By Stephanie Stevens
[2 minute read]
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: 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
UC San Diego is fortunate to work with onsite photographer Erik Jepsen, who takes the vast majority of the fantastic images we share of UC San Diego, including the exemplary architecture, art, events and natural scenery on campus. Show off your Triton pride during your next Zoom meeting! Click on an image and right-click to save to your device.
An Artist's Vision
UC San Diego Extension's Photography and Art programs have been around for decades, helping creative people channel their visions into art that they can be proud to share with the world. We're happy to recognize the artwork of photography certificate graduate Timothy Dolph (Broken Hill, Torrey Pines), artists Diane Carstens (Favorite Things, Still LIfe) and Jessica Mills (Robot Surprise), and a piece from photography instructor Caity Fares (Film Experiments). Choose an image and click on it, then right-click to save to your device.
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.
Making an (Un)splash
Stock photography and illustration website Unsplash offers free, high-quality images for use. All you have to do is credit the creator—an excellent deal for such outstanding work. We're sharing some delightful photos of San Diego from creators Alana Mediavilla (Tide Pools), Frank McKenna (Surfers), Stephen Leonardi (Gaslamp District) and Hari Panicker (Coaster). 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!
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!
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.
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.
What are your favorite zoom backgrounds to use? Please let us know in the comments!