How to Use iPhone Photo Editor: Comprehensive Guide to All Features

Quick links:

How to open the iPhone Photo Editor

To get started, open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the photo you want to edit. Tap the Edit button in the top right corner of the screen to access the photo editor.

The first thing you'll see in the photo editor is a set of basic adjustment tools. These include the exposure, contrast, and brightness sliders. You can use these to adjust the overall look of your photo. Simply drag the sliders left or right until you achieve the desired effect.

• Exposure

Exposure refers to the amount of light that enters the camera sensor when a photo is taken. In the iPhone photo editor, you can adjust the exposure of your photo by sliding the exposure slider left or right. If your photo is too dark, increase the exposure to make it brighter. If your photo is too bright, decrease the exposure to make it darker.

• Contrast

Contrast refers to the difference between the lightest and darkest areas of a photo. Increasing the contrast will make the light areas lighter and the dark areas darker, while decreasing the contrast will do the opposite. In the iPhone photo editor, you can adjust the contrast of your photo by sliding the contrast slider left or right.

• Brightness

Brightness refers to the overall lightness or darkness of a photo. In the iPhone photo editor, you can adjust the brightness of your photo by sliding the brightness slider left or right. If your photo is too dark, increase the brightness to make it brighter. If your photo is too bright, decrease the brightness to make it darker.

When adjusting exposure, contrast, and brightness, it's important to keep in mind that less is often more. Over-adjusting any of these settings can result in a photo that looks unnatural or over-processed. As you make adjustments, keep an eye on your photo to ensure that it still looks natural and balanced.

Additionally, if you're not sure how to adjust these settings, you can use the auto-adjust feature by tapping the magic wand icon in the top left corner of the screen. The iPhone photo editor will automatically adjust the exposure, contrast, and brightness to create a balanced photo. From there, you can make further adjustments as needed.

Exposure, contrast, and brightness

Here are some general rules you can follow when using the exposure, contrast, and brightness features in the iPhone photo editor:

• Start with small adjustments: When making adjustments to the exposure, contrast, and brightness of your photo, start with small adjustments and gradually increase or decrease as needed. This will help you avoid over-processing your photo and ensure that it still looks natural.

• Avoid clipping: Clipping occurs when the highlights or shadows in your photo are completely white or black with no detail. To avoid clipping, make sure that your adjustments don't push the highlights or shadows too far. You can check for clipping by tapping the histogram icon at the bottom of the screen. If there are areas of the graph that are completely white or black, you may need to adjust your settings.

• Consider the mood: The exposure, contrast, and brightness of your photo can have a big impact on the mood of the image. A bright and contrasty photo can feel energetic and dynamic, while a dark and moody photo can feel dramatic and intense. Consider the mood you want to convey when making adjustments.

• Keep it balanced: When adjusting the exposure, contrast, and brightness of your photo, it's important to keep it balanced. This means making sure that the highlights, midtones, and shadows all have detail and aren't overly bright or dark. Use the histogram to help you achieve a balanced photo.

• Use the auto-adjust feature as a starting point: If you're not sure how to adjust the exposure, contrast, and brightness of your photo, use the auto-adjust feature as a starting point. This will give you a balanced photo that you can then adjust further as needed.

 

Crop and Rotate

If your photo needs to be straightened or cropped, use the crop and rotate tools. To crop, tap the crop icon at the bottom of the screen and drag the corners of the crop box to select the area you want to keep. To rotate, tap the rotate icon and use the slider to adjust the angle of your photo.

When using the Crop and Rotate features in the iPhone photo editor, here are some general rules to keep in mind:

• Straighten the horizon: If your photo has a horizon line, make sure it's straight. Use the straighten tool in the crop and rotate menu to adjust the angle of your photo until the horizon is level. This will make your photo look more balanced and professional.

• Consider the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that suggests dividing your photo into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject at one of the intersections of those lines. Use the grid tool in the crop and rotate menu to align your subject with the rule of thirds. This will create a more dynamic and visually pleasing photo.

