iOS Camera & Photos Shortcuts
iOS Camera & Photos keyboard shortcuts with key combinations, actions, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to find shortcuts for the platform shown. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
iPhone
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Camera (from Lock Screen) | Long Press Camera icon | Long press the camera icon on the lock screen to open Camera without unlocking |
| Take Photo | Volume Up or Volume Down | Either volume button captures a photo while the Camera app is open |
| Take Burst Photos | Volume Up (hold) | Hold Volume Up to capture a rapid burst of photos |
| Quick Video (QuickTake) | Hold Shutter Button | Hold the white shutter button in Photo mode to capture a QuickTake video |
| Switch Camera Mode | Swipe Left/Right on Viewfinder | Swipe left or right to switch between Photo, Video, Portrait, Pano, Cinematic, etc. |
| Zoom In | Pinch Out (2 fingers) | Spread two fingers apart on the viewfinder to zoom in |
| Zoom Out | Pinch In (2 fingers) | Bring two fingers together on the viewfinder to zoom out |
| Switch Front/Rear Camera | Tap Flip Camera icon | Tap the circular arrows to switch between front and rear cameras |
| Set Focus & Exposure | Tap on Subject | Tap the subject to focus on it; a yellow square confirms focus point |
| Lock Focus & Exposure (AE/AF Lock) | Long Press on Subject | Long press to lock AE/AF so focus and exposure don't change |
| Screenshot and Mark Up | Side + Volume Up → Tap thumbnail | Take a screenshot then immediately tap the thumbnail to annotate before saving |