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

# Backgrounds

> Browse personal, workspace, and default backgrounds to apply to a clip.

Use Tella's background catalog to choose from your personal uploads, workspace uploads, and Tella's default image and animated backgrounds. Pass an item's returned `background` object directly to `update_clip`.

## list\_backgrounds

List available backgrounds in named categories. Each item includes a descriptive `name`, a `thumbnailUrl` for previewing, and a `background` object for applying to a clip. Built-in names, such as `Red Horizon` or `Plum Horizon`, match the names shown when you hover over backgrounds in the editor.

<ParamField path="scope" type="enum<string>">
  Filter backgrounds by `personal`, `workspace`, or `default`
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="categoryId" type="string">
  Filter to a returned category, such as `personal`, `workspace`, `default:tella`, `default:macos`, or `default:animated`
</ParamField>

For image and animated backgrounds, send the returned object unchanged. Tella accepts catalog URLs only when they exactly match an item visible to your authenticated account.


## Related topics

- [Backgrounds](/docs/help/editing/pick-a-background.md)
- [Background Music](/docs/mcp-tools/background-music.md)
- [List available backgrounds](/docs/api-reference/backgrounds/list-available-backgrounds.md)
- [Remove background music](/docs/api-reference/videos/remove-background-music.md)
- [Set background music](/docs/api-reference/videos/set-background-music.md)