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Zoom has become an integral part of our lives, especially during these challenging times. With everyone working from home, Zoom has proven to be a reliable platform for video calls, meetings, webinars, and whatnot. However, sometimes, you cannot show your workspace or surroundings during a Zoom call, or perhaps you do not want to. That’s when Zoom backgrounds come in handy. Zoom backgrounds are used to hide whatever is behind you during a meeting or conference call. They’re essentially digital wallpapers that clients, coworkers, and colleagues see when they are on a video call with you. In this blog post, we’ll cover various methods on how to put a Zoom background on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Put A Zoom Background on Mac
There are several reasons why you might like to use Zoom background for your calls. Some of the primary reasons include:
1. Hide A Messy Environment: Perhaps you work from home and your space is not as neat as you would like it to be. Using a Zoom background is a great way to cover up any unwanted mess in the background.
2. Maintain Privacy: Sometimes, people prefer not to show their surroundings for security, personal reasons, or simply because they are uncomfortable. Zoom backgrounds allow you to keep your environment private and maintain an element of professionalism during a call.
3. Branding: Zoom backgrounds can be used to showcase your brand, logo, or marketing materials. This allows for a better branding experience and creates a more professional appearance in the eyes of clients and colleagues.
Now that we have gone through the reasons why to set up a Zoom background let’s dive into the various methods of how to do it on a Mac.
Method 1: Via Zoom Desktop Client
One of the easiest and quickest ways to set up a Zoom background on your Mac is through the Zoom desktop client. The steps to create your virtual background using the Zoom desktop client are as follows:
1. Firstly, launch the Zoom desktop client on your Mac.
2. Click on the ‘settings’ option under the ‘user’ menu in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. Now select the ‘Virtual Backgrounds’ tab from the left panel.
4. Select from one of the predetermined backgrounds provided by Zoom, or add a new one by clicking the "+" icon.
5. Once you have selected the background of your choice, you can then ‘preview it’ or ‘set it as your default background image.’
6. Upon choosing the virtual background, you can now proceed with your video conference like usual.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to use.
– Zoom provides a great set of pre-made backgrounds.
– User can also create their own custom backgrounds.
Cons:
– Limited customizations with pre-made backgrounds.
– May not be suitable for more serious or formal meetings.
Method 2: Via Zoom Mobile App
If you prefer to join Zoom video calls through your mobile device, setting up a virtual background is quite simple. The steps are as follows:
1. Launch the Zoom app on your mobile device.
2. Click on the ‘settings’ icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
3. Next, select Virtual Backgrounds from the ‘Meeting’ section.
4. Choose from one of the available backgrounds, or tap the ‘+’ to upload your photo or video background.
5. Once you have selected a picture or video you would like to use, click ‘Done,’ and your virtual background will be set up.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to use.
– User can use their own photos or videos.
Cons:
– Mobile devices do not offer as many customization options as desktop clients.
– May be difficult to pin down correct positioning of the background.
Method 3: Via Chroma Key (Green Screen)
This method involves using a green screen to replace your current background with a virtual one. This is ideal for achieving more professional settings. This method includes the following steps:
1. Click on the ‘settings’ gear icon in the upper right hand of the Zoom video window.
2. Select ‘Virtual Background’ from the left-hand-side menu.
3. Choose one of the default backgrounds that Zoom offers, or upload your custom background file.
4. Select the ‘I have a green screen’ option.
5. Once you have toggled this option, you will see the green outline around your image and should adjust until it looks clean.
6. Once you have your green screen all set, you can choose your virtual background by clicking on it.
7. Close the Settings window, and you are now set up and ready to participate in your Zoom call.
Pros:
– Professional looking final outcome.
– Ability to use creative and custom backgrounds.
Cons:
– The user must have a physical green screen set up.
– Requires extra equipment.
What To Do If You Cannot Set Up A Zoom Background on Mac
If you are having trouble setting up a Zoom background on your Mac, there are a few things you can try. Here are a few fixes:
1. Ensure Your Camera is Supported: Firstly, ensure that your camera meets the minimum requirements needed to support virtual backgrounds. Check this on the Zoom website.
2. Upgrade Your Zoom Client: It may be worth upgrading your Zoom desktop client to the latest version available. Virtual backgrounds may not be supported in older versions of Zoom.
3. Ensure A Strong Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and fast enough to support virtual backgrounds, especially if you are using a video or gif.
Bonus Tip
It is essential to keep in mind these essential tips to ensure you have the perfect virtual background. Ensure that you have proper lighting to avoid any shadows that may appear on the virtual background. Wear clothing that contrasts with your virtual background so that your green screen appears seamless. Finally, experiment with various backgrounds until you find the one that suits you best.
5 FAQs About Putting A Zoom Background on Mac
Q1. How many Backgrounds can I save?
A1. You can save up to 5 different backgrounds in the settings menu.
Q2. Can I still use the Zoom virtual background if I don’t own a green screen?
A2. Yes, if your Mac meets the requirements, you can still use a virtual background without a green screen. However, if you want a more reliable outcome, it is recommended to use a solid green screen.
Q3. Do I need a special webcam to use virtual backgrounds?
A3. No, you do not need a special camera to use virtual backgrounds, but it must meet the min requirements to support them.
Q4. How do I know which is better, the virtual background or the blurred background?
A4. It depends on the occasion. Use a virtual background for more formal or professional occasions. Otherwise, use a blurred background for more social or fun events.
Q5. Why is my background blurry when using a virtual background?
A5. This is due to poor lighting. Ensure you have proper lighting in the room to avoid this issue.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to put a Zoom background on your Mac, you can hide your messy office, maintain privacy, or even showcase your brand. With the right setup, you can make your Zoom meetings a lot more professional and enjoyable. Depending on your needs, there are several options for setting up a virtual background. Simply experiment with what suits you best!