iOS 12: Add Effects to Photos in Messages

To add effects to photos in Messages on iOS 12, open a conversation, tap the camera icon, take or select a photo, then tap the colorful “Effects” button (the one with the sun and sparkles) above the photo preview to apply filters, text, shapes, and more before sending. This guide covers every effect type, how to use them, and common troubleshooting steps.

Background: What iOS 12 Brought to Messages

iOS 12, released in September 2018, revamped the Messages camera and photo interface. Before this update, photo effects were limited to a few built-in filters and the third-party sticker apps. iOS 12 introduced a unified effects panel that combines photo filters, text overlays, shapes, and the existing bubble and screen effects into one place. This made it much easier to personalize photos without leaving the conversation. The feature works on iPhone and iPad, and effects are applied before sending, so the recipient sees the finished image as a standard photo or video.

How to Access Photo Effects

The effects panel is hidden behind a few taps. Here’s the exact path:

Open a conversation in Messages.
Tap the gray camera icon to the left of the text field.
Take a new photo or tap the small circle with dots in the bottom-left to choose an existing one from your library.
Once the photo appears in the preview area, look for the “Effects” button—it’s the icon that looks like a sun with sparkles, located in the top-right corner of the preview.
Tap it to open the effects toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

If you don’t see the effects button, make sure you’ve actually selected or taken a photo first. The button only appears when a photo is in the preview.

Types of Effects You Can Add

iOS 12 offers four main categories of photo effects, each with its own tab in the toolbar:

Filters – Nine color filters (Vivid, Dramatic, Mono, Silvertone, Noir, and others) that change the overall look of the photo. Swipe left or right to preview them.
Text – Add a text box anywhere on the photo. You can type your message, drag it around, pinch to resize, and choose from six font styles (e.g., Classic, Neon, Outline) and a color palette.
Shapes – Draw freehand with your finger, or add predefined shapes like hearts, stars, and arrows. You can change the line thickness and color.
Stickers – This tab shows your installed sticker packs (from the App Store) and lets you place them on the photo. Note that this is separate from the Animoji/Memoji stickers in the camera.

You can combine effects—for example, apply a filter, add text, and draw an arrow—all before sending.

How to Choose the Right Effect

Choosing an effect depends on the message you want to convey:

Use filters to set a mood—Vivid for bright outdoor shots, Mono for a classic black-and-white feel.
Use text for captions, jokes, or clarifying what’s in the photo. Keep it short; long text becomes hard to read on small screens.
Use shapes to point out something specific, like a person or an object. A red circle or arrow works better than text for quick visual cues.
Use stickers when you want a playful, branded element. Avoid overloading a photo with too many stickers—it can look cluttered.

There’s no “right” answer; the best effect is the one that makes your message clearer or more fun. If you’re unsure, start with a subtle filter and add one element at a time.

Common Problems and Fixes

Several issues can come up when trying to add effects:

Effects button missing – Make sure you’ve selected a photo. If it’s still missing, force-quit Messages (swipe up from the app switcher) and try again. Restarting your iPhone also clears temporary glitches.
Effects not saving – Effects are applied only when you send the message. If you back out without sending, the original photo remains unchanged in your library. To keep an edited copy, take a screenshot before sending.
Recipient sees a plain photo – This happens if you send as a standard iMessage (blue bubble) but the recipient’s device is on an older iOS. Effects are preserved only when both devices support iOS 12 or later. If you send as SMS (green bubble), effects are flattened into the photo, so they still appear but can’t be edited.
Drawing is shaky – Use your finger or a stylus. There’s no smoothing tool in iOS 12, so slow, steady strokes work best.

If none of these fixes work, check that your iPhone has enough storage—low storage can cause the camera and effects panel to lag or crash.

Comparison with Later iOS Versions

iOS 12’s effects system is simpler than what came later. In iOS 13 and beyond, Apple added more filter styles, a dedicated drawing toolbar with more colors, and the ability to edit photos with markup before sending. iOS 17 introduced a full-screen “Effects” button that includes animated stickers and more. If you’re on a newer iOS, the steps are similar but the interface looks different—the effects button is still a sun/sparkle icon, but it may be labeled “Effects” and offer more options. For users stuck on iOS 12 (e.g., older devices like iPhone 5s or iPhone 6), this guide remains accurate.

Cost and Availability

All photo effects in iOS 12 are free and built into the Messages app. No in-app purchases are required. Sticker packs from the App Store may cost money, but the core filters, text, shapes, and drawing tools are included with iOS. The feature works on any iPhone or iPad that supports iOS 12, which includes iPhone 5s and later, iPad Air and later, and iPod touch 6th generation.

Alternatives for More Editing Power

If you need more advanced editing, consider these alternatives:

Markup – Built into the Photos app. Open a photo, tap Edit, then the markup icon (a circle with dots) to add text, shapes, and drawings. This doesn’t send through Messages but you can share the edited photo.
Third-party apps – Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Canva offer far more filters and text options. Edit there, save to your library, then send via Messages.
Animoji/Memoji – In iOS 12, you can record an Animoji video and send it as a message. This isn’t a photo effect, but it’s a fun way to personalize messages.

For quick, casual messages, the built-in effects are usually enough. For professional-looking edits, use a dedicated app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove an effect after I’ve applied it?

Yes. Tap the effect tab again and select “None” for filters, or tap the text/shape and hit the delete button. You can also tap “Cancel” to start over. Once you send the message, you can’t edit it—you’d have to send a new photo.

Do effects work when sending to Android phones?

Yes, but with a catch. When you send to an Android phone (SMS/MMS), the photo is flattened into a standard image. The recipient will see the filter, text, and shapes, but they won’t be able to edit or remove them. They’ll just see the final photo.

Why can’t I find the effects button on my iPad?

On iPad, the camera icon is in the same place, but the effects button may be smaller. Make sure you’ve selected a photo first. If you’re using an external keyboard, the interface might look different—tap the photo preview to bring up the editing options.

Can I add effects to a video in Messages?

Yes. In iOS 12, you can record a video with the camera icon and apply the same effects—filters, text, shapes, and stickers—before sending. The process is identical to photos, but the effects appear over the video frames. Note that text and shapes will be static (they don’t move with the video).

Will my effects be saved to my camera roll?

No. Effects are only applied to the message you send. The original photo in your library remains untouched. If you want to keep the edited version, take a screenshot before sending, or use the Markup tool in Photos to save a copy.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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