How to add a virtual background to my meeting app ?

This article will cover the three main tools for remote conferencing : Ms Teams, Zoom and Google Meet

Teams 

Change your background before a meeting starts

Your background will persist in all your meetings and calls until you change it again.

Activate your camera while configuring your video and audio settings prior to joining a meeting.   and select Background filters

Choose the Blur option to create a soft focus on your background, ensuring you remain prominently clear while the surroundings behind you are subtly masked.

To turn off background effects, select None

Change your background during a meeting

1. Navigate to the top of your meeting screen and click on the More actions icon (represented by three dots) in Microsoft Teams. From there, choose "Video effects" and then "Background settings."
   
   
2. Opt for the "Blur" option to create a background blur, or explore the available images to replace it. If you prefer to use your own image, click on "Add new" and select a file from your computer in .JPG, .PNG, or .BMP format.
   
   
3. To disable background effects, choose the "None" option.
   
4. Before applying your chosen background, click on "Preview" to see how it looks, and then click on "Apply."
   

Google Meet

Change your background before a meeting starts

1. Navigate to Google Meet and choose a meeting.
2. At the bottom right of your self view, click on "Apply visual effects."
   
3. For a fully blurred background, click "Blur your background."
   
4.   For a subtle blur, select "Slightly blur your background." 
   
5.   To choose a pre-uploaded background, click on a background option. 
   
6.   If you prefer to use your own image, click "Upload a background image" and then "Add photo." 
   
7.   To add a style to your video, click on a style option. 
   
8.   For filters, navigate to the bottom, tap on "Filters," and choose the desired filter. 
   
9. Note: If the filter is interactive, follow the on-screen instructions to activate it.
10. Finally, click on "Join Now" to enter the meeting with your selected settings.
    

Change your background during a meeting

On your self-view tile:

1. Hover over your self-view tile.
2. Click "Apply visual effects."

In the More options menu:

1. On the bottom, click "More options" (represented by three dots).
2. Click "Apply visual effects."

For background effects:

• To fully blur your background, select "Blur your background."
• For a slight blur, choose "Slightly blur your background."
• To opt for a pre-uploaded background, click on a background option.
• If you wish to use your own image, click "Upload a background image" and then "Add photo."

For additional customization:

• To apply a style to your video, click on a style.
• To use filters, go to the bottom, tap "Filters," and select the desired filter.Note: If the filter is interactive, follow the on-screen instructions to activate it

Important tips:

• Your camera is automatically activated when you click on an effect.
• Using effects and backgrounds may cause your device to slow down. Consider turning off this feature to enhance the performance of other apps on your computer.

Zoom

Change your background before a meeting starts - Desktop app

Access your profile picture and then navigate to "Settings."

Choose "Backgrounds & Filters."

Note: If the "Virtual Background" tab is not visible and you've enabled it on the web portal, sign out of the Zoom desktop client and sign in again.

If you have a physical green screen, tick the "I have a green screen" option. You can then click on your video to select the appropriate color for the green screen.

Click on an image or video to set your preferred virtual background.

Optionally, add your own image by clicking the "+" icon and specifying whether you want to upload an image or a video.

If prompted, click "Download" to download the virtual background package without a green screen.

Important notes:

• To deactivate the Virtual Background, revisit the virtual background options and select "None."
• Ensure a solid background color when the "I have a green screen" option is checked.
  
• Once you select an option, that virtual background will be applied to your upcoming meetings.
  
• For more details about the Blur option, consult the "Blurred background" article.
  
• If your account admin has set a default virtual background, they may enable it to reset back to the default if you've changed your virtual background during a meeting.
  

Change your background before a meeting starts - web client

Participate in or initiate a meeting or webinar using the web client.

On the controls toolbar, locate and click the "Settings" button.

Access the "Background" tab, and activate the "Virtual Background" checkbox.

If left unchecked, the "Mask Background" feature will be applied.

Choose a virtual background by clicking on an image. 

Optionally, include your own image by clicking the "+" icon and selecting the desired image for upload.

Change your background during a meeting

Over the camera icon, on the bottom bar menu : 

1. Select the small arrow on the right of the camera
2. Click on Choose a virtual background