[Zoom] Summary of video layout types and how to change display settings

This article explains the types of video layouts that can be selected while using Zoom and how to operate each.

We also introduce video layouts that can be used for screen sharing, so if you have many opportunities to give presentations using Zoom, please refer to it.

Types of video layouts that can be set in Zoom

Zoom has multiple functions for changing the display mode and window size during a meeting.

First, let’s take a closer look at the types of video layouts available in Zoom and how to use each.

Full screen display (full screen)

Normally, when you start a Zoom meeting, your computer’s taskbar will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

If you do not need this taskbar, you can hide the taskbar and change to full screen by clicking “Start full screen display” at the top right of the screen.

In addition to displaying the taskbar again with the same operation, it is also possible to switch by double-clicking within the meeting screen.

active speaker

An “active speaker” is a video layout that magnifies the screen of the person speaking at the time.

This is the default video layout, so when you start a Zoom meeting it will start in active speaker view.

In a one-to-one meeting, your video is displayed in the upper row and the other party’s video is displayed in the lower row.

gallery view

A “gallery view” is a video layout that evenly displays the screens of multiple participants.

For PC, up to 49 participants can be displayed at once, and other participants can be confirmed by scrolling.

Also, with Zoom 5.5.2 and later versions, it is now possible to freely change the order of the galleries. (It may not be possible to change depending on the settings on the host side)

To switch from Active Speaker View, click “Gallery View” at the top right of the screen.

When you change to gallery view, the menu at the top right of the screen will be an item called “speaker view”, so you can switch between both by operating here.

mini window

A “mini window” is a video layout that reduces the Zoom window size itself.

This will operate the function of the window, not the function within Zoom.

Click the minimize button in the top right corner of the screen for Windows or the top left corner of the screen for Mac.

You can also return to the original video layout by clicking “Exit minimized video” in the mini window.

Hide participants without video

When using Gallery View, you can hide users who have joined your Zoom meeting by video off or dialing in.

After switching to gallery view, right-click on the participant you want to hide and click “Hide non-video participants”.

You can display it again by clicking “Show non-video participants” in the same way.

Video layouts available under certain conditions

Some video layouts are only available during screen sharing, and some are only available in group meetings.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the types of video layouts available and how to use them in Zoom meetings that meet certain criteria.

Video layout during screen sharing

If you start screen sharing during a Zoom meeting, window size and screen display setting functions will be added.

Setting window size during screen sharing

When screen sharing is performed with the default settings, the participant’s screen may automatically switch to full screen display and maximize the window size.

There is no problem as it is, but it is somewhat inconvenient if you want to operate another application while holding a Zoom meeting.

The procedure to unmaximize the window size during screen sharing is as follows.

1. move the cursor to the top of the screen
2. Click on the “Show Options” menu when it appears
3. Click “Exit full screen”

This will unmaximize the window size and you can freely adjust the size.

Setting video layout during screen sharing

When you start screen sharing, the shared file will be displayed in full screen on the participant’s monitor.

If you want to check not only shared files but also other participants’ statuses and chats at the same time, we recommend switching to “left and right display mode”.

The procedure for switching between full-screen display mode and left-right display mode is as follows.

1. Click “Show options” displayed during screen sharing
2. Click “Horizontal mode”
3. Drag the separator left or right to adjust the division ratio

Note that only participants can use the left-right video layout.

If you want to use the left and right display on the host side, you need to prepare two monitors and hold a Zoom meeting with dual monitors.

spotlight function

Spotlight video is a function that displays the screen of the user who is the center of remarks in a large fixed manner.

Here’s how to set up spotlight video:

1. Click “…” to the right of the user you want to pin
2. Click “Spotlight Video”

Do the same again and click Cancel Spotlight Video to unfreeze and return to active speaker view.

Note that the spotlight video feature is only available for group meetings of 3 or more people and only if you are the host.

However, if the host is not using spotlight video, participants can use the ‘freeze video’ feature.

The difference is that spotlight video is reflected across all participants, while video pinning applies only to your screen.

Screen display summary during Zoom meeting

• • The default setting is to display the screen with the computer taskbar left and the active speaker view.

• Gallery view can be used when there are many participants, and mini-windows can be used when working in parallel.

• Some video layouts are only available during screen sharing or group meetings

Gallery View and Spotlight Video are video layouts that can also be used from smartphones and tablets.

Use the appropriate video layout according to the number of participants and the content of the meeting, and devise ways to make the meeting proceed smoothly.