By Sara Cortez
[3 minute read]
Did you know that in the US, approximately 60% of companies now operate on a hybrid work model, balancing remote and in-office days (US Chamber of Commerce)? This shift means more of us are attending meetings virtually from home, coffee shops, parks, and other non-traditional workspaces. Similarly, there's a surge in virtual classes for students nationwide. Whether you're logging into a business meeting, an online class, or a virtual event, having a professional and appealing background can make a big difference.
But First: How to Change Your Background on Zoom
Just in case you need it, here's a quick guide to changing your background in Zoom:
- Download the Zoom Desktop app on your Mac or Windows computer (if you don't already have it on your computer).
- Open it and log into your Zoom account.
- Click the gear icon in the top right-hand corner to navigate to Settings.
- In the left menu, click Virtual Background.
- Select one of Zoom's default background images or click the + icon to upload one of the following images.
- If you want to change the background while you're in a Zoom meeting, click the ^ arrow next to Stop Video and click Choose Virtual Background… to change or turn off your Zoom background.
Take a look at the free Zoom backgrounds we provided below. To download one, just click on an image, and right-click to save to your device!
The Campus View
Show off your Triton Pride! CHeck out the exemplary architecture around UC San Diego campus, captured by campus photographer and UC San Diego alumnus
Erik Jepsen. Please see more UC San Diego Zoom Backgrounds avalible by visiting
this site.
Celebrating Local Wildlife
The San Diego Zoo & Safari Park is recognized as one of the top zoos in the world. They've created a collection of desktop backgrounds to help us all enjoy the lions, tigers and bears (oh my) that they work so hard to conserve. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.
Beach Views
Ever wish you could be at the beach instead of working? Yeah, us too. Check out these great beach background images of La Jolla captured by Jepsen.
Back In The Office
Office Backgrounds are perfect for important business meetings. They help people feel like they're in the office and project a professional and polished appearance.
Grabbing Coffee
Create a sense of calm and foster creativity with a coffee shop background. These backgrounds work great to hide clutter or unwelcome guests in your meetings—sorry, roomies!
Most Visited Cities
Have you visited any of these cities? According to the Enjoy Travel site, Bangkok, Thailand; Dubai, UAE; New York, US; and Paris, France are some of the most visited cities around the world. After your meeting, you might want to start planning a trip!
Park & Market
UC San Diego Park and Market is a multi-tenant building with multiple event, meeting, and conference venues, office and retail tenants, and arts and culture programs in downtown San Diego. The venue enriches the local community—be sure to check out their upcoming events!
Out To Sea
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the most important centers for global earth science research and education in the world. They also have some stunning views from Scripps Pier to Birch Aquarium. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.
Image Credit: Erik Jepsen/Scripps Institution of Oceanography/UC San Diego (top, bottom right) and Billy Jenkins, (bottom left).
America's Finest City
San Diego has a wide array of stunning vistas and public park spaces. These picturesque backgrounds from the San Diego Tourism Authority help us all appreciate what "America's Finest City" has to offer. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.
The Division of Extended Studies
Since 1966, UC San Diego Extended Studies has harnessed the power of education to transform the lives of its learners. The diverse population of our lifelong learners continues to transform the communities they are a part of. To learn more about our courses and programs, subscribe to our newsletter!
What are your favorite zoom backgrounds to use? Please let us know in the comments!
Blog images and content were updated 7/31/24