In this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how to quickly blur your background during a Zoom call and how to set a custom background image.
Imagine you have a critical Zoom meeting scheduled, but your usual work-from-home setup is either occupied or, even worse, a bit of a mess. With no time to tidy up or find a neutral space to set up, it’s natural to feel a little panicked. But don’t worry — Zoom offers built-in options to help you maintain your privacy and hide the clutter behind you with background blurring.
This simple, toggleable feature can keep your space private or make any mess behind you appear wonderfully fuzzy, and it’s available in Zoom right now.
This guide will walk you through blurring your Zoom background before a meeting starts and during the call. We’ll also show you how to choose a background image if you prefer something more personalized. Let’s get started!
How to Blur Your Zoom Background Before a Meeting
Zoom makes it easy to hide your personal space during a meeting, even if you want your video on without using a virtual background. If you’re looking to join a meeting while keeping your surroundings private, follow these simple steps to blur your Zoom background before the call:
Click on Your Profile Icon: Look for your profile picture or initials in the upper-right corner of the Zoom window and click on it. This will open a dropdown menu with various options related to your account and settings.
Navigate to Settings: From the dropdown menu, select “Settings” to open the settings window. This section allows you to customize various aspects of your Zoom experience.
Select Background & Effects: In the left sidebar, click “Background & Effects” to access background options. Here, you can choose from various settings related to your video appearance.
Choose Blur: On the screen that appears, simply click the “Blur” option. This will blur everything behind you, ensuring your personal space remains private during the meeting. The effect is subtle enough to keep the focus on you while rendering any clutter or distractions indistinct.
Additional Tips
Test Your Setup: Before your meeting starts, consider using the preview feature to see how the blur looks on your video. This will help you ensure you’re happy with the effect and adjust your camera angle if needed.
Good Lighting Matters: Proper lighting is essential for clear video quality, even with a blurred background. Position yourself in a well-lit area to enhance your appearance on camera.
Stay Engaged: Remember that while the blur keeps your space private, maintaining eye contact and being engaged during the meeting is crucial. Look directly at the camera to create a connection with your colleagues.
Following these steps, you can join your Zoom call without worrying about revealing your surroundings. Enjoy your meeting with the confidence that your personal space remains personal!
How to Blur Your Zoom Background While in a Meeting
If you find yourself in the middle of a Zoom call and decide that you’d like to blur your background, you’re in luck! It’s a straightforward process that can be done on the fly. Here’s how to blur your background while you’re in a meeting:
Access the Video Options: Locate the “Start/Stop Video” button from the main meeting screen. Next to this button, you’ll see a small dropdown arrow. Click on this dropdown to access additional video settings.
Select Blur My Background: In the menu that appears, click “Blur My Background”. This will immediately apply the blur effect to your background, allowing you to maintain privacy without disrupting the meeting flow.
Additional Tips for Using Background Blur
Adjust Your Camera Position: The blur effect may not look its best if your camera angle is too low or high. Ensure your camera is positioned at eye level for the most flattering view.
Minimize Movement: While blur helps disguise your surroundings, excessive movement can still draw attention. Stay relatively still to keep the focus on you and your conversation.
Use a Neutral Background: Position yourself before a plain wall or neutral space if possible. This can enhance the blur effect and make your video appear cleaner and more professional.
By following these simple steps, you can easily blur your background mid-meeting, ensuring that your personal space remains private and your colleagues can concentrate on the discussion.
How to Change Your Zoom Background Image
If you’d like to personalize your Zoom experience by choosing a background image, the process is straightforward and similar to blurring your background. Here’s how to change your Zoom background image during or before a meeting:
Access Video Options: Look for the “Start/Stop Video” button from the main meeting screen. Next to it, click on the caret (▼) to open the dropdown menu.
Choose Virtual Background: Select “Choose Virtual Background” in the menu. This will open a new window with various background options.
Select Your Desired Background: Browse the available backgrounds and click on the one you’d like to use. If you want to use a custom image or video, click the “plus (+)” icon to upload your file from your computer.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Background
Opt for Professional Images: Choose appropriate and professional backgrounds if you’re in a work setting. Subtle designs or simple colors often work best.
Test Before the Meeting: If you have time, preview your chosen background before the meeting starts to ensure it looks good on camera. You can do this in the virtual background settings.
Consider Lighting and Contrast: Make sure your chosen background contrasts nicely with your appearance. This helps ensure you remain the focal point during the call.
Blurring Your Background vs. Choosing a Background Image
When setting the backdrop for your Zoom meetings, you have two primary options: blurring your background or selecting a background image. Each choice has pros and cons, depending on your preferences, needs, and the context of the meeting.
Pros and Cons of Blurring Your Background
Pros:
Professional and Clean Look: Blurring your background creates a polished appearance, making it especially useful in casual settings or when you lack a dedicated workspace. This effect helps present a more focused image, allowing your audience to concentrate on what you’re saying without distractions from your environment.
Easy Implementation: Activating the blur feature is straightforward and requires just a few clicks, eliminating the need for additional images or customization. This quick setup is ideal for those who may not have the time or resources to curate a visually appealing background.
Privacy and Security: Blurring effectively obscures personal or sensitive information that might be visible behind you, offering an extra layer of privacy, particularly in public or shared spaces. This feature is precious for professionals working from home, as it helps protect against unintended disclosures during meetings.
Minimizes Distractions: By reducing visual clutter, a blurred background helps maintain attention on you during the call, allowing for a more effective communication experience. It directs your audience’s attention to your expressions and gestures, enhancing engagement.
Cons:
Lack of Personalization: The blur effect doesn’t allow you to express your personality or brand; it removes all background details. This can make you feel less connected to your space, especially if you thrive on visual cues or have a vibrant personal style.
Potential Glitches: Occasionally, you may experience glitches where parts of your background appear unexpectedly sharp or out of focus, which can be distracting. These glitches may detract from your professionalism and can happen due to lighting conditions or camera quality.
Pros and Cons of Choosing a Background Image
Pros:
Engagement: A visually appealing background can enhance conversations and make your Zoom meetings more engaging, adding an element of interest. Creative backgrounds can serve as conversation starters and contribute to a lively atmosphere.
Relevance: You can select a background image that relates to the topic of the meeting, setting the tone and enhancing discussions. For example, using an image of a conference setting for a professional meeting can convey seriousness, while a fun graphic can lighten the mood for a team brainstorming session.
Personalization: Choosing a custom background allows for greater personalization, enabling you to showcase your style or incorporate branded elements that reflect your identity. This can help reinforce your brand, especially in business contexts.
Cons:
Distractions: Depending on the image, a busy or overly vibrant background can distract other participants, drawing attention away from the main discussion. This can be counterproductive, especially if the goal is maintaining a professional atmosphere.
Potential for Misalignment: Background images may not always align perfectly with your video feed despite technological improvements. This misalignment can create an unnatural look, detracting from your professional appearance. Testing the background before important meetings is crucial to ensure everything looks cohesive.
Ultimately, the decision between blurring your background and selecting a custom image comes down to your personal style and the meeting’s context. Each option offers distinct advantages, so consider what will work best for you and your audience to create a practical and engaging Zoom experience. By weighing these factors, you can enhance your online presence and foster better communication in your virtual meetings.