Inverting a picture on your iPhone means flipping it horizontally (like a mirror) or converting colors to a negative film effect. Here’s how to invert a picture on iPhone quickly:
- Flip/Mirror: Photos app → Select image → Edit → Crop → Tap icon.
- Color Negative: Use a third-party app or Settings → Accessibility → Display → Enable "Smart Invert".
Now, let’s break it down step by step.
How to Invert a Picture on iPhone
1. Flip or Mirror a Photo (Horizontal Inversion)
Use this method to reverse your image left-to-right, like flipping text or correcting selfies.
- Open the Photos app and select your image.
- Tap "Edit" (top-right corner).
- Choose the Crop tool (⤢ icon).
- Tap the Flip icon (arrows at the top-left).
- Hit "Done" to save.
Note: This only changes orientation—not colors. For selfies, enable Settings → Camera → "Mirror Front Camera" to avoid backward text.
2. Create a Color Negative (Invert Colors)
This turns colors into negatives (e.g., black becomes white, blue becomes orange).
Method 1: Third-Party App (Best Quality)
- Install a free app like Negative Photo from the App Store.
- Open the app → Tap "Upload" or Camera.
- Edit the photo → Save to your library.
Method 2: Accessibility Settings (Temporary Fix)
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.
- Toggle "Smart Invert" or "Classic Invert".
- Open your photo to view it as a negative.
Warning: This inverts everything on your screen—not just the photo. Turn it off afterward in Settings.
Flip vs. Color Negative: Key Differences
| Feature | Flip/Mirror | Color Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Changes | Orientation (left/right swap) | Colors (black→white, etc.) |
| Built-in Tool | Yes (Photos app) | No (requires app/Settings) |
| Best For | Selfies, text, mirrored objects | Artistic effects, retro editing |
| Reversible | Yes (re-edit in Photos) | Yes (disable in Settings) |
Troubleshooting Tips
- Flip icon missing? Update iOS → Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Low-quality negative? Use apps like Photoshop Express for better results. Learn more in our How to Photoshop on iPhone guide.
- Selfies still inverted? Enable Settings → Camera → Mirror Front Camera.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the difference between flipping and color-inverting a photo?
Flipping reverses your image left-to-right (like a mirror). Color invertingturns colors into negatives (black → white, blue → orange). Use flipping for selfies/text; color inverting for artistic effects.
2. Why does text in my selfies look backward?
The iPhone camera naturally mirrors selfies. Fix this by enabling Settings → Camera → Mirror Front Camera. Your text will now appear correctly to others.
3. Can I invert colors without downloading an app?
Yes, but only temporarily:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Toggle "Smart Invert".
This inverts your entire screen—not just one photo. For permanent edits, use apps like Negative Photo.
4. Why does my color-negative photo look blurry?
The Accessibility method reduces quality. For crisp results:
- Use a dedicated app (Negative Photo, Photoshop Express).
- Adjust brightness/contrast after inverting.
Try these pro editing tips.
5. Can I undo an inverted photo?
Yes!
- Flipped photos: Re-edit in Photos → Tap the flip icon again.
- Color negatives: If saved via an app, edit again. If using Accessibility, turn off "Smart Invert".
Always duplicate photos before editing: Select photo → Share → "Duplicate".
Conclusion
Inverting photos on your iPhone is simple once you know the tools:
- Flip/mirror images right in the Photos app (Edit → Crop → Flip icon).
- Create color negatives using free apps (Negative Photo) or temporarily with Accessibility settings.
Remember:
Flipping = Fix selfies or fun mirror effects.
Color inverting = Retro artistic vibes (use apps for best quality).
Need to edit like a pro? Explore our Ultimate iPhone User Guide or learn advanced photo editing.