Create Professional Zoom Backgrounds Using Canva
TL;DR:
- Use Canva's "Zoom Virtual Background" templates for quick, professional results
- Customize colours, fonts, and images to match your brand or personal style
- Download your design and upload it directly to Zoom through Settings
- Use high-resolution images with 16:9 aspect ratio for the best quality
- Keep designs simple and avoid busy patterns that might distract from you
Creating custom Zoom backgrounds doesn't require design skills or expensive software. Canva makes it straightforward to build professional-looking backgrounds that work well on video calls.
Getting Started with Canva Templates
Open Canva and search for "Zoom Virtual Background" in the template search bar. You'll find templates designed specifically for video calls, with the right dimensions and layouts that work well behind a person on screen.
Pick a template that matches the tone you want for your calls. Professional meetings call for clean, minimal designs, while casual catch-ups with friends can handle more creative or colourful options.
Customizing Your Design
Once you've chosen a template, you can modify it to fit your needs:
Colours and fonts: Change these to match your company branding or personal preferences. Stick to colours that won't clash with your skin tone or clothing.
Images: Add your own photos or choose from Canva's image library. Company logos work well in the corner, but keep them small so they don't dominate the screen.
Text elements: If your template includes text, make sure it's readable and relevant. Avoid placing text where your head and shoulders will appear on screen.
Pro tip: Use high-resolution images to keep your background looking sharp during video calls. Pixelated or blurry backgrounds look unprofessional.
Technical Requirements
Zoom works best with backgrounds that use a 16:9 aspect ratio and at least 1280 by 720 pixels. Canva's Zoom templates already use these dimensions, so you don't need to worry about sizing.
Keep your design relatively simple. Busy patterns or bright colours can be distracting and may interfere with Zoom's ability to separate you from the background properly.
Adding Your Background to Zoom
Download your finished design from Canva. Make sure you're downloading the full-resolution version, not a preview.
In the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings and find the Virtual Background section. You'll need to enable this feature if it's not already turned on.
Click the plus icon to add a new background and select your downloaded file. Zoom will automatically apply it, and you can preview how it looks before joining your next call.
Best Practices for Video Call Backgrounds
Your background should complement your appearance, not compete with it. Avoid designs that are too busy or colours that blend with your usual clothing choices.
Consider your lighting setup. Some backgrounds work better with certain lighting conditions. Test your setup before important calls to make sure everything looks good together.
If you're representing a company, keep branding subtle. A small logo or brand colours work well, but don't turn your background into a billboard.
FAQs
Can I use my own images to create a Zoom background in Canva?
Yes, you can upload personal images to Canva and incorporate them into your background design. This is great for adding company logos or personal photos.
Are there specific dimensions I should use for a Zoom virtual background in Canva?
Zoom recommends a 16:9 aspect ratio with at least 1280 by 720 pixels resolution. Canva's Zoom templates already use these dimensions.
Can I edit a Zoom background template in Canva after downloading it?
Yes, Canva saves your designs automatically. You can return to edit them anytime and download updated versions.
Do I need a paid Canva account to create Zoom backgrounds?
No, Canva's free plan includes access to Zoom background templates and basic customization tools. Premium elements require a paid account.
Why does my custom background look pixelated in Zoom?
This usually happens when the image resolution is too low. Make sure you're downloading the full-resolution version from Canva and using images that are at least 1280 by 720 pixels.
Jargon Buster
Canva: Web-based design tool that provides templates and editing features for creating graphics, including social media posts and presentation backgrounds.
Zoom Virtual Background: Feature that replaces your real background with a digital image or video during video calls.
Aspect Ratio: The proportional relationship between width and height of an image, expressed as two numbers (like 16:9).
Resolution: The amount of detail in an image, measured in pixels. Higher resolution means clearer, sharper images.
16:9 Aspect Ratio: The standard widescreen format used by most monitors and video platforms, including Zoom.
Wrap-up
Custom Zoom backgrounds help you look more professional and control what people see during video calls. Canva makes the process simple with ready-made templates and easy customization tools. The key is keeping your design clean and testing it with your usual lighting setup before important calls.
Ready to improve your video call setup? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more practical design and tech tutorials.