How to use video effects on a Mac video call
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.
Before you rely on one
Test the effect in a private call or in Photo Booth before a real meeting, as testing your camera describes.
NotchStar’s Mirror
NotchStar’s Mirror tool 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 has the full routine.
