Where to Drag and Drop Lifted Photos in iOS 16

Apple’s iOS 16 includes a Visual Look Up feature that lets you instantly isolate and "lift" a subject from the background of any photo or video pause-frame. Once a subject is lifted using a long-press, you can drag and drop it into a wide range of apps across the operating system as a standalone image or transparent PNG. This guide details the primary apps and destinations where you can drop these extracted photo subjects.

Messaging and Communication Apps

You can drop lifted subjects directly into conversation threads:

  • Messages (iMessage): Dropping a cutout into a text field attaches it as an image file or a custom sticker.
  • Mail: Place the subject directly into the body of an email draft as an inline graphic.
  • Third-Party Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Slack accept dropped subjects, automatically converting them into PNG images or sticker formats depending on the platform's support.

Note-Taking and Productivity Apps

Lifted subjects integrate seamlessly into documents and workspaces:

  • Notes: Drop the cutout into any existing or new note. It embeds as an inline graphic without any background.
  • Files: Dragging a subject directly into a folder in the Files app automatically saves it as an individual, high-resolution PNG file with a transparent background.
  • Pages, Numbers, and Keynote: Drop the cutout onto documents, spreadsheets, or presentation slides where it acts as a movable graphic element.
  • Reminders: Attach an extracted subject to a specific task or reminder item.

Social Media and Creative Tools

Extracted images can be shared or edited in creative workflows:

  • Freeform: Introduced in iOS 16.2, Apple’s digital whiteboard supports dropping cutouts anywhere on the infinite canvas.
  • Social Media Apps: Drop subjects into the compose window of apps like X (formerly Twitter) or directly onto Instagram Stories to create custom collage effects.
  • Photo Editors: Apps such as Canva or Adobe Express accept lifted subjects directly onto active editing canvases.

How to Drag and Drop Between Apps

  1. Tap and hold the subject in a photo until a haptic vibration occurs and a glowing outline appears.
  2. Begin dragging the subject away from its original position with one finger.
  3. Without releasing the subject, use a second finger to swipe up to the Home Screen or switch between open apps via the App Switcher.
  4. Navigate to your target app and release your finger over the text field, canvas, or document.