• Keep the aspect ratio in mind: When cropping your photo, consider the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of the photo. Some common aspect ratios include 4:3 (standard), 3:2 (traditional film), and 1:1 (square). Choose an aspect ratio that works best for your photo and the intended use.

• Crop for impact: When cropping your photo, think about what you want to emphasize. Crop in on your subject to create a more intimate and impactful photo. Alternatively, crop out distracting elements in the background to create a cleaner and more focused photo.

• Keep the resolution in mind: When cropping your photo, keep in mind that reducing the size of your photo will also reduce its resolution. If you plan to print your photo, make sure that the resolution is high enough to maintain the quality of the image.

 

Filters

The iPhone photo editor comes with a variety of filters that can be applied to your photos with a single tap. To access the filters, tap the filters icon at the bottom of the screen. You'll see a list of filters to choose from. Simply tap on the filter you want to use and adjust the intensity using the slider.

Here's a list of the filters available in the iPhone photo editor and a brief guide on when and how to use each of them like a pro:

• Vivid - This filter enhances the saturation and contrast of your photo, making the colors pop. Use this filter when you want to make your photo look more vibrant and eye-catching.

• Vivid Warm - Similar to Vivid, this filter adds warmth to your photo by boosting the red and yellow tones. Use this filter when you want to create a warm and inviting look.

• Vivid Cool - This filter adds coolness to your photo by boosting the blue and green tones. Use this filter when you want to create a cool and refreshing look.

• Dramatic - This filter adds a high-contrast and dark tone to your photo, creating a dramatic effect. Use this filter when you want to add a moody and intense atmosphere to your photo.

• Dramatic Warm - Similar to Dramatic, this filter adds warmth to your photo, making it appear more fiery and passionate. Use this filter when you want to create an intense and romantic look.

• Dramatic Cool - Similar to Dramatic, this filter adds coolness to your photo, making it appear more mysterious and intriguing. Use this filter when you want to create a dark and mysterious look.

• Mono - This filter turns your photo black and white, creating a classic and timeless look. Use this filter when you want to create a vintage or artistic look.

• Silvertone - Similar to Mono, this filter turns your photo black and white, but with a silver tint, creating a vintage and retro look. Use this filter when you want to create a nostalgic and timeless look.

• Noir - This filter turns your photo black and white, but with a high-contrast and moody tone, creating a film noir look. Use this filter when you want to create a mysterious and dramatic look.

• Fade - This filter adds a faded and washed-out look to your photo, creating a vintage and nostalgic feel. Use this filter when you want to create a soft and dreamy look.

• Chrome - This filter adds a metallic and cool tone to your photo, creating a modern and edgy look. Use this filter when you want to create a futuristic and metallic look.

• Process - Similar to Chrome, this filter adds a cool and vibrant tone to your photo, creating a modern and lively look. Use this filter when you want to create a fresh and energetic look.

• Transfer - This filter adds a warm and nostalgic tone to your photo, creating a vintage and romantic look. Use this filter when you want to create a romantic and dreamy look.

• Instant - This filter adds a warm and faded tone to your photo, creating a retro and playful look. Use this filter when you want to create a playful and lighthearted look.

Tonal - This filter adds a subtle and warm tone to your photo, creating a soft and natural look. Use this filter when you want to create a natural and organic look.

Filter hacks, tips, and tricks

Here are some filter hacks, tips, and tricks that you can use to get the most out of the iPhone photo editor:

• Adjust the intensity of the filter - Don't be afraid to adjust the intensity of the filter by using the slider at the bottom of the screen. This allows you to control the amount of filter applied to your photo, making it look more natural and subtle or more dramatic and intense.

• Combine filters - Try combining different filters to create a unique and impactful look. You can do this by applying one filter, saving the photo, and then applying another filter on top of the saved photo. You can also adjust the intensity of each filter to get the desired effect.

• Use the 'Edit' feature - If you're not happy with the result of a filter, you can always go back and adjust it using the 'Edit' feature. This allows you to fine-tune the exposure, contrast, brightness, and other settings to get the perfect look for your photo.

• Experiment with black and white - Don't just settle for the Mono or Silvertone filters when it comes to black and white. Try adjusting the black and white points using the 'Edit' feature to create a custom black and white look that suits your photo.

