How to Take a Screenshot in the iOS 12 Measure App

Apple's iOS 12 introduced the native Measure app, an augmented reality (AR) tool that allows users to quickly calculate the dimensions of real-world objects using an iPhone or iPad camera. Instead of relying on the standard device screenshot shortcut, the Measure app features a built-in camera button designed specifically to capture your measurement sessions with the overlay data intact. This guide explains the exact steps required to take and view screenshots directly within the iOS 12 Measure app.

Steps to Capture a Measurement

  1. Open the Measure App: Launch the Measure app from your home screen on an ARKit-compatible device running iOS 12.
  2. Calibrate the Camera: Move your device around as prompted on the screen so the app can detect the surface and surroundings.
  3. Complete Your Measurement:
    • Align the central dot with the starting point of the object and tap the Add (+) button.
    • Pan your device along the object to the endpoint and tap the Add (+) button again to lock in the line and dimension.
  4. Tap the Shutter Button: Once a measurement line is active, a white circular Shutter button appears in the lower-right corner of the screen. Tap this button to capture the screenshot of the measurement session.
  5. Confirmation: The screen will flash white briefly, indicating the photo has been taken.

Where to Find Your Saved Measurements

The captured photo automatically saves to your device's local storage. To view it:

  1. Open the native Photos app.
  2. Go to the Library or the Recents album.
  3. Select the image to view the object along with the overlaid dimension lines and measurement values. From here, you can share, edit, or mark up the image as needed.

Alternative Method: Standard Device Screenshot

If the built-in shutter button does not appear or if you want to capture the entire screen interface (including menu controls):

  • On iPhones with Face ID: Quickly press and release the Side button and the Volume Up button simultaneously.
  • On iPhones with Touch ID: Quickly press and release the Side (or Top) button and the Home button simultaneously.