Android Camera Gestures Shortcuts
Android Camera Gestures 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.
Android
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Camera (Pixel) | Power (×2 quickly) | Double press the power button on Pixel phones to instantly launch the Camera app |
| Open Camera (Samsung) | Power (×2 quickly) | Double press the power/side button on Galaxy phones to launch the Camera |
| Take Photo | Volume Down (in Camera app) | Press the Volume Down button as a physical shutter button while the Camera is open |
| Capture Video | Volume Down (hold) | Hold Volume Down in the Camera app to start recording a video (on supported phones) |
| Take Burst Photos | Volume Down (hold, then release) | Hold Volume Down briefly and release to take a burst of photos (device-dependent) |
| Switch Camera Mode | Swipe Left/Right on Viewfinder | Swipe across the viewfinder to switch between Photo, Video, Night, Portrait, and other modes |
| Switch Front/Rear Camera | Double Twist Wrist (Pixel) | Rotate your wrist twice while holding the phone to flip between front and rear cameras (Pixel) |
| Zoom In | Pinch Out (2 fingers) | Spread two fingers on the viewfinder to zoom in |
| Zoom Out | Pinch In (2 fingers) | Pinch two fingers together on the viewfinder to zoom out |
| Tap to Focus | Tap on Subject | Tap the area you want to focus on; a circle or square confirms the focus point |
| Lock Focus & Exposure | Long Press on Subject | Long press to lock the focus and exposure so they don't shift when the scene changes |
| Google Lens from Camera | Tap Lens icon | Tap the Google Lens icon inside the Camera app to identify objects, text, plants, and more |
| Open Photos After Capture | Tap Thumbnail (bottom left) | Tap the preview thumbnail in the corner of the Camera app to view your most recent photo |
| Self-Timer | Tap Timer icon | Tap the timer icon to set a 3-second or 10-second delay before the shutter fires |