# How to use video effects on a Mac video call

> Turn on Portrait, Studio Light, Reactions and other effects from the Video menu during a call. Which Macs and macOS versions Apple says support them.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/tips/mac-video-effects-for-calls/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

During a video call, open the Video menu in the menu bar and choose an effect. Apple's page lists Reactions, Presenter Overlay, Center Stage, Portrait, Studio Light, Edge Light, Background and Desk View. Which ones you get depends on your Mac and macOS version.

## How to turn an effect on

- **macOS Sonoma 14 or later:** start a video call, open the **Video** menu in the menu bar and choose an effect. For effects with a strength setting, such as Portrait and Studio Light, click the arrow next to the effect and use the slider.
- **macOS Ventura 13:** click Control Center in the menu bar, click **Video Effects**, then choose the effect.

The Video menu appears only while an app is using the camera.

## What each effect needs

Apple's table, checked on 4 November 2026:

| Effect | What Apple says it needs |
|---|---|
| Reactions | Sonoma 14 or later on a Mac with Apple silicon, or Sonoma 14 or later using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 or later |
| Presenter Overlay | Sonoma 14 or later on a Mac with Apple silicon |
| Portrait | A Mac laptop with Apple silicon using the built in camera, or a Mac using Continuity Camera with an iPhone XR or later |
| Studio Light | Sonoma 14 or later on a Mac laptop with Apple silicon using the built in camera, or Ventura 13 or later using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 or later |
| Background | Sequoia 15 or later on a Mac with Apple silicon, or Sequoia 15 or later with Continuity Camera |
| Manual framing | Needs Center Stage turned off (dimmed) in the Video menu |

Apple's page does not list requirements for Center Stage, Edge Light or Desk View, so check the page for your Mac. Virtual backgrounds are disabled when you use the Large Presenter Overlay.

## If you do not see the effect

You may see no effect if your Mac does not meet the list above, or if the app does not support them. The Video menu is where effects appear for FaceTime and for apps that use the system camera features. An iPhone used as a camera adds some of them: see [using an iPhone as a webcam](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/use-iphone-as-webcam-on-mac/).

## Before you rely on one

Test the effect in a private call or in Photo Booth before a real meeting, as [testing your camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/) describes.

## NotchStar's Mirror

NotchStar's [Mirror tool](https://www.notchstar.com/features/mirror/) is a plain live preview. It does not apply Apple's video effects or any filter, so it shows the camera picture without them. Use it for a quick check of framing and light, and use your call app's preview to see the result of an effect. The [camera check guide](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/check-mac-camera-before-video-call/) has the full routine.

## Keep reading.

- [A quick mirror before every call](https://www.notchstar.com/features/mirror/): Check how you look before a call with a live, mirrored camera preview in the notch. The camera runs only while the Mirror tab is open.
- [How to use your iPhone as a webcam on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/use-iphone-as-webcam-on-mac/): Mount an iPhone near your Mac, open FaceTime or a call app and choose the iPhone from the video menu. Requirements and fixes from Apple.
- [How to test your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/): Open Photo Booth or QuickTime Player to see if your Mac camera works. Look for the green light, pick the right camera, and check app permissions.
- [Check your Mac camera before a video call](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/check-mac-camera-before-video-call/): Preview your camera, check permissions and confirm the camera selected in your meeting app. Use a mirror preview without mistaking it for a recording test.

## More in Camera and calls.

- [How to test your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/): Open Photo Booth or QuickTime Player to see if your Mac camera works. Look for the green light, pick the right camera, and check app permissions.
- [How to allow camera access for an app on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/allow-camera-access-for-an-app-on-mac/): Open System Settings, Privacy and Security, Camera, then switch the app on. Which apps are always allowed, and what to do if an app is not in the list.
- [How to see which app is using your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/see-which-app-is-using-your-mac-camera/): Look for the green dot in the menu bar and click Control Center to open the privacy window that lists apps using your camera or microphone.
- [How to fix a Mac webcam that is not working](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/fix-mac-webcam-not-working/): Apple's steps for a built in Mac camera that will not work: update, check Screen Time, allow the app, restart, and when to contact Apple.
- [How to use your iPhone as a webcam on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/use-iphone-as-webcam-on-mac/): Mount an iPhone near your Mac, open FaceTime or a call app and choose the iPhone from the video menu. Requirements and fixes from Apple.
- [How to allow a website to use your camera in Safari](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/allow-camera-for-websites-in-safari/): Choose Safari, Settings, Websites, Camera to allow or block the camera for each site. Where this differs from the app permission list.