How To Get A Filter On Iphone Camera?
How to Get a Filter on iPhone Camera: A Complete Guide
The advent of smartphone technology has revolutionized photography, enabling even amateur photographers to capture stunning visuals with minimal effort. The iPhone camera, renowned for its quality and performance, grants users the ability to enhance their photos with built-in filters. Whether you’re aiming for a dramatic black-and-white portrait or a vibrant pop of color, these filters have you covered. In this article, we'll explore step-by-step instructions on how to use filters on the iPhone camera and answer some common questions surrounding their usage for optimal results.
Understanding Camera Filters on iPhone

Filters are editing tools that apply color adjustments and effects to your photos, altering their appearance for aesthetic or expressive purposes. With iPhones, you don’t necessarily need third-party applications to access filters—Apple provides a selection of built-in photo effects, both for capturing images directly and for editing photos post-capture.
iPhone filters are simple yet effective tools for quick photography enhancements. They work well for users who want to use creative effects without needing to delve deeply into professional editing apps like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. However, they can also complement advanced editing for those looking to experiment with styles before further refinement.
Getting Started: Using Filters While Capturing Photos

Did you know you can apply filters while taking pictures, making it possible to preview your shot with the desired effect in real time? If you want to immediately capture photographs with filters built into the camera interface, follow these easy steps to access and use them:
1. Step 1: Open the Camera App
- Launch the default Camera app on your iPhone. Make sure you are using a model that supports real-time filters, as older iPhones may not have this feature integrated.
2. Step 2: Swipe to "Photo" Mode
- Ensure you are in "Photo" mode, as filters can’t be applied in other modes like "Video" or "Portrait" when previewing.
3. Step 3: Tap the Filter Icon
- Look for the filter icon in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the camera screen (depending on your iPhone model and iOS version). It typically looks like three overlapping circles. Tap on it to open the filter options.
4. Step 4: Choose a Filter
- A bar containing various filters will appear. Swipe through the available options to preview each effect in real time. Some common filters include "Vivid," "Mono," "Cool," "Warm," "Dramatic," and several others.
5. Step 5: Adjust and Take the Photo
- Once you’ve selected your preferred filter, adjust the framing of your shot and click the shutter button. The image will be captured with the applied filter, creating your desired aesthetic in one step.
How to Use Filters After Taking Photos

If you’ve already taken a photo, worry not—iPhones allow filters to be applied during post-editing. This method is especially helpful if you want to experiment with multiple filters and decide later which effect works best for your image. Here’s how:
1. Step 1: Open the Photos App
- Navigate to the Photos app on your iPhone, where all your images are stored. Select the photo you want to edit.
2. Step 2: Tap "Edit"
- After selecting the image, tap the "Edit" button in the upper-right corner of the screen. This will open the editing interface.
3. Step 3: Browse Filter Options
- Look for the filter icon within the editing interface (again, represented by three overlapping circles). Tap it to open the filter collection.
4. Step 4: Apply Filters
- Scroll through the available filters and tap on each to preview its effect on the photo. Adjust your image to match your creative vision.
5. Step 5: Save the Edited Image
- Once satisfied, tap "Done" in the top corner to save your changes. The original photo will remain intact, as iPhone photo editing is non-destructive and allows you to revert edits if necessary.
Tips and Tricks for Better Filter Usage on iPhone

Filters can elevate your photos, but they require careful selection and usage to avoid overediting or diminishing the quality of your image. Follow these tips for optimal results with filters:
1. Choose Filters That Match the Mood of Your Scene
Not all filters are suitable for every image. For example, if you're capturing a serene landscape, filters like “Cool” or “Dramatic” might accentuate the colors and ambiance. On the other hand, portraits often look stunning with softer filters such as “Warm.”
2. Avoid Overusing Filters
While filters can make photos look more interesting, excessive use might result in unnatural-looking images. Use filters subtly to enhance rather than overpower the original photograph.
3. Experiment With Natural Lighting
Filters can interact differently with colors depending on the lighting. Experimentation with lighting—such as shooting during golden hour or under diffused light—can amplify the visual impact of filter effects.
4. Explore Third-Party Apps for More Specialized Filters
Although the built-in iPhone filters are convenient and user-friendly, third-party apps such as Instagram, VSCO, and Snapseed offer a broader selection of unique and customizable filters. Try using these apps for advanced editing options if Apple’s settings feel limited.
5. Revisit and Reassess Your Edits
It’s always good to revisit your edits after some time to understand whether they serve the aesthetic purpose you initially sought. With iPhones, you can always revert images back to their original state, giving you flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use filters during video recording on my iPhone?
Unfortunately, filters cannot be applied while recording videos directly in the default Camera app. However, third-party apps like Instagram or TikTok allow real-time filters during video creation.
Q2. Do applying filters reduce photo quality?
No, applying filters does not significantly reduce photo quality when done through the iPhone’s native editing tools. However, excessive editing or using third-party apps with lower processing standards might compress or alter image quality.
Q3. How can I remove a filter from a photo?
If you’ve applied a filter post-capture, you can easily remove it by returning to the "Edit" mode in the Photos app, selecting the filter icon, and choosing the “None” option.
Q4. Are iPhone camera filters customizable?
The built-in filters provided by Apple are preset and cannot be customized. For complete control over the intensity and style of filters, consider using external applications that provide manual tweaking features.
Q5. What should I do if I don’t see the filter option in my Camera app?
If the filter feature isn’t visible, your iPhone’s iOS software could be outdated. Update your device to the latest version of iOS by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
Filters on your iPhone are powerful tools for quickly enhancing the visual appeal of your photos while maintaining simplicity and convenience. Whether you’re looking to capture images with filters applied in real-time or experiment with effects during post-editing, the process is effortless. By understanding how and when to use these filters effectively, you can create images that capture your desired mood and tell compelling visual stories.
As technology and iOS updates continue to refine the camera features on iPhones, it’s safe to say that filters will remain an integral component of mobile photography. Whether you rely solely on built-in filters or expand your creativity with third-party apps, the tools are readily available for you to elevate your photography game.
So next time you’re out and about with your iPhone, take a moment to explore those filters and bring out the best in your shots! Whether for Instagram-worthy moments or cherished family memories, the world awaits your artistic creativity.