• Use filters for creative purposes - Filters don't just have to be used to enhance your photo. You can also use them to create a specific mood or atmosphere. For example, you can use the Dramatic filter to create a moody and intense look or the Fade filter to create a soft and dreamy look.

• Use third-party apps - If you want more filter options or more control over the filters, you can always use third-party apps such as VSCO or Snapseed. These apps offer a wide range of filters and editing tools that can take your photos to the next level.

Remember, the key to using filters effectively is to experiment and be creative. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of what's possible with your photos.

Using filters is a fun and easy way to add a unique look and feel to your photos. Here are some tips on how to use filters in the iPhone photo editor:

• Choose the right filter: The iPhone photo editor offers a variety of filters that can dramatically change the look of your photo. When choosing a filter, consider the mood and tone you want to convey. For example, if you want a warm and nostalgic look, choose a filter like "Fade" or "Vintage". If you want a cool and modern look, choose a filter like "Chrome" or "Process".

• Adjust the intensity: Once you've selected a filter, you can adjust its intensity to your liking. Use the slider at the bottom of the screen to increase or decrease the strength of the filter. If you want a more subtle effect, lower the intensity. If you want a more dramatic effect, increase the intensity.

• Combine filters: You can also combine multiple filters to create a unique look. To do this, simply apply one filter and adjust its intensity, then apply another filter on top and adjust its intensity as well. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for your photo.

• Save your favorite filters: If you have a favorite filter that you use frequently, you can save it for easy access. To do this, tap the "Add" button in the filter menu, then choose the filter you want to save. This will add the filter to your favorites folder for quick and easy access.

• Use filters selectively: While filters can add a unique look to your photo, they can also be overused. To avoid this, use filters selectively. Apply a filter to specific areas of your photo using the brush tool, or apply a filter to a copy of your photo so you can compare the original and filtered versions side-by-side.

By following these tips, you can use filters to enhance your photos and create a unique and impactful look.

Color balance, saturation, and vibrancy

If your photo needs a little more color, you can adjust the color balance, saturation, and vibrancy using the color tools. Tap the color icon at the bottom of the screen and adjust the sliders until you achieve the desired effect.

Adjusting the color of a photo is an important part of editing and can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your image. Here are some tips and tricks for adjusting color like a pro using the iPhone photo editor:

• Use the Saturation feature - The Saturation feature allows you to control the intensity of the colors in your photo. You can use this feature to boost the saturation to make colors more vibrant or decrease it to create a more muted look.

• Adjust the Hue - The Hue feature allows you to shift the overall color tone of your photo. For example, you can shift the hue towards warmer tones such as red and orange to create a sunset-like effect or towards cooler tones such as blue and green to create a moody and atmospheric look.

• Use the Color Balance feature - The Color Balance feature allows you to adjust the balance of the different color channels in your photo. This is useful for correcting color casts or creating a specific color mood. For example, you can adjust the red and green channels to create a vintage look or the blue and yellow channels to create a cinematic look.

• Correct White Balance - Correcting the white balance is essential to ensure that the colors in your photo look natural and accurate. You can use the Auto white balance feature to automatically correct the white balance or manually adjust the temperature and tint to achieve the desired look.

• Use selective adjustments - You can use selective adjustments to adjust the color of specific parts of your photo. For example, you can use the Selective Color tool to adjust the color of specific objects or areas in your photo or the Color Dodge and Color Burn tools to selectively brighten or darken certain areas.

• Experiment with complementary colors - Complementary colors are opposite colors on the color wheel that can create a harmonious and eye-catching effect when used together. Try using the Color Balance feature to shift the colors in your photo towards complementary colors for a bold and striking look.

Text and Shapes

If you want to add text or shapes to your photo, use the markup tools. Tap the markup icon at the bottom of the screen and select the text or shape tool. You can change the color, size, and font of the text, or select from a variety of shapes.

Adding text and shapes to your photos is a great way to add more context or visual interest to your images. Here are some tips and tricks for adding text and shapes like a pro using the iPhone photo editor:

• Choose the right font - Choosing the right font is essential to ensure that the text fits the style and mood of your photo. Use simple and easy-to-read fonts for captions or quotes and use more decorative fonts for creative titles or headings.

