Use The Built-in Camera On Mac - Apple Support (AE)

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Many Mac computers have a built-in camera located near the top edge of the display. The camera automatically turns on when you open an app — such as FaceTime or Photo Booth — or use a feature — such as Markup or head pointer — that can use the camera. A green light beside the camera glows to indicate the camera is on. The camera turns off when you close or quit all apps or features that can use the camera.

You can decide which apps are allowed to use the camera on your Mac. See Control access to the camera.

An iMac with people using Centre Stage.

Take a photo or record a video

  • Take a photo or video of yourself: See Take a photo or record a video in Photo Booth.

  • Take a photo or video of your screen: See Take screenshots or screen recordings.

Use video effects

A person using Edge Light during a FaceTime call.

  1. Go to an app that captures video, such as FaceTime.

  2. Click Video in the menu bar, then click any of the following:

    • Centre Stage: Helps keep you and anyone else with you in the frame. If you are using your iPhone as a webcam, you can choose between Main and Ultra Wide. (Centre Stage is available on Apple Studio Display and Mac computers with the 12MP Centre Stage camera, or if you’re using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 11 or later.)

    • Portrait: Automatically blurs the background and puts the visual focus on you. (This feature is available on Mac computers with Apple silicon, or if you’re using Continuity Camera with an iPhone XR or later.) Click the arrow next to Portrait to use a slider that adjusts the amount of background blur.

    • Studio Light: Dims the background and illuminates your face. (Studio Light is available on Mac computers with Apple silicon or Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 or later.) Click the arrow next to Studio Light to use a slider to adjust the intensity of the studio light.

    • Edge Light: Use the display on your Mac to illuminate your face in low-light conditions. You can adjust the width of the light for more or less illumination, and choose a warmer or cooler light tone. On Mac models introduced in 2024 and later, you can set Edge Light to activate automatically when ambient lighting is dim. (Edge Light is available with macOS 26.2 or later on Mac computers with Apple silicon.) Click the arrow next to Edge Light to use a slider to adjust the size the Brightness icon or colour temperature the Warmth icon of the light. On Mac models introduced in 2024 and later, you can also choose whether to turn on Edge Light automatically or manually.

    • Background: Offers background options to use in video calls. Click the rectangle next to Background to select a camera background. Select from colour gradients and system wallpapers, or add your own photo.

    • Reactions: Add reactions such as hearts, fireworks and more. See Use video effects.

    • Improve your Wi-Fi connection: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router and make sure there are no objects impeding its signal, such as walls.

    • Change app settings: Certain apps may allow you to adjust camera quality. Check your app settings and adjust if needed.

    For more help, see the Apple Support article If the built-in camera isn’t working on your Mac.

    To learn more about using the camera with specific apps, see the FaceTime User Guide, Messages User Guide and Photo Booth User Guide.

    See alsoUse video conferencing features on MacChange the picture for you or others in apps on Mac Helpful? Yes No Character limit: 250 Please don’t include any personal information in your comment. Maximum character limit is 250. Submit Thanks for your feedback.

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