Lastly, there are stock photos and other images available freely online. Just know that your mobile phone may not have the same aspect ratio as your webcam, so you may end up with images that get cut off, especially if they weren’t taken in landscape mode. Most people have a mobile device filled with photos and any of them can work as well. TechRepublic contributor Andy Wolber said he has had great results with a blank blue background with his Twitter handle on it-It’s minimal, not distracting, and provides essential information for those who want to contact him outside of Zoom. It it’s too dark it may be hard to see if it’s too bright or busy, it will distract from the call. The key to picking the right image for use as a virtual background is important. Once you know the aspect ratio of your camera, it’s time to find an image and this is where you can get inventive. SEE: 15 Zoom tips to improve your video conferences while telecommuting (TechRepublic) Finding the right custom Zoom virtual background Some webcams have (or can be set to) a 4:3 aspect ratio, which includes images of 1024 x 768 pixels and 1280 x 1024 pixels.
16:9 images include those of 1280 x 720 pixels and 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Most built-in webcams in modern laptops are either 720p or 1080p, which means they have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Here you can verify and change your camera settings. In Windows 10, open the Camera app, then the Settings menu. A web page will open with your system specs where you can look for info about your webcam. To find the aspect ratio of your webcam in macOS, click on the Apple icon | About This Mac | Support | Specifications.
Zoom’s virtual backgrounds are one of the features that make it a stand-out choice for professionals working and meeting remotely.