Cisco Webex is a popular video conferencing platform that allows users to customize their background during video calls and meetings. With virtual backgrounds, you can display an image or video behind you instead of showing your actual surroundings.
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Benefits of Using Virtual Backgrounds
Here are some of the benefits of using virtual backgrounds in Webex:
- Hide messy or distracting environments – Replace cluttered home offices or distracting backgrounds with a professional virtual backdrop.
- Display company branding – Upload your company logo or branded images to showcase your business during video calls.
- Be more creative and fun – Liven up meetings by transporting yourself to exotic destinations or fun themed backgrounds.
- Protect privacy – Block sensitive information visible in your surroundings from being accidentally shared.
Webex Virtual Background Requirements
To use virtual backgrounds in Webex desktop apps and mobile apps, you need:
- A PC running Windows 8 or later, or MacOS 10.13 or later
- An Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 4000 series processor or equivalent AMD processor
- At least 8GB of RAM
- A webcam
The Webex mobile app requires iOS 12 or later or Android 6 or later. Performance may vary based on your device’s specs.
How to Change Your Background
Changing your virtual background in Webex is easy:
Before Joining a Meeting
- Open the Webex App
- Click on your profile icon
- Select Change Background
- Choose one of the default backgrounds, upload your own image/video, or enable background blur.
- Click Apply to save your selection.
During a Meeting
- Click on the Video icon
- Select Virtual Background
- Pick a new background option
- Click Apply
Your background will now change for all meeting participants to see.
Tips for Best Virtual Background Results
Follow these tips when selecting and using virtual backgrounds:
- Have proper lighting – With too little light, the background effect may not work well. Position a light source in front or to the side of you.
- Clear background area – Remove clutter and objects immediately around you so they don’t show through the virtual effect.
- Use high quality images – Choose backgrounds with resolutions of at least 1280×720. JPG, PNG, GIF, and MP4 formats are supported.
- Position camera effectively – Place your camera at eye level and frame yourself in the center to optimize the background effect.
- Adjust system resources – Close unused apps and browser tabs to devote more computing power to rendering your virtual background.
Customizing Organization-Wide Virtual Backgrounds (Admin)
As a Webex site administrator, you can configure virtual background options for your entire organization through Webex Control Hub:
- Go to the Settings section
- Click on Virtual Backgrounds
- Enable the policy and customize available options
- Users will now see your configured backgrounds
Control Hub allows enabling/disabling blurred backgrounds, default Webex backgrounds, uploaded admin backgrounds, and personal custom backgrounds.
Conclusion
Using virtual backgrounds is an easy way to customize and enhance your Webex meeting experience. With the ability to upload your own videos and images, the possibilities are endless. Follow the tips outlined to ensure your virtual backgrounds look great. Company admins also have options to configure organization-wide backgrounds.
So try out virtual backgrounds today to showcase your personality or brand during your next Webex video conference!