• Use different font sizes and styles - Using different font sizes and styles can add hierarchy and visual interest to your text. Use larger font sizes for titles and headings and smaller font sizes for captions or quotes. You can also use bold or italic styles to highlight important words or phrases.

• Use the alignment guides - The iPhone photo editor has alignment guides that can help you align your text and shapes perfectly. Use the guides to ensure that your text is centered or aligned with other elements in your photo.

• Experiment with different shapes - Shapes can add visual interest and help draw the viewer's eye to specific parts of your photo. Try using different shapes such as circles, squares, or triangles to create a unique and eye-catching look.

• Use the opacity feature - The opacity feature allows you to control the transparency of your text and shapes. You can use this feature to create subtle or transparent effects that blend seamlessly with your photo.

• Use third-party apps - If you want more font and shape options, you can always use third-party apps such as Canva or Adobe Spark. These apps offer a wide range of fonts, shapes, and design tools that can take your photos to the next level.

Text and Shapes

If your photo has blemishes or unwanted objects, you can use the healing brush to remove them. Tap the healing brush icon at the bottom of the screen and select the area you want to remove. The photo editor will automatically blend the area with the surrounding pixels.

The Healing Brush is a powerful tool in the iPhone photo editor that allows you to remove unwanted objects or blemishes from your photos. Here are some tips and tricks for using the Healing Brush like a pro:

• Choose the right brush size - Choosing the right brush size is important to ensure that you can precisely target the area you want to remove. Use smaller brush sizes for smaller areas and larger brush sizes for larger areas.

• Use the Source feature - The Source feature allows you to choose a specific area in your photo to use as the source for the healing brush. This is useful when you want to remove an object or blemish that is located near a similar texture or pattern.

• Use the Feather feature - The Feather feature allows you to control the softness of the edges of your brush strokes. Use a lower feather value for sharp edges and a higher feather value for softer edges.

• Zoom in - Zooming in on your photo can help you see the details and make more precise adjustments with the Healing Brush. Use the pinch-to-zoom gesture to zoom in and out of your photo.

• Use multiple brush strokes - In some cases, a single brush stroke may not be enough to completely remove an object or blemish. Use multiple brush strokes to build up the effect gradually and ensure that the result looks natural.

• Experiment with different healing modes - The iPhone photo editor offers different healing modes such as Normal, Lighten, and Darken that can affect how the healing brush interacts with your photo. Experiment with different modes to see which one works best for your specific photo and desired result.

 Save and Share

Saving and sharing your edited photos is the final step in the iPhone photo editing process. Here are some tips and tricks for saving and sharing your photos like a pro:

• Choose the right file format - The iPhone photo editor allows you to save your photos in different file formats such as JPEG, PNG, or HEIC. Choose the right file format based on your intended use. For example, JPEG is a good choice for sharing on social media, while PNG is better for images with transparent backgrounds.

• Choose the right image size - The iPhone photo editor allows you to adjust the size of your photos when saving them. Choose the right image size based on your intended use. For example, if you're sharing your photo on social media, you may want to choose a smaller size to reduce the file size and improve upload speed.

• Use the Save Copy feature - The Save Copy feature allows you to save a copy of your edited photo without overwriting the original. This is useful if you want to keep the original photo as a backup or if you want to make further edits later.

• Use the Airdrop feature - The Airdrop feature allows you to quickly share your edited photo with other Apple devices. This is useful if you want to share your photo with friends or family who are nearby.

• Use third-party apps - If you want to share your photo on social media or other platforms, you can use third-party apps such as Instagram or Facebook. These apps offer built-in sharing features that make it easy to share your photos with a wider audience.

• Add watermarks - Adding a watermark to your photo can help protect your work and ensure that you get credit for your creative efforts. You can use third-party apps or online tools to create and add a watermark to your photos.

In conclusion, the iPhone photo editor is a powerful tool that can help you enhance your photos in a variety of ways. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to take your photos to the next level and share them with the world.