Google's Retouch Feature: How to Use & Is It Professional

Online meetings have become integral to our professional lives in today's digital age. Google Meet has introduced a new feature that enhances video calls—the Face Retouch feature. This blog will explore this feature, how to use it, and discuss its professionalism. Additionally, we'll cover how to add a custom office background to your meetings for a polished look.

What is Google Meet's Retouch Feature

The Retouch feature in Google Meet is designed to enhance your appearance during video calls subtly. It works by smoothing out skin tones, reducing blemishes, and providing a more polished look on camera. This tool can be handy for those early morning meetings or when you're not feeling your best but still want to present a professional image.

Google has integrated this feature to help users feel more confident on camera without needing heavy makeup or extensive preparation. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure you look your best with minimal effort.

How to Turn It On

Activating the Retouch feature in Google Meet is straightforward. Follow these steps to enable it:

1. Open Google Meet: Launch Google Meet on your device.

2. Join or Start a Meeting: Either start a new meeting or join an existing one.

3. Access Settings: Click on the three dots in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the menu.

4. Video Settings: Navigate to the ‘Settings’ option and select ‘Video.’

5. Enable Face Touch Up: Toggle the Face Touch Up option to turn it on.

Once activated, you should notice a subtle enhancement in your appearance, making you look fresher and more prepared for your meeting.

Is it Professional to Use Retouch Feature in a Meeting?

The question of professionalism when using the retouch feature often arises. Is it acceptable to use this feature during business meetings?

Using retouch is similar to applying makeup or grooming yourself to look presentable. It is a tool to help you look polished and professional. However, it’s essential to use it sparingly. Overuse might lead to an unnatural appearance, which can be distracting.

Ultimately, the key is to balance maintaining a professional look while ensuring you remain authentic. The retouching feature enhances, not masks, your identity. As long as the enhancement is subtle and does not dramatically alter your appearance, it is considered professional.

Adding a Custom Office Background for Meetings

Another way to ensure you present a professional image during online meetings is using a custom office background. This can help eliminate distractions and provide a consistent, clean look regardless of location. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Google Meet: Start or join a meeting on Google Meet.

2. Background Settings: Click on the three dots in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

3. Change Background: Select the ‘Change background’ option.

4. Upload Custom Background: Choose to upload a custom image. Ensure your chosen image is professional and relevant to your work environment.

5. Apply Background: Select your uploaded image, and it will replace your actual background with the custom one.

A custom office background can significantly enhance your professional appearance during virtual meetings. Branded images can also be a subtle way to promote your brand or company.

Key Takeaways

Google Meet's Retouch feature and the ability to add custom office backgrounds are excellent tools for enhancing your professional image during virtual meetings. However, it is essential to keep the enhancements subtle and appropriate for the context.

Additionally, for those wondering, "Can you retouch photos in Google Photos?" The answer is yes, but it's essential to differentiate between casual photo retouching and maintaining professionalism in a business setting. Whether you're asking about Google Photos retouch or Google Retouch, always aim for a balance that presents you authentically yet polished. Remember, the goal is to use Google Photo Retouch tools to enhance your natural appearance, not to create an unrealistic version of yourself.