I. Introduction
Video conferencing has become an essential part of modern work life, especially in the wake of the pandemic. However, when working from home, it can be challenging to maintain a professional appearance, especially when you can’t control the environment around you.
Fortunately, with Teams, Microsoft has made it easy to blur the background during video calls, saving you from the embarrassment of messy desks or household distractions. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to blur the background on Teams, as well as advanced techniques for creating more precise blurs, and tips for using custom backgrounds to add some fun to your meetings.
II. Quick Guide to Blur Background on Teams
Blurring your background on Teams is easy and takes only a few seconds. Here’s how to do it:
- Join a Teams meeting or call.
- Click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen and choose “Show background effects.”
- Select the “Blur” option on the right side of the screen.
- Adjust the level of background blur using the slider until you are satisfied with the results.
- Click on “Apply” to activate the blur effect.
- You’re done! You can now use the virtual background on your call.
It’s worth noting that the background-blur feature may not be available on all devices, so ensure you are running the latest version of Teams on your device.
Additionally, the more distance you have between yourself and the background, the better the blur effect will be. Also, ensure there is enough lighting on your face to avoid cast shadows on the background.
III. Benefits of Blurring Background on Teams
Blurring the background on Teams during calls has numerous benefits.
- Professional Appearance: Blurring your background helps to maintain a professional appearance on the call. It eliminates visual distractions and creates a more conducive environment for communication.
- Privacy: Blurring your background also helps maintain privacy during calls, especially if you are working in a shared space or a public area.
- Focus: By blurring the background, you can avoid distractions and better focus on the task at hand.
- Personality: Personalizing your background can reveal your personality, add a touch of humor or creativity to the call, or reinforce branding for a specific purpose.
When choosing the right background for your call, consider the image’s mood or tone. If it’s a professional call, use a background that creates a calm, neutral, or serious tone. For more relaxed calls, consider funny, creative, or light-hearted backgrounds.
IV. Advanced Techniques to Blur Background on Teams
While blurring backgrounds on Teams is straightforward, there are some advanced techniques that can make your blurs more precise and professional.
- Lighting: Ensuring you have proper lighting can help eliminate shadows and improve the blur effect.
- Camera Positioning: Positioning your camera correctly can also ensure that you are well-lit, centered on the screen, and avoiding distracting backgrounds.
- Settings: Adjusting Teams settings, such as video resolution, can also improve the background blur effect.
- Background Type: Picking the right background type can help improve the blur’s accuracy. Choose solid backgrounds or those with easily discernible shapes for better results.
When faced with blurring challenges, such as random objects or shadows in the background, try to adjust the lighting or move to a different location.
V. Troubleshooting Common Issues with Blurring Background on Teams
Blurring the background on Teams may not work as intended due to various factors.
- Low Lighting: Insufficient or uneven lighting can lead to blurry or grainy images, making it difficult to achieve the desired effect. Check your lighting sources to ensure optimal brightness and avoid strong backlighting.
- Camera Quality: A cheap camera or webcam may not capture enough detail for the blur effect to be effective. Consider investing in a high-quality camera for better results.
- Background Noise: Background noise can interfere with the blur effect, reducing its accuracy. Try to eliminate any background noise by using a noise-cancelling mic or moving to a quieter location.
When in doubt, check your settings, update your software, and try restarting your camera or system. If you suspect hardware issues, consult your IT support department.
VI. Custom Backgrounds on Teams
Microsoft Teams allows you to customize backgrounds with your own images or graphics. Here’s how to use custom backgrounds on Teams:
- Select “Show Background Effects” as in Step 2 of the Quick Guide above.
- Click on “Add New” on the right side of the screen.
- Choose an image from your computer
- Adjust the size & position to fit the screen using the given slider.
- Click “Apply” to activate the custom background.
When choosing a custom background, ensure that it’s clear, high-quality, and appropriate for the call’s purpose. Avoid distracting or cluttered backgrounds, and try to reinforce your branding if you’re using the background for work purposes.
VII. Add Fun to Your Meetings with Custom Backgrounds on Teams
Custom backgrounds are not just useful for maintaining a professional appearance; they can also add some personality and fun to your meetings. Consider using customized backgrounds for:
- Adding flavor to work-related calls
- Animating training sessions
- Add context to virtual events
Add images that support your messages, or choose creative or funny backgrounds that will make your attendees smile. You’ll be surprised how much your background can affect their mood and engagement.
Conclusion
Microsoft Teams provides a user-friendly solution for blurring the background on your video calls. Whether you want to maintain privacy, maintain a more professional appearance, or just spice up your meetings, the customization options are endless. With the tips, techniques, and troubleshooting tips provided in this article, you can now blur your background like a pro. Give it a try, and make your video calls more engaging and productive.
