Use video effects in FaceTime on Mac
During a video call, you can use controls to change the way you appear on camera, add animated effects, choose a virtual background, and access additional video features. These features are available in FaceTime and many other video conferencing apps.
Note: Available options depend on your camera, Mac model, and macOS version.
During a video call in the FaceTime app
on your Mac, do one or more of the following:Stay in frame as you move around: Click your FaceTime tile (or click
in the menu bar), then choose Center Stage.Blur the background: Click your FaceTime tile (or click
in the menu bar), then choose Portrait.Dim the background and illuminate your face: Click your FaceTime tile (or click
in the menu bar), then choose Studio Light.Illuminate your face in low-light conditions: On a Mac with Apple silicon on macOS 26.2 or later, click
in the menu bar, then click Edge Light. See Use the camera.Add animated reactions: Click and hold your FaceTime tile, then click one of the icons that appears. You can also click
in the menu bar, click the arrow next to Reactions, then select a reaction. To learn how to add reactions with hand gestures, see Use video conferencing features.Use a virtual background: Click your FaceTime tile, then click Background. You can also click
in the menu bar, click Background, then choose an option.Appear on camera while showing an overhead view of your desk: Click
in the menu bar, then click Desk View. See Use Desk View.Appear on camera while you present content: Click
in the menu bar, then click Presenter Overlay. See Use video conferencing features.
To adjust video effect settings, click in the menu bar during a video call in FaceTime or compatible video conferencing apps.