🎨 Host’s Guide: Helping Individuals Make Their Own Zoom Backgrounds

🎨 Host’s Guide: Helping Individuals Make Their Own Zoom Backgrounds

🎨 Host’s Guide: Helping Individuals Make Their Own Zoom Backgrounds

(Using Adobe Photoshop or PowerPoint)

🧑‍🏫 Goal of This Session:

To help participants create their own fun, creative Zoom backgrounds using PowerPoint or Adobe Photoshop, and teach them how to upload the background in Zoom.

🟦 1. What You’ll Need

  • A computer or laptop

  • Zoom installed

  • Option 1: PowerPoint (recommended for ease)

  • Option 2: Adobe Photoshop (if user has experience or extra help)

  • A saved photo or clip art (optional)

  • Internet access (for downloads or image searches)

🟩 2. Start with PowerPoint (Beginner Friendly)

🧩 Step-by-Step PowerPoint Background Design

  1. Open PowerPoint

    File → New Presentation → Choose a blank slide.

  2. Set the Size

    Design tab → Slide Size → Custom Slide Size →
    Set to 16:9 (Widescreen) for best Zoom fit.

  3. Add Background Color or Image

    • Right-click slide → “Format Background”

    • Choose a solid color OR

    • Insert → Picture → From File → Add your own image (e.g. beach, favorite show)

  4. Add Fun Elements

    • Insert → Shapes, Icons, or Text

    • Add name, favorite saying, or clip art

    • Use bold fonts and bright colors!

  5. Save the Slide as a Picture

    File → Export → Choose “JPEG” or “PNG” → Export “Just This One Slide”

  6. Upload in Zoom
    Open Zoom → Settings → Background & Effects → + Add Image → Choose saved background

🟥 3. Using Adobe Photoshop (Intermediate Level)

Use this if participants have some experience or direct support available.

🎨 Photoshop Zoom Background Design

  • Open Photoshop → New File

    • Width: 1920px

    • Height: 1080px

    • Resolution: 72 DPI

  • Create Background

    • Use Paint Bucket or Gradient tool to add color

    • Drag in photos, images, or clip art

  • Add Decorations

    • Use Text Tool (T) to add their name or a quote

    • Use Layers to move items around

  • Save as JPEG or PNG

    • File → Export → Save for Web (JPEG or PNG)

  • Upload to Zoom

    • Same as above → Zoom Settings → Background → Add image

🔵 4. Group Tips During the Session

  • Encourage creativity: “Make it about YOU—your favorite things!”

  • Celebrate all effort, not just polished results.

  • Use screen share to demonstrate steps.

  • Let participants show off their backgrounds in Zoom at the end!

✅ Accessibility Tips

    • Use high-contrast images for visibility.

    • Keep text large and bold.

    • Offer to assist with mouse or typing steps if needed.

    • Have pre-made templates for those who prefer to customize something simpler.