You can change the main frame (Key Photo) of a Live Photo by editing it in your photo app.
Live Photos capture a moment in motion, including a few seconds before and after the main shot. While they play back as a short video, you can select any frame within that sequence to be the static "cover image" or "Key Photo" that appears in your photo library.
Here's how to use different frames within your Live Photo:
Steps to Change the Key Photo
According to the reference provided, the process involves the following steps:
- Open the Live Photo and tap the Edit button.
- Move the slider to change the frame. This slider represents the duration of your Live Photo capture. As you drag it, you'll see different frames from the sequence.
- Release your finger when you find the frame you want to set as the new Key Photo.
- Tap Make Key Photo. This action confirms your selection and sets the chosen frame as the new primary image for the Live Photo in your library.
Note: The exact location of the "Edit" button and the "Make Key Photo" option might vary slightly depending on your device's operating system version.
What is the Key Photo?
The Key Photo is the single still image that represents the Live Photo in your photo library, albums, and when sharing to platforms that don't support the Live Photo format. Changing it allows you to showcase the most appealing or relevant moment from the capture.
Why Change the Key Photo?
- Better Composition: You might find a frame where the subject's pose is better or the composition is stronger.
- Capture a Specific Moment: Highlight a precise moment within the motion sequence.
- Subject's Eyes Open: If the original Key Photo had the subject blinking, you can select a frame where their eyes are open.
- Improve Thumbnail View: Make the thumbnail in your library more visually appealing or informative.
Editing Beyond the Key Photo
Changing the Key Photo is just one way to edit a Live Photo. Depending on your device's capabilities, you can often perform other edits like:
- Trimming the Live Photo duration
- Applying filters
- Adjusting lighting and color
- Muting the sound
- Applying Live Photo effects (Loop, Bounce, Long Exposure)
By mastering the ability to change the Key Photo, you gain more control over how your Live Photos are presented.
