# Zoom

Here are CS50's recommended [client-side settings](#client-side-settings) for Zoom, for students and teachers alike, for:

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fab fa-linux"></i></span>
<a href="#linux">Linux</a>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fab fa-apple"></i></span>
<a href="#macos">macOS</a>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fab fa-windows"></i></span>
<a href="#windows">Windows</a>
</li>

</ul>

And here are CS50's recommended [server-side settings](#server-side-settings) for Zoom, for teachers alone.

Settings not specified here are up to you!

Also helpful for teachers might be [this blog post](https://medium.com/@cs50/teaching-from-home-via-zoom-c3b336446fbc) on teaching from home via Zoom and [these instructions](https://www.notion.so/cs50/OBS-73982818b3864b8f9da4b5fd0cb4e7e9) for using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).

***

## Client-Side Settings

*as of version 5.12.2*

### Linux

To access these settings after launching and signing in Zoom, click the gear (<i class="fas fa-cog"></i>) icon in Zoom's top-right corner.

#### General

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Enter full screen automatically when starting or joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom, else it's harder to access other windows during class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always show meeting controls
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that buttons don't disappear on you.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Ask me to confirm when I leave a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom, lest you accidentally leave class!
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Stop my video and audio when my display is off or screen saver begins
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, lest you continue live-streaming during a break.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Video

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Original ratio
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom to ensure your video is widescreen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
HD
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to ensure your video is of high quality.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Mirror my video
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you appear mirrored (to yourself only) so that you can gesture right and left without confusing yourself.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Adjust for low light <select disabled><option>Auto</option></select>
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to improve your lighting.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always display participant names on their video
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you always see names.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Turn off my video when joining meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that your camera stays off until you're ready to turn it on.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always show video preview dialog when joining a video meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you can test your video before joining a class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Hide Non-Video participants
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that you know who's in the class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
See myself as the active speaker while speaking
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that you still see others when speaking.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Audio

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Automatically adjust microphone volume
<br>
Suppress background noise <select disabled><option>Auto</option></select>
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to improve your audio.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to avoid having to click a button before every class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Mute my microphone when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that your microphone stays muted until you're ready to unmute it.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Share Screen

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Enter full screen when a participant shares screen
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that your screen isn't reconfigured when someone else shares their screen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Scale to fit shared content to Zoom window
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you can see everything at once.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Side-by-side mode
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you still see participants when someone's screen is shared.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

***

### macOS

To access these settings after launching Zoom, select Zoom's **Home** tab, then click the gear (<i class="fas fa-cog"></i>) icon in Zoom's top-right corner. Or click the <strong>zoom.us</strong> menu in your display's top-left corner, then select <strong>Preferences...</strong>.

#### General

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Enter full screen when starting or joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom, else it's harder to access other windows during class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always show meeting controls
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that buttons don't disappear on you.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Ask me to confirm when I leave a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom, lest you accidentally leave class!
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Stop my video and audio when my display is off or screen saver begins
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, lest you continue live-streaming during a break.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Video

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Original ratio
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom to ensure your video is widescreen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
HD
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to ensure your video is of high quality.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Mirror my video
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you appear mirrored (to yourself only) so that you can gesture right and left without confusing yourself.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Adjust for low light <select disabled><option>Auto</option></select>
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to improve your lighting.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always display participant name on their videos
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you always see names.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Stop my video when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that your camera stays off until you're ready to turn it on.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always show video preview dialog when joining a video meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you can test your video before joining a class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Hide non-video participants
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that you know who's in the class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
See myself as the active speaker while speaking
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that you still see others when speaking.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Maximum participants displayed per screen in Gallery View:
<p>
<i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i>
49 participants
</p>
</strong>
<p>
Check this radio button in Zoom so that you can see more participants at once.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Audio

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Automatically adjust microphone volume
</strong>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i></span>
<strong>
Zoom optimized audio
</strong>
<br>
<strong>
Background noise suppression
<p>
<i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i>
Auto
</p>
</strong>
<p>
Check this radio button in Zoom to improve your audio.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Automatically join computer audio when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to avoid having to click a button before every class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Mute my mic when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that your microphone stays muted until you're ready to unmute it.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Share Screen

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Window size when screen sharing: <i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i> Maintain current size
</strong>
<p>
Check this radio button in Zoom so that your screen isn't reconfigured when someone else shares their screen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Scale to fit shared content to Zoom window
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you can see everything at once.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Side-by-side Mode
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you still see participants when someone's screen is shared.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

***

### Windows

To access these settings after launching Zoom, right-click Zoom's icon in your taskbar, then select <strong>Settings...</strong>.

