Home / News & Events / Blog / New Year, New (Free) Zoom Backgrounds

New Year, New (Free) Zoom Backgrounds

Whether you're a work-from-home parent who's also navigating home school or a retiree who wants to connect with family and friends, Zoom backgrounds are a great way to express your individuality or make sure no one sees your (probably not as messy as you think it is) living space.

We've gathered a collection of free, fun Zoom background options for you to choose from for your next meeting, online class, or virtual get-together. Feel free to share with your friends and colleagues during your next meeting.

But first, here's how to change your Zoom background (just in case you need it):

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.

A Campus View

We're fortunate to have exemplary architecture, art and natural scenery on the UC San Diego campus. Show off your Triton pride during your next Zoom meeting! Just click on an image and right-click to save to your device.

^{Image Credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego}

Connecting Campus to Community

Founded in 1966, UC San Diego Extension harnesses the power of education to transform lives. Our unique educational formats support lifelong learning and meet the evolving needs of the San Diego community and beyond. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.

^{Image Credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego (left), UC San Diego Extension (right).}

Sally Ride Science 20th Anniversary

Established in 2001 by Sally Ride – America's first woman in space – her life partner and three friends, Sally Ride Science offers STEM/STEAM educational programs and workshops for teachers, parents and middle and high school students. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.

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.

High and Mighty

We are huge fans of NASA, so, of couse, we had to share an image of the first American woman in space! If you prefer a more cosmic view, there's a gorgeous view of the California desert near Barstow from the NASA image gallery, as well as a spectacular shot from the International Space Station, plus a shot of Mission Control (circa 1981) to put you in the command chair. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.

^{Image Credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)}

Something Silly

If you're a fan of old-school animation characters like Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner, you'll appreciate the authenticity of these classic Looney Tunes (sans the toons) backgrounds meticulously captured and credited to the original illustrators by TV writer and comedian Beñat Iturbe Hualde. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.

^{Image Credit: © Looney Tunes}

But Wait, There's More

Are you looking for something more specific? Zoom has an extensive collection of background images to choose from on their website from organizations ranging from GoPro and the Smithsonian to sets from your favorite shows like Dr. Who (circa 1983) and Criminal Minds. To save, click on an image and right-click to save to your device.