How to change the Zoom background, including the Death Star and a tropical island

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MILLIONS of people flock to the Zoom video chat service as the current health crisis forces vast areas of the world to work and socialize from home.

The app, which allows you to hold meetings remotely effectively, has many fun ways to liven up your virtual meetings, including tons of quirky backgrounds.

Zoom has seen an explosion in users since the beginning of the global health crisisCredit: Alamy

Many people have been entertaining their colleagues by changing their Zoom backgrounds to make it look like they are somewhere where they are not.

The backgrounds can make you look like you are anywhere, from a tropical island to starring in an action movie.

Custom backgrounds are also useful if you don’t want your friends or colleagues to see around your home.

To make yours just follow the advice below.

Graphic design company Canva has created 80 customizable backgrounds for people to use for freeCredit: Canva

How to change your Zoom background and create your own

To change your background on your desktop, go to the Zoom application and click “Settings”.

You should see the “Virtual Background” option on the left in the menu.

Once you have clicked on this you should see some default background options.

Click to find a background of your choice or upload your own photo.

To upload your own click on the + icon next to “Choose virtual background”.

Then upload a photo that you have saved to your computer.

To get rid of an uploaded photo, simply click the “X”.

How to change the Zoom background in the smartphone app

If you want a background change when you are in a Zoom meeting on a smartphone, click the three dots at the bottom of the screen.

This should open the “More” menu.

Then select a background or upload yours.

You can also use Zoom on your smartphoneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Where to get new Zoom backgrounds

There are tons of places where you can grab your next Zoom background.

For science fiction fans, the official Star Wars The website offers a treasure trove of Zoom backgrounds to make it look like you’re in a galaxy far, far away.

For those who prefer Marvel movies, the official Marvel Twitter account posted some free backgrounds for fans. earlier this month.

For those who prefer travel photos (like a tropical island), Shutterstock offers plenty of free Zoom backgrounds here.

Graphic design firm Canva has also created a range of free backgrounds that you can use.

To view them simply click here.