How to Use Presenter Overlay in Video Calls in Mac?

Presenter Overlay is a new feature in macOS Sonoma or later versions. As the name indicates, it helps to show your video poster as an overlay on shared video calls. This works when you call others or receive calls from others in most video sharing and conferencing apps like FaceTime, Zoom, etc. You can show yourself as a small bubble or in a full overlay on top of the shared video to keep yourself highlighted. This is highly recommended when you are in a sales pitch call or explain some presentation to large audience.

Presenter Overlay Vs Presenter View

Do not confuse Presenter Overlay with Presenter View used in slideshow apps like Keynote or PowerPoint. There are no relations between these features and Presenter Overlay works ONLY on video apps when the screen is shared and not on slideshow apps. Being said that here is how you can use Presenter Overlay in FaceTime video on your Mac.

Using Presenter Overlay in Mac

• Open your video sharing apps and I will use FaceTime app here.
• Make a new video call or join in any existing group call.
•  Hover over the app window and tap on the share icon.

• This will open FaceTime sharing options from the top menu bar icon.
• Select the “Window” option to share the specific app or click on the “Screen” button for sharing the entire desktop screen.

• Let me choose “Screen” option and then click on “Share This Screen” button to start the screen sharing.

Use Small Video Bubble Overlay

Presenter Overlay option is by default turned off and click on the “Small” option. This will instantly show a video bubble on the bottom left corner of the screen. You can also see the preview in the menu bar’s flyout.

If needed, you can drag the video bubble to any other desired position on the screen.

Using Large Video Overlay

For using bigger size overlay, simply click on the “Large” option in the flyout menu. This will add around waist level video of you as an overlay on the shared screen. You can check the preview and adjust the position if needed.

Whether you use small or large Presenter Overlay option, the camera on your Mac will nicely capture your picture. All the backgrounds will be removed and only your picture will be showing in the video overlay.

You can follow the same steps on other video conferencing apps to use Presenter Overlay though the screen sharing option may be available under different section of the menu.