Zoom: FAQs, Hints and Shortcuts

Want to get the most out of your virtual conference experience?  Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate Zoom and use it to its fullest potential!

**DOWNLOAD ZOOM: If you don’t already have Zoom, you can download it for the computer here.  If you are joining from a phone or other device, please visit your app store and download the Zoom app.**

**You do NOT need to create a Zoom account to join the KMA Virtual Conference.**

**For more information about how to install, access and troubleshoot Zoom, click here.**

• Location: Choose a spot, if possible, that is quiet and has enough light – but ensure that you aren’t backlit, which makes you hard to see on screen.
• Background: Consider your background; anyone or anything that appears behind you will be on screen!  A relatively simple background helps eliminate distractions for everyone.
  • Don’t want to use video?  No problem!  Click the stop video button in the bottom left; it will have a red slash across it when stop video has been activated.
  • Need some help in the background department?  Never fear!  Here is a link to WSU Zoom Background Options and directions on adding a background. Look for fun KMA backgrounds here!
    • Save the image you want to use as your Virtual Background to your desktop.
    • Open up Zoom and sign into your account.
    • Click the settings button (little gear icon in the top right hand corner of the Zoom screen)
    • Click the virtual background button about halfway down on the left.
    • In the middle below your video you’ll see “Choose Virtual Background”; click the + (plus sign) to the right.
    • Click Add Image.
    • A dialogue box pops up with your folder system. Click on the desktop, click the virtual background file that you saved and click open.
    • Uncheck the box at the bottom that says “Mirror my Image”
    • This will add the virtual background to Zoom so you should be set.
    • Note: try this in the settings – if you look like a floating head or it makes your eyes glow or just looks distracting in general, you might try a different option or look for an alternate real background.
• Camera: If you are using video, make sure the camera – either built in or stand alone – is stable and at eye level, if possible.
• Audio: If you are in a shared workspace, consider using headphones to make sure you can hear the audio content.
• Name: We encourage you to add at least your first name and the name of your institution; this will serve the same purpose as our name badges at the in-person conference!  If you need to rename yourself once the call is started, find your video square in the gallery view, click the 3 dots in the corner, and go to rename.
• Mute: To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone at the beginning and whenever you are not speaking.  When your microphone is not muted, avoid background noises or activities that could create noise, such as shuffling papers.  To mute, click the microphone in the bottom left corner of the Zoom screen.  It will have a red slash across it when the mute has been activated.  You can also do a quick mute/unmute by pressing the space bar.
• Speak: To quickly mute and unmute during Q&A or interactive sessions, press and hold the space bar to unmute and release to mute.
• View: Gallery View allows you to see everyone in the meeting at once (or on multiple pages, depending on the number of attendees).  Speaker View focuses on whoever is speaking.  You can switch back and forth in the upper right corner.  If a speaker is sharing their screen with you to show slides, that will be the primary part of the screen but Gallery and Speaker Views will still be available.
• Name or Rename: When prompted, enter at least your first name so that we can connect.  Using a shared device?  If someone else’s name appears on your video feed, hover over your name, click More or the three dots, and choose Rename to change your screen name displayed to other participants.
• Chat and Questions: Have questions or comments?  Don’t be afraid to ask!  Click chat at the bottom middle of the screen to bring up the chat box, and there you can type a message and push enter to send.  You can also review other comments/questions from attendees.
• Video/Audio Disruptions: Many networks are experiencing a higher than normal volume of users.  If you are experiencing lagging or skipping video or audio that is only on your end, try using the computer for video only and dialing in by phone for audio.
• Dial In Audio: click here for information about dialing in via phone.
• Want to Practice??  We are happy to help you test settings, practice the setup, and troubleshoot.  If you missed one of our scheduled practice times, reach out to Jamin or Morgan to set up a time.

Problems???  Try this Troubleshooting Tips guide.

Zoom tips compiled from Forbes, CNET, and University of Pittsburgh IT.