The Best Way to Blur Webcam Background without Green Screen
While webcams allow us to connect with others from the comfort of our homes, the messy or distracting backgrounds can sometimes reduce the overall visual quality of our videos. Traditionally, the solution to a clean and professional background was a green screen. However, setting up a green screen can be troublesome and impractical for many users.
We will delve into the various software solutions and techniques for a seamless webcam blur background that will maintain a polished and even visual presentation. In the following parts, let's find out how to achieve a webcam blur background quickly and efficiently.
Quick Comparison: Ways to Blur Your Background
| Method | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware AI (OBSBOT Tiny 2) | High quality, zero CPU usage blur | Easiest (Plug & Play) |
| Built-in Features (Zoom/Meet) | Quick meetings, no installation needed | Easy |
| Third-Party Software (ManyCam/XSplit) | Streaming, advanced effects | Medium |
| OBS（Free Plugin） | High customization for professional streams | Hard |
Best Hardware Solution: Webcam with Built-in Blur - OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K Webcam
For users seeking a background blur without green screen or heavy software usage, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is a change background camera that utilizes hardware-based AI. Unlike software that uses your CPU, this webcam processes the blur internally.
With its ultra-large CMOS, OBSBOT Tiny 2 surpasses other 4K webcams, delivering sharper and more vivid video quality to captivate your audience. The Dual Native ISO technology ensures clear and noise-free images, even in dim lighting conditions, providing an HDR video without motion blur.
Key Specs:
- Sensor: Ultra-large 1/1.5'' CMOS sensor
- AI Features: AI Tracking, Auto Zoom, Hands-free control
- Focus: 4x Faster Focusing
- Lighting: Dual Native ISO & PixGain HDR
- Effect: Cinematic blur with no motion artifacts
Part 1: How to Use Built-in Blur in Zoom & Google Meet
In this part, let's explore the webcam blur background in enhancing your virtual communication experience on video conferencing platforms.
1. Zoom Background Blur
Due to the global pandemic, there was a significant movement towards remote work and study. Thus, Zoom became a ground-breaking video conferencing technology.
The Zoom backdrop blur feature is a unique tool that aids in keeping your demeanor polished and removing interruptions. This feature isolates you from the background, focusing firmly on the speaker.
How to Turn on Background Blur Before a Meeting:
- Access Settings: Log in to the desktop Zoom client. Click your profile image, then select Settings.
- Select Effect: Navigate to the Backgrounds & Filters tab on the left.
- Apply Blur: Under "Virtual Backgrounds," select the Blur option.
Note: If the "Virtual Background" tab is missing, sign out and sign back in, or check if it is enabled on the web portal.
How to Blur Background During a Meeting:
- While in a meeting, locate the Video icon in the bottom-left corner.
- Click the Up Arrow (^) next to the "Start/Stop Video" button.
- Select Blur My Background from the menu.
2. Google Meet Background Blur
Google Meet offers a useful webcam blur feature that changes the video call background directly within the browser, requiring no extra software installation.
Steps to Blur Background in Google Meet (PC/Mac):
Ensure your Chrome browser is updated, then follow these steps:
- Open Effects Menu: Before or during the call, click the Three Dots icon (More options).
- Select Visual Effects: Click on Apply visual effects.
- Choose Intensity:
- Click Slightly blur your background for a mild effect.
- Click Blur your background for a complete privacy blur.
Part 2: How to Use Third-Party Software to Blur Background
If your conferencing app doesn't support blur, or you are streaming, use these third-party software.
1. XSplit VCam
XSplit VCam is a popular tool for background removal and blurring without a green screen. It integrates seamlessly with OBS and other streaming software.
How to use XSplit VCam:
- Select Background: Open XSplit VCam. The default view shows your Original Background.
- Apply Blur: Locate the Blur Slider on the right side. Drag the slider to adjust the intensity of the blur effect on your live feed.
2. ManyCam
ManyCam allows you to replace or remove your background in real-time. It acts as a virtual webcam driver for other applications.
Activate Blur in ManyCam:
- Open Virtual Backgrounds: In the right-hand sidebar, click the Virtual Backgrounds toggle to turn it ON.
- Select Blur: Choose the Blur option from the list of background modes.
- Adjust Settings: Use the "Blur amount" slider to control the depth of field.
Part 3: How to Blur Webcam Background in OBS (Free Plugin)
OBS Studio does not have a native "one-click" blur button, but you can achieve this using the free "Portrait Segmentation" or "Background Removal" plugins.
Step-by-Step OBS Blur Guide:
Step 1: Install Plugin
- Download the "Portrait Segmentation" or equivalent plugin from the OBS Resources page.
- Copy the plugin files into your obs-plugins folder (typically in C:\Program Files\obs-studio).
Step 2: Configure Video Source
- Open OBS Studio.
- Right-click your Video Capture Device (Webcam) in the "Sources" panel.
- Select Filters.
Step 3: Apply Blur Filter
- In the "Effect Filters" section, click the + (Plus) button.
- Select VirtualCam - Portrait Segmentation (or the name of your installed plugin).
- Adjust the Blur Strength slider until the background is obscured but your face remains clear.
Conclusion
Whether you choose built-in features in Google Meet and Zoom, or advanced software like ManyCam and OBS, achieving a professional look is easier than ever. For those who want to bypass software installation entirely and save CPU power, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 offers the most robust hardware-based solution to change backgrounds instantly.
