How to Add Text and Shapes to FaceTime Photos in iOS 12

With iOS 12, Apple introduced interactive camera effects directly into FaceTime, allowing users to personalize their video calls and capture customized Live Photos in real time. This guide explains how to access FaceTime’s built-in effects drawer during a call to apply custom text labels and dynamic shapes, and how to capture them in a Live Photo.

Step 1: Ensure FaceTime Live Photos Is Enabled

Before starting a call, verify that your device allows FaceTime Live Photos:

  1. Open Settings on your iOS device.
  2. Scroll down and tap FaceTime.
  3. Toggle the switch next to FaceTime Live Photos to the On (green) position. Both participants must have this setting enabled to capture Live Photos.

Step 2: Open Effects During a FaceTime Call

  1. Start or answer a FaceTime video call.
  2. Tap the screen to reveal the call controls.
  3. Tap the Effects button, represented by a star icon in the bottom-left corner.

Step 3: Add Text Labels

  1. In the effects tray at the bottom of the screen, tap the Text button (represented by the Aa icon).
  2. Browse through the available label styles, such as comic book fonts, outlined text, or regular labels, and tap the one you want.
  3. Type your custom message using the on-screen keyboard.
  4. Tap outside the keyboard to dismiss it.
  5. Touch and drag the text label to position it on your screen. You can pinch with two fingers to resize it or rotate it. The label will automatically track your facial movements.

Step 4: Add Shapes

  1. In the effects tray, tap the Shapes button (represented by a speech bubble icon).
  2. Select a shape from the list, such as speech bubbles, thought bubbles, arrows, or stars.
  3. Drag the shape to your desired position on the screen, or pinch to resize it. Shapes can be placed over your face or anywhere in the frame to track movement alongside text labels.

Step 5: Capture the Live Photo

  1. Once your text labels and shapes are in place, tap the X icon above the effects tray to minimize the menu while keeping the elements on screen.
  2. Tap the Shutter button (the white circular button) to snap a Live Photo.
  3. The Live Photo will save directly to your Photos library, capturing the movement, audio, text labels, and shapes exactly as they appeared on your screen.