#### General

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Enter full screen automatically when starting or joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom, else it's harder to access other windows during class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always show meeting controls
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that buttons don't disappear on you.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Ask me to confirm when I leave a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom, lest you accidentally leave class!
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Stop my video and audio when my device is locked
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, lest you continue live-streaming during a break.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Video

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Original ratio
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom to ensure your video is widescreen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
HD
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to ensure your video is of high quality.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Mirror my video
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you appear mirrored (to yourself only) so that you can gesture right and left without confusing yourself.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Adjust for low light <select disabled><option>Auto</option></select>
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to improve your lighting.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always display participant names on their videos
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you always see names.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Turn off my video when joining meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that your camera stays off until you're ready to turn it on.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Always show video preview dialog when joining a video meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you can test your video before joining a class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Hide non-video participants
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that you know who's in the class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
See myself as the active speaker while speaking
</strong>
<p>
Uncheck this box in Zoom so that you still see others when speaking.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Maximum participants displayed per screen in Gallery View:
<p>
<i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i>
49 participants
</p>
</strong>
<p>
Check this radio button in Zoom so that you can see more participants at once.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Audio

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Automatically adjust microphone volume
</strong>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i></span>
<strong>
Zoom optimized audio
</strong>
<br>
<strong>
Background noise suppression
<p>
<i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i>
Auto
</p>
</strong>
<p>
Check this radio button in Zoom to improve your audio.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom to avoid having to click a button before every class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Mute my microphone when joining a meeting
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that your microphone stays muted until you're ready to unmute it.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Share Screen

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="far fa-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Window size when screen sharing: <i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i> Maintain current size
</strong>
<p>
Check this radio button in Zoom so that your screen isn't reconfigured when someone else shares their screen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Scale to fit shared content to Zoom window
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you can see everything at once.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Side-by-side mode
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom so that you still see participants when someone's screen is shared.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-check-square"></i></span>
<strong>
Silence system notifications when sharing desktop
</strong>
<p>
Check this box in Zoom for privacy's sake, so that others don't see your private notifications.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

***

## Server-Side Settings

### Meeting

To access these settings, visit <https://zoom.us/profile/setting?tab=meeting>.

#### Security

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<strong>Waiting Room</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can get settled before class begins (and optionally admit only names that you recognize).
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Waiting Room Options</strong>
<p>
<i class="fas fa-check"></i>
<strong>Everyone will go in the waiting room</strong>
</p>
<p>
Also enable this setting so that you can get settled before class begins (and optionally admit only names that you recognize).
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Meeting Passcode</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that someone can't join the class just by knowing (or guessing) a meeting's ID alone.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Require passcode for participants joining by phone</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that someone can't join the class (by phone) just by knowing (or guessing) a meeting's ID alone.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Embed passcode in invite link for one-click join</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that students don't need to input passcodes manually.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### Schedule Meeting

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<strong>Host video</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting for privacy's sake, so that your camera stays off until you're ready to turn it on.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Participants video</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this to start meetings with participant video on. Participants can change this during the meeting.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Audio Type</strong>
<p>
<i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i>
<strong>Telephone and Computer Audio</strong>
</p>
<p>
Enable this setting so that participants can resort to their phones if having microphone issues.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Allow participants to join before host</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that participants can join the waiting room right away.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Mute all participants when they join a meeting</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting for privacy's sake so that everyone's microphone is off by default.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### In Meeting (Basic)

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<strong>Meeting chat</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that students can ask questions via chat and so that you, e.g., can share links via chat.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Sound notification when someone joins or leaves</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting so that class isn't interrupted if someone joins late (or rejoins after being disconnected).
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Co-host</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can promote others (e.g., teaching assistants) to co-hosts.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Meeting Polls/Quizzes</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can poll the class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Always show meeting control toolbar</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that buttons don't disappear on you.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Show Zoom windows during screen share</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting to avoid Zoomception.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Screen sharing</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that screens can be shared.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Who can share?</strong>
<p>
<i class="fas fa-dot-circle"></i>
<strong>Host Only</strong>
</p>
<p>
Enable this setting so that only you can share your screen until you grant others permission during class itself.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Disable desktop screen sharing for meetings you host</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting so that screens can be shared.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Annotation</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can annotate your shared screen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<p>
<i class="fas fa-check-square"></i>
<strong>Only the user who is sharing can annotate</strong>
</p>
<p>
Enable this setting so that students can't annotate your (or another student's) shared screen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Whiteboard (Classic)</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can use a whiteboard during class.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Remote control</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting for privacy's sake, so that students can't control your (or another student's) shared screen.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Non-verbal feedback</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that students can answer questions nonverbally, as via icons for "yes" and "no".
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Allow removed participants to rejoin</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting so that unexpected guests can't rejoin (as easily).
</p>
</li>

</ul>

#### In Meeting (Advanced)

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<strong>Breakout room</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can use breakout rooms.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Remote support</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-off"></i></span>
<p>
Disable this setting for privacy's sake, so that students can't control your (or another student's) computer.
</p>
</li>

</ul>

### Recording

To access these settings, if planning to record classes, visit <https://zoom.us/profile/setting?tab=recording>.

#### Recording

<ul class="fa-ul">

<li>
<strong>Local recording</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can record locally as needed.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<p>
<i class="far fa-square"></i>
<strong>Hosts can give participants the permission to record locally</strong>
</p>
<p>
Uncheck this box for privacy's sake, so that students can't record locally.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Cloud recording</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can record to the cloud as needed.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<p>
<i class="fas fa-check-square"></i>
<strong>Record active speaker with shared screen</strong>
</p>
<p>
Check this box so that you record, at least, each active speaker and any shared screens.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Allow cloud recording sharing</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you can easily share a recording after class as needed.
</p>
</li>

<li>
<strong>Automatic recording</strong>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fas fa-toggle-on"></i></span>
<p>
Enable this setting so that you don't forget to record a class.
</p>
</li>

</ul>