> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://tellclip.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Change the clip background

> Use themes, colors, gradients, meshes, or a custom image.

Add a canvas background around the recorded screen. Background changes appear in the preview and exported video.

## Choose a theme

**1. Open Themes**

In **Style**, select **Themes**.

**2. Choose a theme family**

Select **Dune**, **Monet**, **Plein Air**, **Contour**, **Still**, **Haze**, or **Linen**.

**3. Choose a background**

Click a background tile, or click **Random** for a choice from all theme families.

![The Tellclip editor with the Themes browser open](https://mintcdn.com/tellclip/KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R/images/mac/editor-backgrounds-framing-styled.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R\&q=85\&s=5593b39351d406f0d9bb3ed79d1c993f)

The Monet backgrounds are public-domain works from the Art Institute of Chicago. Use the information button to view attribution details.

## Use a color

In **Style → Colors**, select a color tile.

![The Colors palette with preset tiles and Create color](https://mintcdn.com/tellclip/KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R/images/mac/background-colors-styled.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R\&q=85\&s=4ee004f1c36b02aa8972da8fe07a22c7)

For a custom color, click **Create color…**. Choose a color, then click **Back**.
Tellclip saves color changes immediately.

![The custom color picker with saturation, brightness, and hue controls](https://mintcdn.com/tellclip/KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R/images/mac/background-custom-color-styled.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R\&q=85\&s=aef0c5aadde41a40d672d18a21e540fd)

## Use a gradient

In **Style → Gradients**, select a gradient tile.

To create your own, click **Create gradient…**. Set the **Start** and **End** colors, then adjust **Angle**.

![Create gradient with Start and End colors and the Angle slider](https://mintcdn.com/tellclip/KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R/images/mac/background-linear-gradient-styled.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R\&q=85\&s=1e59819522a774cb53e664be43c270ad)

## Use a mesh

In **Style → Gradients**, click **Random mesh**.

Click **Save** or **Save to palette** to keep the mesh before generating another one.

![An unsaved mesh tile with Save and Random mesh controls](https://mintcdn.com/tellclip/KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R/images/mac/background-mesh-styled.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R\&q=85\&s=20bdac5e3008540f386b2fdcd35b4b40)

## Use an image

**1. Open Custom**

Select **Custom**.

![The Custom tab with the Import image button](https://mintcdn.com/tellclip/KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R/images/mac/background-custom-image-styled.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KgsKXCPNDy3hDD1R\&q=85\&s=78d0c9ad3286b93f254a2bbacfaa6044)

**2. Import the image**

Click **Import image…**. Choose an image file.

**3. Select the image**

Click the image tile under **Your images**.

The selected background fills the clip canvas. Saved items remain available in their matching panels.

## Common errors

### Framing controls are unavailable

Select a background other than **None**. Framing requires a canvas around the recorded screen.

### A random mesh is not in the palette

Click **Save** before you create another random mesh. The unsaved mesh uses a temporary slot.

### A custom background disappears from a preset

Keep the custom background item in the palette. If its custom item no longer exists, a preset uses **None**.

## Related pages

* [Change framing](https://tellclip.com/docs/edit/framing.md)
* [Use presets](https://tellclip.com/docs/edit/presets.md)
* [Use the editor](https://tellclip.com/docs/edit/editor.md)


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