Since macOS Sequoia, you can easily set a virtual background in FaceTime (and other video calling apps). This not only allows you to hide your home situation during video calls, but also create a personal or professional atmosphere.
This feature is especially useful for ensuring your privacy and hiding distracting background elements. macOS will automatically place the speaker in the center with a background of your choice behind you. It is also possible to blur the background.
Use background with FaceTime
- Start a video call with FaceTime or another supported app.
- Activate the camera for a video call
- A green video call button (camera icon) will appear in the menu bar
- Click on this green button
- Activate the ‘Background’ option by clicking on the text
- Click on the thumbnail (preview image) to choose your background
A new window will open with three background options.
- Color gradient: Choose one of the stylish gradient backgrounds
- Apple wallpaper pictures: For example, nature images or famous places, such as Apple Park.
- Own photo: Easily add your own image from your photo library or as a file.
The chosen background is remembered for all subsequent video calls, including in other apps. The background is independent of settings such as Portrait mode (blur effect) and Studio light. So you can combine these for the desired result.
Portrait mode or studio light
In addition to a background, you can also activate additional options via the green video call button in the menu bar. Portrait mode lets you blur the background while keeping the speaker in focus. With Studio Light you can highlight the subject extra.
Quickly enable effects
In addition, you can also quickly switch the Portrait mode, studio light, reactions and background function on or off. Click on the preview of yourself in the FaceTime window and you will be shown large. Below the preview you will find buttons for the previously mentioned functions and you can quickly switch them on or off.