Apple has finally introduced a proper leveling tool in the iPhone’s Camera app with iOS 17 to help users better level up their shots. Although a similar feature called Grid still exists in the Camera app, it has limited application and isn’t very versatile.
With the Level tool, though, Apple is splitting the feature from Grid and expanding its use case. Here, we’ll discuss all you need to know about the Level tool in the Camera app and teach you how to use it to compose better shots.
What Is the Level Tool in iOS 17?
The Level tool is an iOS 17 feature that assists you in lining up and framing shots on your iPhone. It basically tells you when a shot you’re framing is tilted, so you can adjust the phone’s tilt accordingly and get a leveled shot.
Apple is offering Level as a separate tool from Grid in iOS 17, and it works with all Camera modes, including Portrait, Cinematic, video, slo-mo, and time-lapse.
How to Enable and Use the Level Tool on Your iPhone
If you wereusing the Grid feature on your iPhonebefore updating it to iOS 17, you’ll see the Level tool in the Camera app post the update. But, in case you weren’t, you’re able to turn on the Level feature using these steps:
Now, launch theCameraapp and attempt to frame a straight-on shot. You should see three horizontal lines on the screen: a long line (in the middle) and two small lines on either side.
If everything in your frame is leveled, the three lines will align, and you’ll see a straight yellow line. Otherwise, these lines will appear broken, indicating the need to adjust the tilt to get a leveled shot.
Meanwhile, if you’re framing a top-down or overhead shot, you’ll still see the old leveler, likely because it’s more precise for such scenarios. With it, you need to adjust the tilt of your phone until the white and yellowplus (+)signs overlap, and you’ll end up with a straight shot.
Capture Leveled Shots Effortlessly With Your iPhone
With the new Level tool in the iOS Camera app, it has become easier than ever to frame and capture leveled pictures and videos using an iPhone. So, kudos to Apple for this valuable addition.
One thing about the new leveling tool we like is that it automatically figures out when you’re intentionally composing a shot at an angle. And as such, it hides the leveler from the screen, so you can continue capturing the shot as you want.
Besides, if you shoot a lot of pictures with your iPhone, knowing how to use some of the important Camera settings can help you get better results.
