How Do I Make a Custom Adobe Connect Background?

Adobe Connect is a meeting software tool which allows meeting hosts to customize the backgrounds of their meeting rooms. This customization can allow meeting hosts to set the background to a school or company logo, or an inspirational or evocative image. If you do not already have an image you'd like to use for your Adobe Connect meetings, you can easily create one.

Programs

First, you'll need a program capable of creating .jpg image files. Depending on how elaborate you want your background to be, you may be able to use MS Paint (Windows) or Paintbrush (Mac OS). These programs work just fine if you simply want to add a pre-made logo along with a few words (such as course number or department name).

If you wish a more detailed background, you'll need to use a more powerful program, such as GIMP or Adobe Photoshop. A few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid an overly 'busy' background. You want users to focus on the content of the meeting and not get distracted by too many shapes or colors.
• For this reason, unless an image directly pertains to the subject matter of your meeting, avoid pictures of people, places, or things. Stick with abstract images, such as a few colorful brush strokes or a muted gradient.
• Whatever program you use should be capable of saving the files as .jpgs. For best results, your meeting image should be around 1024 by 768 pixels.
• You can upload a separate logo file and pin that to the corner of each meeting, allowing you to cycle through seasonal or themed meeting backgrounds without having to add a logo to each one.
• If you doubt your artistic ability, you can download free stock art from any number of services and incorporate those images into your background.
• Save your image in an easy-to-remember file location. If you have a folder already created for other meeting materials, that's a good place for your background image. Otherwise, consider creating a separate folder for Adobe Connect meeting backgrounds in your general images or pictures directory.

Uploading

Once you have created your image, you must upload it! To upload your custom image, follow these steps:

• Open the meeting whose background you wish to change.
• Select "Meetings" from the menu bar and then click "Preferences."
• Select "Room Appearance" under the General tab.
• Click "Upload," then "Browse My Computer."
• Navigate to the folder where your image is saved. Select the image and click "OK."

Your image should now be uploaded and set as your background! If you encounter any problems uploading your image, contact Adobe Connect Customer Support. Write down any error messages you receive, and note that Adobe Connect Customer Support can't help you with problems arising from other graphics programs. You'll need to contact that specific program's customer help service, if possible.