# Virtual backgrounds

## Virtual backgrounds Geneva office:

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2FwbL4gGc0JkKZBswmMVYZ%2FIFRC-Virtual-Background-1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5dfa6a22-7156-4da3-b78e-1563bad2d182" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of virtual backgrounds (Geneva office)</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2Fkricz1hcyktQrJraKcym%2FIFRC-Virtual-Background-6.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d02ac67c-5d6e-40f6-a3b1-094672a7783b" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of virtual backgrounds (Geneva office)</p></figcaption></figure>

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{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip**: Backgrounds with "blurry" at the end of the image name create an effect of shallow depth of field, giving a more realistic look while keeping the focus on your face.
{% endhint %}

## Generic office virtual backgrounds:

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2FePIiLTcBcuqn7Cg3xowm%2FIFRC-Virtual-Background-8.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f543e3df-c533-4abe-be9d-a7aa21367234" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Change your background before a meeting starts <a href="#id0edfbbddd" id="id0edfbbddd"></a>

**Your background will persist in all your meetings and calls until you change it again.**

1. Click on the provided link to download the IFRC backgrounds to your computer.
2. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded archive file (usually in your "Downloads" folder) and unzip it.\
   On Windows: Right-click the file and select "Extract All..."\
   On Mac: Double-click the file to automatically unzip it
3. Move the unzipped folder containing the backgrounds to a location on your computer where you can easily find it. For example, you might save it to your "Documents" or "Desktop" folder.
4. While you're setting up your video and audio before joining a meeting, turn on your camera and select Effects and avatars  ![Pre-meeting Effects and avatars icon](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/519bf139-2e44-41b9-8990-0039b775935e.png) > Video effects.
5. Select Blur ![Background settings](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/38f2fc32-9e2f-4763-9618-1b40149ae9c4.png) to blur your background. You'll appear nice and clear while everything behind you is subtly concealed.
6. To use an image of your own as a Teams background:
   * Click on "More video effects".
   * Select "Add new".
   * Navigate to the IFRC backgrounds folder on your computer and choose an image to upload.
7. To turn off background effects, select None.

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2FIXKh3GH30BIm9DajrA0m%2F1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=981bbb19-e389-41a7-80d6-03b759cd4a42" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click on "Effects and avatars"</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2FBzHPJptMDVsWBcNaVhHm%2F2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=876c9fca-e55f-4ae1-aee1-000cd70a12ba" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click on "More video effects"</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2FT63bON1Wwc8U5XAvVg04%2F3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e5aa386a-419d-41bb-883e-b2dfb85df266" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click on "Add new"</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://884239031-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lt-uQnWpqG_bl59vodk%2Fuploads%2FtfcQlqEskxHArWi2Y3an%2F4.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ba1ebf4a-bded-4b43-b24d-b2990cc23637" alt=""><figcaption><p>Navigate to the IFRC backgrounds folder on your computer and choose an image to upload. Select the uploaded background.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: If you don't see this option in the menu, the feature might not be available on your device.
{% endhint %}

## Change your background during a meeting <a href="#id0eddbbddd" id="id0eddbbddd"></a>

1. In your meeting controls, select More actions  ![Microsoft Teams more options icon](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/c9ee393c-576f-46f3-b3fe-8d52e0d46b31.png) > Effects and avatars  ![Pre-meeting Effects and avatars icon](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/519bf139-2e44-41b9-8990-0039b775935e.png).
2. Select Blur ![Background settings](https://support.content.office.net/en-us/media/38f2fc32-9e2f-4763-9618-1b40149ae9c4.png) to blur your background, or choose from the available images to replace it.&#x20;
3. To use an image of your own as a Teams background:
   * Click on "More video effects".
   * Select "Add new".
   * Navigate to the IFRC backgrounds folder on your computer and choose an image to upload.
4. To turn off background effects, select None.
5. Select Preview to see how your chosen background looks before you apply it, and then select Apply.

\
