iPhone (iOS) · Apps
Customize Photo and Video Capture Formats
Camera settings control photo and video formats, resolution, grid lines, the level tool, and behaviors like preserving your last-used camera mode or automatically scanning QR codes.
How to open Camera Settings
- Open Settings → Camera
- Tap Formats to choose High Efficiency or Most Compatible
- Toggle Grid and Level under Composition
- Enable relevant options under Preserve Settings
- Open Camera to confirm the new behavior
What you should know
- Formats setting toggles High Efficiency (HEIF/HEVC) versus Most Compatible (JPEG/H.264)
- Grid and Level assist with composition and horizon alignment
- Preserve Settings remembers the last-used mode, filter, and lighting between launches
- Scan QR Codes lets the Camera app auto-detect and act on QR codes without opening a separate scanner
Why it matters
Camera settings determine both the technical quality and file size of every photo and video captured, which has downstream effects on storage use and compatibility when sharing with non-Apple devices. Composition aids like Grid and Level help even casual photographers produce noticeably better-framed shots without any editing later. As QR codes have become common for menus, payments, and Wi-Fi sharing, having the Camera app recognize them instantly removes friction from everyday interactions.
Best practices
- Use High Efficiency format to save storage unless you regularly share files with non-Apple devices
- Enable Grid for better rule-of-thirds composition
- Turn on Preserve Settings if you frequently reuse the same shooting mode
- Keep Scan QR Codes enabled for quick access to menus, Wi-Fi, and payment codes
Common problems and fixes
- Photos won't open on a non-Apple device
- Switch Formats to Most Compatible under Settings > Camera > Formats
- Camera resets to default mode each time it opens
- Enable the relevant toggles under Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings
- QR codes aren't being recognized
- Confirm Scan QR Codes is enabled under Settings > Camera and that there's adequate lighting
Tips and tricks
- Use the Level tool along with Grid for precisely aligned architecture or landscape shots
- Enable Mirror Front Camera if you prefer selfies to match what you see in the viewfinder
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between HEIF and JPEG?
HEIF offers similar quality at roughly half the file size, while JPEG has broader compatibility with older devices and software.
Does the Level tool work with video too?
Level primarily assists with photo composition, showing a horizon guide during framing.
Can I disable the shutter sound?
In regions where it's legally optional, muting the Ring/Silent switch mutes the shutter sound.
Related settings
- Photos SettingsPhotos settings control whether your library syncs via iCloud Photos, whether originals or space-optimized versions are stored on-device, and options for Shared Albums and Memories.
- Display & BrightnessDisplay & Brightness settings control screen brightness, True Tone, Dark Mode, text size, and Night Shift for warmer colors in the evening.
More Apps guides for iPhone (iOS)
- Siri & SearchSiri & Search settings control how you activate Siri (voice, button press, or typing), what each app can contribute to Spotlight search and Siri Suggestions, and how much Siri learns from your usage patterns.
- Wallet & Apple PayWallet & Apple Pay settings let you add debit, credit, and transit cards for contactless payment, manage boarding passes and IDs, and control which card is used by default along with Face ID or Touch ID authorization.
- App Store SettingsApp Store settings control automatic app updates and downloads, whether purchases require a password or Face ID confirmation, and content restrictions that limit which apps and in-app purchases are accessible.
- Safari SettingsSafari settings control your default search engine, privacy protections like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and Privacy Report, AutoFill for passwords and payment details, and how tabs and extensions behave.
- Game CenterGame Center is Apple's social gaming network built into supported games, letting you track achievements and leaderboards, play with friends, and manage your public nickname and profile visibility across every Game Center-enabled app.
- Messages SettingsMessages settings control iMessage activation, SMS/MMS relay from a Mac or iPad, read receipts, filtering for unknown senders, and how long messages are kept before expiring.