Ever notice your webcam just isn’t in the right spot—maybe it’s sitting too low or awkwardly perched because your monitor’s bezel gets in the way? This is a surprisingly common issue, especially with modern monitors that have chunky bezels or curved tops. But there’s a simple solution: a webcam riser. Let’s break down why you might need one, how to make (or buy) one, and what kind of difference it can make for your daily video calls.

Why a Webcam Riser Matters for Your Monitor Setup

Webcams are great for staying connected, but mounting them isn’t always straightforward. Many webcam mounts are designed to hook onto the top edge of a monitor—but if the mount extends past the bezel, your webcam might end up pointing at your forehead or the ceiling instead of your face. That’s not exactly ideal for online meetings or streaming.

A webcam riser lifts the camera just enough to clear the bezel, putting the lens right where it should be. This small adjustment can improve eye contact, frame your face better, and make your calls look a lot more professional. If you work remotely, stream games, or just want to look your best on video, it’s worth considering a riser for your webcam.

DIY Webcam Riser: 3D Printing to the Rescue

There’s no need to buy an expensive accessory if you have access to a 3D printer—or know someone who does. Many people are turning to 3D printing to solve little problems like this. In fact, one clever user designed a custom riser that lifts their webcam just enough to clear the monitor’s bezel.

Here’s why 3D printing works so well for this:

• Custom fit: You can measure your own monitor and webcam for a perfect match.
• Affordable: A riser uses very little filament and takes under an hour to print.
• Simple design: Most risers are just small blocks or clips—easy for beginners to model or download from sites like Thingiverse.
• Reusable: If you upgrade your monitor or webcam, you can tweak the design and print a new one.

If you don’t have a printer, you can always check local libraries or makerspaces—many offer 3D printing services to the public.

Other Solutions and Accessories for Your Webcam

Not everyone wants to design and print their own riser. There are plenty of ready-made options and creative fixes that can help:

• Commercial webcam risers: Some companies sell adjustable webcam mounts or risers designed to work with thick bezels.
• Stacked sticky pads: Foam pads or even thick double-sided tape can give your webcam a little extra height in a pinch.
• Clip-on arms: Flexible or articulating arms can position your webcam above or beside your monitor.
• Tripods: For ultimate flexibility, a small tripod on your desk lets you put the camera anywhere you want.

For more ideas and accessory reviews, sites like PCMag cover some of the best webcam gear available today.

Anecdote: The Webcam Woes of Remote Work

There was this one time during a team meeting when someone’s camera only showed the very top of their head. It turned out their new widescreen monitor had a thick bezel, and the usual webcam mount left the camera pointing way too high. After a bit of trial and error—and some creative stacking of sticky notes—they realized what they really needed was just an extra half-inch of height. A simple homemade riser fixed everything, and suddenly their video feed looked a hundred times better. It’s funny how such a small tweak can make a big difference in how we show up online.

Ready to Upgrade Your Webcam Setup?

So, if your webcam mount goes past the bezel of your monitor and messes up your video angle, a webcam riser could be exactly what you need. Whether you print your own or buy one ready-made, raising your webcam just a little can improve your online presence and make every call less stressful.

What creative solutions have you tried for webcam mounting problems? Share your tips and tricks below—someone else might need just the advice you have!