Zoom tips and tricks
In our digital world, Zoom has become a key tool for virtual meetings, online classes, and working from home. Whether you’re new to Zoom or looking to improve your skills, knowing how to use it effectively can make your online experiences better. This article shares practical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Zoom, from improving video and sound quality to using useful features that make meetings more productive and fun. With these easy-to-follow suggestions, you'll be able to navigate Zoom like a pro.
On the , login with your ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä identikey then head to "Your Account" in the top-right to manage your profile.
You can change details under the "Profile" tab such as your name, picture, default meeting ID, password and time zone.
Next, head to "Settings." Here, you can adjust settings implemented by default, including whether or not video is automatically enabled when you -- or participants -- join a meeting; and whether or not participants can join a scheduled meeting before the host arrives.
Changing your Zoom background on the desktop app
1. Open Zoom.
2. Click your name in the top right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Background & Effects in the panel on the left to open a new page that shows a carousel of preloaded Zoom backgrounds.
5. Click the background image you want to use, and it will automatically change your video.
6. After clicking on your choice, you can exit the menu and the background should be applied to your next Zoom call.
How to add a customized virtual Zoom background on desktop
1. Open Zoom.
2. Click your name in the top right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Background & Effects in the panel on the left to open a new page that shows a carousel of preloaded Zoom backgrounds.
5. Click the '+' icon to the right of Virtual Backgrounds, Video Filters and Avatars. Click Add Image.
6. Choose the image you want to add and click Open. Your custom background will be applied automatically to your next Zoom call. It will also be added to the carousel of Virtual Backgrounds for easy access.
7. To get rid of a photo you uploaded, tap the X in its top left corner in the carousel.
Advanced tips and tricks
Now that the basics have been covered, there is a range of settings and features that more experienced users might want to use.
Let's head back over to the web portal to run through a few options. If you are using the desktop application, you can quickly access this area by going to "Settings".
You can find features including:
- Breakout room: split meeting participants into separate, smaller rooms. This can also be done
- Virtual backgrounds: enabling/disabling
- Encryption: By default, Zoom requires encryption for all data transferred between the Zoom cloud, Zoom client, and Zoom Room. You can also require encryption for 3rd party endpoints (SIP/H.323).
- Waiting room: a feature to keep participants in a 'waiting area' until the host is ready for them -- particularly handy for remote interviews or office hours. This feature is now on as default.
- Private chat: Allow or restrict direct messages by participants
- Auto-save chat: You can enable chat records to be automatically saved
- Feedback: You can enable an end-of-meeting experience feedback survey to display
- Report to Zoom: You can allow users to report others for inappropriate behavior during meetings
- Far end camera control: You can allow others to seize control of your camera during meetings
More information on ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder's Zoom software can be found on the .