How to use the Level tool in the Camera app on iPhone

Apple finally introduced a proper equalizer in the iPhone's Camera app with iOS 17 to help users enhance their photos. While a similar feature called Grid still exists in the Camera app, it has limited applications and isn't very flexible.

With the Level tool, however, Apple is separating this feature from the Grid and expanding its use case. Today's article will discuss all you need to know about the Level tool in the Camera app and show you how to use it to create better photo compositions.

iOS 17 is currently in beta, which means you can only use the feature right now if you have the iOS 17 beta installed on your iPhone.

What is the Level tool in iOS 17?

The Level tool is an iOS 17 feature that helps you organize and frame your iPhone photos. It basically tells you when the photo you're framing is tilted, so you can adjust your phone's tilt accordingly and get a balanced shot.

Apple is offering Level as a separate tool from the 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 iPhone

If you were using the Grid feature on your iPhone before updating to iOS 17, you'll see the Level tool in the Camera app updated. However, in case it is not enabled, you can enable the Level feature by following these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Camera on your device.
2. Now, scroll down and enable Level.

Now, launch the Camera app and try to frame the live shot. You will see 3 horizontal lines on the screen: One long line (in the middle) and two small lines on either side.

If everything in the frame is balanced, these 3 lines will align and a yellow line will appear. Otherwise, these lines will be broken, indicating the need to adjust the tilt to get a balanced image.

Meanwhile, if you're framing a top-down or overhead shot, you'll still see the old equalizer, probably because it's more accurate for such situations. You need to adjust the tilt of your phone until the white and yellow plus signs (+) overlap and you should get a straight picture.

With the new Level tool in the iOS Camera app, framing and taking balanced photos or videos with iPhone is easier than ever. So this valuable addition from Apple is very welcome.

Micah Soto

Update 24 July 2023