How to landscape video in iPhone: Easily transform your videos to landscape format on your iPhone

Filming in landscape mode on an iPhone is straightforward, but as a professional who always thinks about visual composition and design, I recommend going beyond simply turning your device. Here’s how you can ensure your videos are truly shot in landscape for the best outcome, whether it’s for home documentation, social media, or showcasing an interior space.

1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Camera app.

2. Ensure your screen orientation lock is off. To check this, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center and make sure the lock icon with a circle around it isn’t highlighted.

3. Rotate your iPhone sideways (horizontally). The camera interface should automatically shift to landscape mode. You’ll notice the icons and controls rotate as well.

4. Hold your iPhone steady with both hands. Tap the red video record button to start filming in landscape.

Filming in landscape mode is essential when documenting interior spaces, as it captures more of the room and aligns with how viewers naturally consume visual content, both on TVs and computer monitors. As a designer, I always consider the spatial storytelling aspect. Landscape videos let you show the flow between rooms, the interplay of light on surfaces, and the overall harmony of your design. When you want to plan your shots or visualize the transformation of a space before and after decorating, using a design tool for room layouts can help storyboard your filming process and optimize the visual storytelling.

Tips 1:

For the best stability and cinematic effect, use a tripod or prop your iPhone on a steady surface. This is especially relevant if you’re filming to document your design work or create portfolio material. Also, consider enabling the grid lines in your camera settings to help with straight horizons and balanced compositions—the details matter in both video and interior design!

FAQ

Q: Why is my iPhone video still vertical even when I hold it sideways?

A: Make sure the orientation lock is off and that you rotate the device before pressing the record button; otherwise, the video may still record in portrait.

Q: Is landscape better than portrait for all types of content?

A: Landscape works best for interior tours, presentations, and sharing on most video platforms. Portrait may be better for social media stories or apps favoring vertical video, but for showcasing spaces, landscape is superior.

Q: Can I convert a portrait video to landscape?

A: Yes, with video editing software you can rotate the video, but it will usually crop the top and bottom, losing important parts of the scene. It’s best to shoot in landscape from the start.

Q: Do I need special apps to shoot landscape on iPhone?

A: No, the native Camera app fully supports landscape mode—just make sure you rotate the phone and that orientation lock is off.

Q: What’s the ideal resolution for landscape video on iPhone?

A: Most iPhones allow shooting in 1080p HD or 4K; both work well, but 4K captures more detail which can be crucial for interior presentations.