iOS 16 – How to Pick the Subject out of a Picture

In Apple’s newest update, iOS 16, you can now pick the subject out of a picture. Read on to learn how!

Now that it is easy to cut the subject out of a picture, you will discover that there are many ways you can use this functionality. Are you designing an invitation or a birthday card? Is the background of the picture distracting?

This process works on any iPhone from model XS and above, that is running iOS 16 or above.

Select the subject

Choose a picture in your Photos library on your iPhone. There are no specific criteria. This works with Live and static photos, and all kinds of content. The best bet is to try it and see what you get.

Rest your finger on the subject of the photo. If Photos can discern the subject, it will look like it pops up for a second. When you remove your finger, there will be a trail of light that rings the subject, and the words Copy and Share will display.

Here you can see the light running around the cat’s tail.

Paste the subject

Tap Copy. Open the app you want to use this picture in. Hold your finger down on the place you want to put the picture. When you lift your finger the word Paste will appear. Tap Paste.

Here the cat has been pasted into a text message. The background has disappeared.

Try it on different pictures. It isn’t perfect, but it is pretty close!

In the above image you can see the light in the area of the carrots and peaches. It picked out the entire bunch of fruits and vegetables as the subject, just as expected.

For more information about this topic, and other features of iOS 16, visit Apple’s iOS 16 page.

If you would like help with this process, just call or email and we’ll be happy to assist you! If you have specific questions, or if our terminology isn’t clear, please use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!

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