Leopard Photo Booth: Create and Use Backdrops
Contributed by David Kirk 
Tagged: Mac OS X Leopard Just like the new ability to use backdrops in iChat, Leopard also introduces this feature in Photo Booth. In this example, I will drop my picture into a backdrop that is actually a screenshot.
Previously, I demostrated how to use backdrops and video effects in iChat. If you familiar with that, this will be easy.
In Photo Booth, click the effect boxes at the bottom until you hit the 3rd section. These are the default backdrops. When you select one, the camera will insert your face into the backdrop.
If you want to create your own backdrop, click over to the 4th effects box. You can drag a media file into one of these boxes to make a backdrop. here I am dragging a screenshot into the backdrop slot.
Now, I can select this backdrop and my mug is inserted into it. Forgive me, it’s late. :)
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moe said on October 1, 2008
where do you find the backdrops to drop into the new boxes? i understand how to but cant find any new ones
davak said on October 1, 2008
Any image file can be a new backdrop.
Jackie said on November 27, 2008
My Effects button only takes me to two different pages – the first is the page with the different effects – sepia, B&W, etc and the second page is the distortion stuff. No video backdrop section, Help!
Shake said on December 1, 2008
I understand, but where I can find new ones???? Help me!
Mel said on December 2, 2008
Do you have Leopard? If you have TIger the photobooth won’t have the new settings.
Mel said on December 2, 2008
oh yeah, and I guess its only available to Intel Mac users…?
Dark said on December 19, 2008
How do you make/ get more of the drag backdrop here things, can you take the file and post it on the site or something, because i have an intel leopard mac and mine doesnt have the drag backdrop here things.
Dark said on December 19, 2008
You can find new ones at
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/email_chat/moreichateffects.html
Anonymous said on January 7, 2009
How do you delete one you’ve added?
sarahast said on March 8, 2009
i dont get it what 4th box
mad said on March 11, 2009
how do i download it to my macbook
lanae said on March 13, 2009
you need leopard for that
Christy said on March 21, 2009
A note too, that best results occur with good lighting and a solid background when it configures the background.
I wondered if anyone could tell me how to adjust the images – my daughter wants a photo posing with her favorite cartoon character and we can’t find one that fits properly – the character transfers too large. Does it need to be photoshopped first?
jon said on April 9, 2009
i just bought a refurbished macbook with leopard os x,and i cant find my photo booth can someone help please
Anonymous said on April 24, 2009
Click the spotlight magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner of the screen… and type in “photo booth”
ajd said on May 9, 2009
I have 8 pages, COOLIO
test said on May 18, 2009
hi , how do you get the backdrops to work? I draged them on there and then it would not work. I’ve got leopard installed. good bye lovely people!
john said on May 22, 2009
my face doesnt blend clearly. should i stand in front of green screen?
NColi said on May 28, 2009
You need iLife ‘08 or “09
jhales said on June 10, 2009
how do u add cool effects..like little pictures around
Rachel Graves said on July 17, 2009
what type of file to you need to have to insert a photo?
Anonymous said on August 6, 2009
how do i get photobooth on my macbook pro.i just got it and it didnt come with photobooth.
davak said on August 22, 2009
I bought my macbook pro yesterday and it’s there.
Anonymous said on October 28, 2009
Please help, im freaking out here. i just installed moreichateffects from downloads on apple.com and now the “drag backdrop here” page of my effects section on photo booth is one big RED SCREEN. i do not have the “drag backdrop here” page anymore, it has been replaced with some giant red screen and when i click on it, it just goes back to my “normal” screen. i then tried to uninstall the folder in utilities “moreichateffects” but it takes me to a “sudo” screen which i know nothing about and it wont uninstall…?!?! please help!!!
Chris said on December 7, 2009
yes it did, of course t came with it!. it just is not on ur dock. go to the little magnifying glass in the upper right corner of the screen and type in photo booth. then click on it and it will open. it will also show up on ur dock, but if you want it to stay you have to move it somewhere else on your dock by clicking and dragging
Anonymous said on March 2, 2010
Jacob – did you work out how to fix this – I have the same problem.
Anonymous said on March 11, 2010
No all they tell me is to do an archive install…friggin wack genious bar reps!!! If u delete the photo booth preferences in the library folder ull b fine for a min but the prob keeps coming back…so, idk
jacobgardner.com
Anonymous said on March 24, 2010
mmm…interesting info, thanks
Kevin said on June 5, 2010
the boxes that should say “drag backdrop here” instead say, “user backdrop 1,” “user backdrop 2″, etc. etc up to “user backdrop 8.” this does not allow me to drag anything to these boxes.. help!
eduardo100 said on June 24, 2010
To me the same !!!!!!
Help Jacob
Tykia Mabry said on October 20, 2010
well i tryed …………but its not working
Berlinmemey said on April 9, 2011
i want new back ground
but i dont know how to drag it