How to Customize Jitsi UI and Show Participants

Jitsi Meet is a big name in the open-source video call world, loved by tons worldwide. Why? Because it’s flexible. You can twist and turn its interface to match your own vibe. If you’re looking to add a splash of your colors and make sure your participants are front and center, you’re in the right place. This guide’s got your back, whether you’re aiming for a bit of flair or a hands-down unique experience. Let’s see how you can master Jitsi Meet Customization.

Understanding Jitsi Meet Customization

Before making changes, it’s useful to know what Jitsi Meet Customization really means. Fresh out of the box, Jitsi looks decent and serves most standard needs. But if you’re a business or community wanting those meetings to scream “you,” then customizing is your best friend.

What Areas Can You Customize?

• Branding & UI Elements: Swap logos, shuffle colors, change up fonts, and shake up button styles to fit your style.
• Layout Modifications: Move around participant tiles, decide where toolbars chill, or flip switch controls on and off.
• Feature Adjustments: Play peekaboo with features like chat, recording, live streaming, or participant lists.
• Localization & Text Changes: Personalize the language setup or add instructions that make sense for your crowd.
• Custom Functionalities: Show off participants in your own way, pump up custom notifications, or weave in extra APIs.

Tweaking the look and feel helps folks know they’re in your space and can make it easier for them to use. It also loudly says, “This is us.”

Setting Up Your Environment for Jitsi UI Customization

To properly dive into customizing, you’ll need to get your tech tools sorted. The Jitsi front end plays well with React, JavaScript, and CSS.

Step 1: Clone the Jitsi Meet Repository

First thing, clone Jitsi Meet’s GitHub repository to get the code you need.

git clone https://github.com/jitsi/jitsi-meet.git
cd jitsi-meet
npm install

This drags in all the stuff required to start mixing things up with Jitsi’s front end.

Step 2: Run Jitsi Locally for Development

Kick off the development server to check your tweaks on the fly.

npm start

This tidbit launches the app on http://localhost:8080. Keep it rolling as you adjust the UI.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with Key Files

• css/all.css and buddies are where you’ll likely start tweaking for brand consistency.
• The react/features folder—a treasure trove of UI goodies like participant lists, toolbars, and dialogues.
• Skim through interface_config.js and config.js for quick tweaks like switching the participant list on or off.

Knowing your way around these files is your shortcut to effective customization.

How to Customize the Jitsi Interface Design

Mix small, practical edits with larger code changes to start customizing your Jitsi interface. Here are some surefire ways to score big wins.

Changing Branding: Logo & Colors

1. Replace the Logo

Find the default logos in /images/watermark.svg and /images/logo.png and swap them for your signature touch.

2. Modify Colors

Dive into the CSS files (css/all.css or css/themes/) and look for color definitions. Refresh the primary colors, backgrounds, or button styles in your trademark design.

Changing the main button’s background color, for example:

.button-primary {
  background-color: #0052cc; /* Bingo! Your hue */
}

Feel free to go wild with extra CSS files or dress it up via React components if you like that style.

Adjusting Toolbar and Components

Tweak toolbar items in interface_config.js. Like, TOOLBAR_BUTTONS allows you to add, nix, or rearrange the picks.

Here’s how it might look:

TOOLBAR_BUTTONS: [
  'microphone', 'camera', 'desktop', 'chat', 'raisehand', 'participants-pane'
]

Remove bits you don’t want or need. Keep it neat!

Localization & Text Customization

Tweak language by editing the locale files in the lang folder or overwrite strings through the config—great for a personal touch.

Showing Participants in Jitsi Meet: Options & Customization

Where participants show up is one big UI deal. By default, Jitsi uses a video grid—but you can tailor how participants pop up.

Enable the Participant List Pane

To give users a peek at who’s in the meeting (hint: a participants pane icon in the toolbar).

Head over to your interface_config.js and set:

ENABLE_PARTICIPANTS_LIST: true

Customizing the Participant List UI

Want to enhance participant view or sprinkle in extra details like roles or statuses?

1. Root around participants components in react/features/participants-pane.
2. Shake up ParticipantsPane.js or related essentials to shift the layout, slap on avatars, or whip up roles.
3. Use CSS to restyle participant tiles for a refined touch.

Showing Participant Count and Status

Fancy displaying a participant count in the header or toolbar?

Example: Use Jitsi’s API events such as participantJoined and update your UI for real-time count flashes.

Real-World Use Case: Custom Branding & Participant View for a University

Take this real thing: A tech university wanted their Jitsi platform to reflect the school spirit while making class attendance clear.

Here’s what they did:

• Swapped out logos with their crest.
• Refined CSS hues to match.
• Customized the participants pane to spotlight speakers and helping teachers keep tabs.
• Displayed participant count with icons for “muted,” “raised hand,” or “presenter.”

Students felt like pros in tailored virtual settings.

Best Practices for Jitsi Frontend Custom Modifications

• Keep Up with Jitsi Updates: Check back for updates to ensure your customizations still play nice.
• Use Configuration Before Code Changes: Opt for config tweaks first. Coding means more rinse-and-repeat.
• Version Control Your Changes: Branch or fork like a pro for painless rollbacks.
• Test on Multiple Devices: Look good on desktop, mobile, and tablets.
• Respect Privacy: Don’t show data you wouldn’t want plastered on a billboard.

Security and Performance Considerations

When venturing into Jitsi UI land:

• Hard-coding sensitive data? No-go.
• Stick to GDPR or equivalent norms.
• Only show essential participant data.
• Keep an eye on performance; too much visual flair might slow things down.

Following Jitsi APIs and their security guidelines will keep things steady and trustworthy.

Wrapping Up

Tweaking Jitsi’s look and participant display makes calls feel cosier and more ‘you’. With a bit of setup and some tinkering on the front end, you can create a unique, user-friendly platform that folks will love.

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Conclusion

That’s it! You’re now equipped to tweak your Jitsi experience step by step—from setting up your environment to adding your brand’s magic touch and finessing the participant list. Customizing your Jitsi setup can enhance the user experience, clarify participant info, and amplify your brand presence.

Feeling ready? Dive in and try out these steps on your Jitsi instance, or hit me up for support tailored to your needs.

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Call to Action:
Begin customizing your Jitsi Meet today by cloning the repository and testing out simple branding swaps. Need further assistance? Drop a line via my website for expert help and bespoke development services.