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If you have a built-in or an external webcam, you can share it in BigBlueButton.

When you share your webcam, other users will see your outgoing webcam feed and vice versa (some restrictions may apply to your mobile device). Be sure your chosen webcam device has been configured and set as the default device (if applicable) before you join your BigBlueButton session.

To Share a Webcam

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Locate and select the webcam icon from the media bar, located in the bottom middle of the BigBlueButton interface, and follow the join prompts.
Sharewebcam
Depending on your browser, the webcam permissions will typically appear in the upper right-hand corner or the center of the browser. Be sure to select allow.
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Once you have allowed the browser access, you will have to choose the device and share.
Websettings
If you have more than one webcam device connected you may need to select the default device from the dropdown [1]. You can also choose the Quality [2], Brightness [3], and Whole image [4] before selecting Share [5]. You also have the option of choosing a virtual background [6] in the next tab before sharing your webcam.
Websettings2

How do I adjust my webcams brightness?

You can adjust the brightness of your image or the image as a whole using the Brightness slider bar at the bottom of the Webcam settings window. If the Whole image ratio button is selected, it will adjust the brightness of the whole image. If it isn’t selected, only your image will be adjusted. 2.6_-_Webcam_brightness.gif

How do I change my webcams background?

BigBlueButton has virtual background settings and you can change it. You can either choose one of the default choices or you can upload a custom background image. To upload a custom background image, click on the camera icon, then the upload button.
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You will then be able to select a background image (jpg, png or webp format) to upload from your computer. The selected image will show up in the first position on the left in the list of available backgrounds to use. 2.6_-_Custom_Background.gif To delete a custom background, click the X in the upper right-hand corner of the image and it will be removed from your background selections. mceclip1.png

How do I pin my webcam?

You can pin one or more webcam(s) so they always stay visible. This is useful if one of the webcams is showing sign language, for example, and you always want it to be visible. 2.6_-_Webcam_Pin.gif

Chrome browser webcam settings

If you are using Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop and receive the message ”The webcam is in use by another application” be sure you have allowed the permissions.
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The browser permissions will usually appear in the upper right-hand corner of the browser; be sure to select allow and choose the device you want to share.