How to Use Your iPhone's Hidden Camera Level Tool

[MacRumors]

Apple's native Camera app has plenty of tools for helping you get the right shot, but some are more hidden than others. The camera level is the perfect example of a really handy tool that many users don't even know exists, mainly because it's part of a feature that's turned off by default.

If you tend to take pictures of things when standing directly over your subject, like a meal on a table or an ornament on the ground, then you'll want to use the camera level, as it helps you capture a balanced shot without having to use a tripod arm or mount. It's also useful for taking a shot of something directly above you, like an object on the ceiling or in the sky.

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Here's how to enable and use it on iOS 11 and later.

How to Enable the Camera Level on iPhone and iPad

The camera level tool used to be part of the Grid overlay, but Apple has separated out the function in recent versions of iOS, and it now has its own switch.

1. 
   Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
   Scroll down the list and tap Camera.
   In the "Composition" section, toggle on the switch next to Level.

How to Use the Camera Level on iPhone and iPad

1. 
   Open the Camera app on your iOS device.
   Set the capture mode to Photo, Portrait, Square, or Time Lapse, using the sliding menu above the shutter button.
   Point the camera straight down above your subject (or straight up if the subject/scene you want to capture is above you).
   Line up the floating crosshair with the fixed crosshair in the center of the screen by adjusting the angle of your phone's camera. The crosshairs will both glow yellow when in perfect alignment.
   Tap the shutter button to capture the shot.

The aligned crosshairs turn yellow (right), indicating the lens is parallel with the ground.​

The level tool also comes in handy when scanning documents on a desk with your phone's camera, but iOS now offers a dedicated scanning feature in the Notes app, so you'll probably want to use that instead.

Article Link: How to Use Your iPhone's Hidden Camera Level Tool

 

[mtneer]

Thank you for pointing this out.

 

[jayducharme]

Never knew about that. I can see where that might be handy, but I wish those crosshairs were visible all the time in Grid mode, instead of just when the camera is horizontal. Maybe Apple assumes the grid itself will help you align when the camera is vertical.

 

[tomtendo]

Does not work for me

 

[TheKrs1]

Does not work for me

Me either - iPhone 7+

 

[WaxedJacket]

Doesn't seem to be an option w/ iPhone SE

 

[Someirishguy]

Does not work for me

It’s only when you’re pointing the camera straight down

 

[Porco]

Works great, good tip!

 

[vista.john]

thank you! Great tip.

 

[CrystalQuest76]

It’s only when you’re pointing the camera straight down

Thanks for pointing that out. I was thinking the feature was being blocked by a bug on my phone.

 

[cuwickliffe]

It's not really evident unless you're directly over an object. The phone has to be +/- 1-degree level to even see the crosshairs. Works on iPhone 6s Plus.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Hm. I've always had the grid turned on (rule of thirds), since it was first available I don't remember how many years ago... I feel like it was available on my 3GS under iPhone OS 3.

Anyways, first time I've ever noticed that when you tilt beyond a certain point, those crosshairs show up.

 

[timborama]

More importantly, how do I turn off the crosshairs and leave the grid on?!? Or right, you CAN’T! Thanks Apple.

 

[iVoid]

It’s only when you’re pointing the camera straight down

Well, that's..... useful for taking downward pictures... Would have loved the level to be available in regular shots so I can level the camera to keep the horizon level in my landscape shots.

 

[CPx]

Whoa, this is cool!

 

[Babygotfont]

Whoa, this is cool!

Mo emogee’s please

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thanks for the post. I never knew about this feature.

 

[UberTiger]

This really highlights how poorly designed some of the Apple apps are that you have to leave the app and dig into a submenu of the completely seperate settings app to toggle features like this.

It’s mad that you also have to go to this page to change the camera recording quality.

 

[samh004]

This really highlights how poorly designed some of the Apple apps are that you have to leave the app and dig into a submenu of the completely seperate settings app to toggle features like this.

It’s mad that you also have to go to this page to change the camera recording quality.

I like that all settings are found in one area, saving the app from clutter.

As for this ‘feature’ – I assumed everyone knew. Been using it for a while. Useful when ‘scanning’ documents.

 

[BornAgainApple]

Me either - iPhone 7+

Not with my iPhone 7 either

Edit: I posted before reading others’ comments, it does work, but it doesn’t make much sense if it will only work facing down. How often do people actually take photos in that manner?

 

[PimpDaddy]

More importantly, how do I turn off the crosshairs and leave the grid on?!? Or right, you CAN’T! Thanks Apple.

Are the crosshairs a big problem for you? If yes, why? I’m just curious.

 

[MacSince1985]

Like most iOS app settings, it's in the wrong location. You should be able to change app settings within the app instead of having to exit the app, open the Settings app, scroll down to find that app, change the setting, close the Settings app and re-open the app you were using in the first place.

 

[davbman]

Never knew about that. I can see where that might be handy, but I wish those crosshairs were visible all the time in Grid mode, instead of just when the camera is horizontal. Maybe Apple assumes the grid itself will help you align when the camera is vertical.

True would be nice to see something as well when vertical. However, when you go to your Photos the you took. Tap edit on a picture. Then tap Crop option at bottom. By default you will see it adjust and angle your photo to be level. You can just tap done if you want right then and the pic is saved with proper alignment.

I know, more steps to do so, but if you really want a level pic, you can do that.

 

[jayducharme]

True would be nice to see something as well when vertical. However, when you go to your Photos the you took. Tap edit on a picture. Then tap Crop option at bottom. By default you will see it adjust and angle your photo to be level. You can just tap done if you want right then and the pic is saved with proper alignment.

I know, more steps to do so, but if you really want a level pic, you can do that.

Didn't know that, either. Thanks!

 

[Phonephreak]

Great to know. Thanks