hover your mouse over a participant’s video thumbnail.
- Click on the “More” button (three dots icon) that appears in the top-right corner of the participant’s video.
- A pop-up menu will appear with various options, such as pinning the participant’s video, spotlighting them, or hiding their video.
- Choose the desired option to customize your side-by-side view.
Customizing the side-by-side mode allows you to focus on specific participants, highlight important speakers, or temporarily hide a video if needed.
Using Side-by-Side Mode for Webinars
In addition to regular meetings, side-by-side mode can also be used in Zoom webinars. This feature is particularly useful for webinars with multiple presenters or panel discussions. To enable side-by-side mode in a webinar, the host needs to follow these steps:
- Start a webinar as the host.
- Click on the “More” button at the bottom-right corner of the Zoom window.
- Select “Side-by-Side Mode” from the menu.
- Now, all panelists’ videos will be displayed side by side on the screen.
As a panelist or attendee, you can simply view the side-by-side layout without any settings to adjust.
Conclusion
Zoom’s side-by-side mode is a valuable feature that enhances the visual experience of online meetings and webinars. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable and customize the side-by-side mode to suit your preferences. Whether you are collaborating with colleagues or attending a virtual event, side-by-side mode allows you to see all participants simultaneously, fostering better communication and engagement.