How to Change the Background for a Laptop Integrated Webcam

It's no longer necessary to carry a webcam, as most laptops now include a video camera built into the frame of the screen.

Adding a background to images exported by a webcam increases privacy by hiding the room behind the laptop user and adding playfulness to video chats. A number of free and unlimited trial software is available with a variety of features among each, including adding skins and special effects such as morphing, picture-in-picture and overlaying images and video. The face tracking fills in the background behind the user, but in some software it can add facial masks or turn the user into an animated character.

Instructions

1. Install webcam effects software. There's a lot to choose from, but most of it is only available for Windows operating systems. Ensure that the desired choice is comparable with the laptop before downloading. After downloading, open the .exe file and follow the prompts to complete installation.

2. Run the software. The software will automatically detect the webcam and its drivers. If prompted to update the drivers, do so at this time. It may be necessary to reboot the laptop after updates have been installed.

3. Select custom preferences. Every software program is different, but the Preferences options can be found in the interface menu most often under "Tools." Take some time to play around with the variety of choices to locate the right background and tweak any settings to improve the performance of the software.

4. Test the background. Enter into a video chat with a close friend to get feedback before going live, especially if the background will be used for professional online meetings. Test any real-time features that will be used during a such as image overlays. Ideally the background should not only look good, but not create any distractions.

Tips & Warnings

• Advanced users wanting to make backgrounds and effects should use a program that includes the Open SDK development platform or allows for the installation of new images. A simple way may be accessing the content files inside the program. If there's an image that will never be used, replace the image using your choice of image in the same size and file format. Be sure to replace any thumbnails of the image at the same time.

• Leaving a laptop with an integrated webcam running while not in use can allow anyone online who accesses the feed to see what is happening in the room of the laptop's location. Always shut the webcam down when not in use. A few brands of the webcam background software offer a feature that will automatically hide the view with a background when not in use. Be sure to activate this feature for it to maintain personal privacy.

Resources

• ShiningMorning: Magic Camera - Your All-in-one Webcam Tool
• Audio4Fun: Features Comparison