How to set up a custom background in Teams

Microsoft has decided to allow their users to implement a custom backdrop within the Teams home page for that added personalization. You may add a virtual background to your video conference if you’re using Microsoft Teams. If you have children or pets, or just don’t want others to view the inside of your house, custom backdrops are an option.

In this blog, we will be looking at solutions to help users set up a custom background in Teams and find possible solutions to help users attain a custom backdrop much more easily. We will also address some of the issues that you can come across when trying to set up a custom background in Teams, so users are more aware of what they are dealing with and what approaches they need to take to set up a custom background in Teams. Follow the step-by-step process below to see how you can set up a custom background in Teams.

Step by step process – How to set up a custom background in Teams

1. Firstly “Open Teams”.
2. Now enter a meeting.
3. After that click on “More actions”, (three dots).
4. Now click on “Show background effects”.
5. After that click on “Add new”.
6. Now upload your own backdrop.
7. Scroll down and click “Apply” after selecting your virtual background.

Background pictures are supported by many video-calling programs. These allow you to create a distinct image behind you than your actual surroundings. They’re a wonderful tool for making a call appear more professional by concealing a cluttered room or adding a corporate logo (which is more important than ever given that so many of us work from home). Alternatively, in a casual call, you may add a fun or comedic background to have some fun. You may choose from a variety of pre-installed backdrops or create your own unique backgrounds in Microsoft Teams.

Be sure to follow the custom guide to ensure your backdrop isn’t under or oversized otherwise you risk losing some content as it crops the image to fit with the display dynamics. In this case, the aspect ratio of the image should be greater than four and be no less than 360 pixels and no greater than 2048 pixels. The sharper the image and your original backdrop the cleaner the edges will proceed to look. Users may even consider investing in a small greenscreen sheet to help create a much sharper edge between you and your surroundings.

Make the backdrop look professional

To obtain the greatest results, there are a few picture standards you should be aware of before submitting your unique image.

• The picture must be at least 360 pixels wide and 360 pixels tall.
• The picture size is limited to 2048 pixels by 2048 pixels.
• The picture must be saved as a.JPEG,.PNG, or.BMP file.
• Use a landscape shot instead of a portrait photo.

This means you may need to do some photo editing, or you can just get a large number of optimized photos from the Microsoft website. If you opt to download from a third-party website, be sure that the image settings in any image editing program are correct.

Microsoft Teams features a mirroring effect, which means that although your background appears backward to you, it appears correctly to everyone else at the conference. You may need to modify the size of your window if your whole background image isn’t visible or is clipped. Certain tools allow you to build your own unique background for Microsoft Teams that contains your logo, name, title, firm, and a link to your digital business card. Following the procedures outlined above, you may add your virtual background to your computer once it has been downloaded.

The classic approach to upload a new background onto Teams

Did you know there is an older approach to change your backdrop on Teams, you require a Windows computer for this but what this does essentially is input the image file from your picture folder directly into your Teams background folder. It’s quite a long-winded process however it will set your new backdrop as default allowing you to attain a better aesthetic.

• Open the File Explorer application.
• Select This Computer.
• Choose Windows (C:).
• Go to the Users folder and open it.
• Choose a user profile.
• At the top of File Explorer, select the View tab.
• Check the box next to Hidden objects.
• Go to the AppData folder and open it. Note that if you haven’t opted to view hidden objects, this won’t display.
• Go to the Roaming folder and open it.
• Go to the Microsoft folder and open it. Make sure you don’t end up in the Microsoft Teams folder by accident.
• Within the Microsoft folder, open the Teams folder.
• Go to the Backgrounds folder and open it.
• Go to the Uploads folder and open it.
• Place the desired image in the uploads folder.
• Select Pin to Quick Access from the right-click menu on the Uploads folder (optional).

Using Backgrounds That Aren’t Unique

As I said in my very first blog article, we spoke about how to use the normal backdrop settings in Teams. Let’s take a look back at what we’ve learned so far (just in case you missed it.) You may pick from a variety of backdrop picture options in the Background settings box on the right, including skyscapes, video game themes, and stunning beach layouts.

This is also where you may choose to blur your backdrop if you have anything behind you that you don’t want your meeting attendees to view, such as family, pets, or anything else.

Creating a Positive Atmosphere in Your Meetings with Custom Backgrounds

So there you have it, you now have a new Team’s background image. I understand that we are at a period where you don’t get to see much more than your own home, but there is at least one opportunity to shake things up (literally.) Remember to choose a background that best reflects you and have fun with it, but only when the moment is perfect.

Step by step process – How to set up a custom background in Teams

• First, open Microsoft Teams and join a meeting.
• Click on “More” or three dots at the top. (1)
• Then select “Background effects” from the dropdown menu. (2)

• Click on “+ Add new” then select your image and click “Open.”

• Your new background should appear at the bottom of the list.
• Scroll down and select the new background, then click the “Apply” button.
  • If your camera is turned off, click the “Apply and turn on video” button.
• You can also preview the background — other attendees cannot see your preview.

That’s it for this Blog thank you for taking time out to read our content, please feel free to email our team about how it went if you followed the steps or if you need more help with the questions we answered in this Blog.