Zoom Tips – 3 Easy Steps to Create a Zoom Virtual Background

by | News, video conferencing

Working remotely has introduced us to many new skills and technologies. Zoom has allowed us to connect with colleagues during the lockdown and it appears that hybrid working is here to stay.

If you’re tired of keeping your home office perfect or want that vacation vibe to continue back at work? Why not add a Zoom virtual background to improve your meetings.

Here are some easy Zoom Tips to help you improve the look and feel of your next meeting.

Zoom Tip 1 – Add a Virtual Background​

Here’s how you do it!

  • Open your Zoom app (this is the software that is installed on your computer) & log in to Zoom
  • Go to Setting in the Top right corner (the little gear wheel below your avatar or initials)
Zoom Background and Filters
  • Select Backgrounds & Filters
  • Choose the Virtual Background you prefer
  • You can also click on Video Filters to have some more fun
  • That’s it you’re done!

When you next hold a meeting, your new improved backdrop will be there with you

Zoom Tip 2 – Create a Custom Virtual Background

You may have noticed that you can upload your own images too.

Select your custom Zoom background
Select your custom Zoom background

Simply click on the plus sign +  to add your own content or choose files.

Select a photo or video from your own files and select open.

How to set a custom Zoom background

It will instantly appear in your virtual background options.

You can upload up to 10 of your own images as JPEG, JPG or 24-bit PNG. Just remember to 1920 x 1080 and maximum size of 15MB.

Also, ensure that ‘Mirror my video’ is not selected.

Just remember that Zoom backgrounds can be a great way to start a conversation, set a tone or limit distractions but keep it simple if it is for business.

Zoom Tip 3 – Create Your Own Image for

Your Custom Virtual Background

You may want to create your very own custom virtual background including your company logo and branding or meeting name. You can design the background using whatever application you prefer but I’m using PowerPoint because most people already know how to use it use and it’s readily available. I also like it because the slide dimensions work well.

Custom Zoom Image

For the purposes of this post, I’ve created a very simple slide with our logo at the top and our brand colour as the background. You can add images of products, services, or something specific to a meeting to your slide.

Select your custom Zoom background

Once you are happy with your design, save it as a JPEG, PNG or a BMP as these formats are accepted by Zoom. In PowerPoint go to File, Export, select where you want to save it (Desktop makes it easy to locate) and your preferred format.

Zoom Virtual Background

Now follow the same steps as previously outlined in Tip 1 – Settings, Backgrounds & Filters, +, Add Image or Video.

Custom Zoom Image

Select the image you want & make sure that Mirror my Video is unselected.

You will instantly be able to see your new look background.

 

Look out for more Zoom Tips & Tricks to help you improve meetings.

Check out this link will help if you want to use Zoom on your SMART board.