In today’s world of smartphones, it’s no surprise that our devices are capable of performing a multitude of tasks beyond just making calls and sending texts. One of the most useful features of the iPhone is its ability to measure objects and distances using the camera. This feature, known as the Measure app, was first introduced in iOS 12 and has since become a staple in many iPhone users’ daily lives. In this article, we’ll explore how to use your iPhone camera as a ruler and take a closer look at the Measure app’s capabilities.
What is the Measure App?
The Measure app is a pre-installed app on all iPhones running iOS 12 or later. It uses augmented reality (AR) technology to measure objects and distances using the camera. The app is incredibly easy to use and can be accessed directly from the home screen or through the Utilities folder.
How to Access the Measure App
To access the Measure app, follow these steps:
- Locate the Measure app on your home screen or in the Utilities folder.
- Tap on the app icon to open it.
- If you’re using the app for the first time, you may be prompted to allow the app to access your camera. Tap “Allow” to proceed.
How to Measure Objects with the Measure App
Measuring objects with the Measure app is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Measuring Objects
- Open the Measure app and point your camera at the object you want to measure.
- Move your camera slowly around the object until a white dot appears on the screen. This dot indicates the starting point of your measurement.
- Move your camera to the end point of the object and a second white dot will appear. The distance between the two dots will be displayed on the screen.
- Tap on the screen to lock in the measurement.
Measuring Rectangular Objects
- To measure rectangular objects, such as a picture frame or a book, follow the same steps as above.
- However, instead of moving your camera to the end point of the object, move it to the corner of the object.
- The Measure app will automatically detect the rectangular shape and display the length and width of the object.
How to Measure Distances with the Measure App
In addition to measuring objects, the Measure app can also be used to measure distances. Here’s how to do it:
Measuring Distances
- Open the Measure app and point your camera at the starting point of the distance you want to measure.
- Move your camera slowly to the end point of the distance and a white dot will appear on the screen.
- The distance between the two points will be displayed on the screen.
- Tap on the screen to lock in the measurement.
Measuring Room Sizes
- To measure room sizes, follow the same steps as above.
- However, instead of moving your camera to the end point of the distance, move it to the corner of the room.
- The Measure app will automatically detect the rectangular shape of the room and display the length and width of the room.
Additional Features of the Measure App
In addition to measuring objects and distances, the Measure app also has several other features that make it a useful tool in your daily life.
Level Tool
- The Measure app also includes a level tool that can be used to ensure that surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical.
- To access the level tool, open the Measure app and tap on the “Level” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Place your iPhone on the surface you want to check and the app will display a level indicator.
Screen Ruler
- The Measure app also includes a screen ruler that can be used to measure objects on your screen.
- To access the screen ruler, open the Measure app and tap on the “Screen Ruler” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Place the object you want to measure on the screen and use the ruler to measure its length.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Measure App
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the Measure app:
- Use a steady hand: To get accurate measurements, make sure to hold your iPhone steady and move it slowly around the object or distance you’re measuring.
- Use good lighting: Good lighting is essential for getting accurate measurements. Make sure the area you’re measuring is well-lit and free from shadows.
- Use the level tool: The level tool is a useful feature that can help you ensure that surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical.
- Take multiple measurements: To ensure accuracy, take multiple measurements of the same object or distance and use the average value.
Limitations of the Measure App
While the Measure app is a useful tool, it does have some limitations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Accuracy: The Measure app is not always 100% accurate. The accuracy of the measurements can depend on a variety of factors, including the lighting, the distance between the object and the camera, and the quality of the camera.
- Range: The Measure app can only measure objects and distances that are within a certain range. The maximum range of the app is approximately 10 feet (3 meters).
- Complex shapes: The Measure app can struggle with complex shapes, such as curved or irregularly-shaped objects.
Conclusion
The Measure app is a useful tool that can be used to measure objects and distances using your iPhone camera. With its easy-to-use interface and accurate measurements, it’s a great addition to any iPhone user’s toolkit. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a contractor, or just someone who needs to measure things from time to time, the Measure app is definitely worth checking out.
By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can get the most out of the Measure app and use it to measure objects and distances with ease. So next time you need to measure something, don’t reach for a tape measure – just grab your iPhone and open the Measure app!
What is the Measure app and how does it work?
The Measure app is a built-in feature on iPhones that allows users to measure objects and distances using the camera. It uses augmented reality (AR) technology to detect the edges of objects and calculate their dimensions. To use the Measure app, simply open it and point your camera at the object you want to measure.
The app will automatically detect the edges of the object and display a ruler on the screen. You can then move the camera around the object to measure its length, width, and height. The Measure app can also be used to measure distances between objects, making it a handy tool for DIY projects, home decor, and more.
How accurate is the Measure app?
The accuracy of the Measure app depends on various factors, such as the lighting conditions, the distance between the camera and the object, and the complexity of the object’s shape. In general, the app is most accurate when measuring objects that are well-lit and have clear edges. It’s also more accurate when measuring shorter distances, typically up to 10 feet.
However, the app may not be as accurate when measuring longer distances or objects with complex shapes. In such cases, it’s best to use a traditional tape measure or ruler for more accurate results. Additionally, the app may not work well in low-light conditions or when the camera is moving rapidly.
Can I use the Measure app to measure curved objects?
The Measure app is designed to measure straight edges and distances, so it may not be the best tool for measuring curved objects. However, you can use the app to measure the length of a curved object by breaking it down into smaller, straight segments. Simply place the camera at one end of the curve and measure the length of each segment, then add up the measurements to get the total length.
Keep in mind that this method may not be as accurate as using a flexible measuring tape or a curved ruler, especially for complex curves. If you need to measure a curved object with high accuracy, it’s best to use a specialized tool designed for that purpose.
Can I use the Measure app to measure objects that are not flat?
The Measure app can be used to measure objects that are not flat, but it may not be as accurate as measuring flat objects. To measure a non-flat object, simply place the camera at an angle that allows you to see the edge of the object clearly. The app will automatically detect the edge and display a ruler on the screen.
However, keep in mind that the app may not be able to accurately measure objects with complex shapes or irregular surfaces. In such cases, it’s best to use a traditional measuring tool, such as a caliper or a micrometer, for more accurate results.
Can I save my measurements for later use?
Yes, you can save your measurements for later use by taking a screenshot of the measurement screen. To do this, simply press the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time (or the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button on iPhone X and later). The screenshot will be saved to your Photos app, where you can view it later or share it with others.
You can also use the Notes app to record your measurements and save them for later use. Simply open the Notes app, create a new note, and type in your measurements. You can also add photos or screenshots of your measurements to the note for reference.
Is the Measure app available on all iPhone models?
The Measure app is available on iPhone 6s and later models, including iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. It’s also available on iPad Pro models, including iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch), and iPad Pro (12.9-inch).
If you have an earlier iPhone model, you won’t be able to use the Measure app. However, you can use third-party measuring apps that are available on the App Store. These apps may not have the same features and accuracy as the Measure app, but they can still be useful for measuring objects and distances.