How To Use Apple's Augmented Reality Measure App In IOS 12

Apple's Measure app, built into iOS 12 and later, lets you measure real-world objects and check if surfaces are level using augmented reality. You can find the apple measure app iOS 12 in the Utilities folder on your iPhone or iPad, with no special setup or calibration screen required.

Getting started with the Measure app

Open the Measure app from the Utilities folder on your iPhone or iPad. The app is pre-installed on devices running iOS 12.0 or later, so no download is needed. The app prompts you to move your device in a circular motion to calibrate the AR technology before measuring.

Measuring objects with the Measure app

1. Point the camera at the object you want to measure.
2. The app will detect the object's edges and show a measurement line.
3. View the measurement displayed on the screen.

You can measure irregular shapes and curved surfaces by tracing the outline of the object with your device. To switch between metric and imperial units, adjust your device's display and home screen settings. The Measure app works best on flat, well-lit surfaces. Measurements are approximate.

Using the level tool in the Measure app

1. Open Measure, then tap Level.
2. Hold the iPhone against an object such as a picture frame.
3. To make an object level, rotate the object and iPhone until the screen turns green.
4. To match a slope, tap the screen to capture the first object's slope, then hold the iPhone against another object and rotate both until the screen turns green.
5. To reset the level, tap the screen again.

The Level tool uses the device's gyroscope and accelerometer to detect tilt. You can lock the levelness of a surface by tapping the screen once the bubble is centered. The Level tool can measure angles in degrees by placing the device on an angled surface. Apple says the level measurements are approximate.

Saving and sharing your measurements

1. In the Measure app, tap to see your recent measurements.
2. Swipe up from the top of the list to see more measurements.
3. Tap Copy.
4. Open another app such as Notes, tap in a document, and tap Paste.

You can export measurements as a PDF file from the saved measurements list. Saved measurement screenshots are stored in a dedicated 'Measurements' album in the Photos app. Apple documents this copy/paste path for saving measurements. If you have a downloaded app not showing on iPhone? how to find apps iOS 16 steps can help locate the Measure app if it's not on your home screen.

Which devices support faster measuring?

Apple says LiDAR-equipped models provide faster, more accurate measurements. These include iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later), iPhone 12 Pro and later, and iPhone 12 Pro Max and later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Measure built into iOS 12?

Yes. Apple's app listing says it requires iOS 12.0 or later, and Apple's support pages describe it as located in the Utilities folder.

Which iPhones support the Measure app?

They document LiDAR-supported models for improved accuracy and the iPhone support articles for Measure and Level.

Can the Measure app be used on Android?

No.

How accurate are the measurements?

Apple says level measurements are approximate.