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TimeLapsed App FAQ

Find answers to common questions about the TimeLapsed App, organized by category to help you get the most out of your timelapse experience.

Interface & Modes

(4 questions)

What is the difference between Easy Mode and Advanced Mode?

Easy Mode features a simplified tab interface with 5 main tabs (Camera, Remote, Stats, Celestial, Rocket Launch) designed for beginners. It includes large touch targets, visual feedback, and extensive theme customization with 50+ properties. Advanced Mode provides a feature-dense interface with complex navigation, full camera controls, professional video editing capabilities, and advanced automation tools. You can switch between modes anytime in Settings without losing your data.

How do I switch between Easy Mode and Advanced Mode?

Go to Home Screen Settings in the app and toggle the Interface Mode option. All your projects, settings, and preferences are preserved when switching between modes. You can change modes as often as you like.

Can I customize themes in Easy Mode?

Yes! Easy Mode offers extensive theme customization with 50+ properties across 5 categories: Background (gradients and colors), Widgets (styling), Buttons (appearance), Themes (pre-made options), and Extra (additional customization). You can create a personalized interface that matches your style.

What widgets are available in Easy Mode?

Easy Mode includes built-in widgets: Tripometer (GPS trip recording), Sun & Moon Finder (AR overlay), Weather (forecasts and alerts), Rocket Launch (live countdowns), and Theme Editor (real-time customization). These widgets enhance functionality while maintaining simplicity.

Camera & Controls

(10 questions)

Why is the screen white when the camera is open?

This is caused by the shutter setting being in bright environments. When the shutter is set to 1 second (required for light painting) and you're in a bright environment, the camera sensor receives too much light, causing the preview to appear white. To fix this: 1) Switch to an Auto mode which will automatically adjust the shutter speed, 2) Move to a darker environment, or 3) Lower the ISO setting manually. For light painting, you'll see an Ambient Light Sensor notice warning you about this condition.

Why does the camera view lag and look blurry?

This is caused by long shutter speeds - you're seeing a live preview of the shutter effect. For light painting, a 1-second shutter is the maximum on iPhone and required for proper light painting effects. The blur and lag are normal when using slow shutter speeds as the camera is capturing motion over that full second. This is not a bug but the intended behavior for capturing light trails and motion blur.

My self facing portrait camera photos seem to be blurry. How can I fix this?

Pull down from the top of your screen and disable Portrait Effects - These effects are applied outside of TimeLapsed app and we have no control over them. From there, you should be able to get a clear photo of the near and far subjects.

My iPhone is lagging during timelapse, what is wrong?

If your iPhone is lagging during timelapse, it may be due to heat. Ensure that your iPhone is not placed directly in the sun and consider switching to a different mode of features. Any filters you apply will increase CPU load and heat, which increases memory and drains the battery faster. Additionally, if you are charging your phone while Timelapsing, this may induce heat. It is best to start with a fully charged phone and plug it into an external power source as this will reduce the heat generated by the phone during a full rapid charge. The key point to look at is if the frame counter is incrementing smoothly. You may see a green or red lag indicator occurring in the Timelapse Record button, and this indicates that your phone is taking more time than normal to process the frames. If you see this, consider reducing the quality of the timelapse or the filters applied, or pause your timelapse until your phone cools down. You may view your iPhone's Thermal state in the Battery menu of the timelapse camera under System Stats. If your phone is in a Serious thermal state, and the User Interface is lagging, then this is why.

Which cameras support manual controls?

Manual controls are available on the Ultra Wide, Wide (main), and Telephoto cameras. The front-facing camera has limited manual controls due to hardware restrictions. For the best light painting and professional results, use the Ultra Wide camera which supports all manual settings including focus, exposure, ISO, and white balance.

How do camera profiles work?

Camera profiles save all your manual settings (ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, etc.) as presets. You can create custom profiles for different scenarios like "Golden Hour," "Night Photography," or "Portrait Mode." Profiles can be shared between devices and backed up to iCloud.

Can I use multiple cameras simultaneously?

Yes! TimeLapsed supports multi-camera recording on supported iPhone models. You can record with multiple cameras at once and switch between them during recording. This is perfect for creating different perspectives of the same scene.

What is the MCF Remote Control feature?

MCF (Multi-Camera Framework) allows you to control multiple iPhones remotely over Wi-Fi. One device acts as the master controller, and you can start/stop recording, adjust settings, and synchronize captures across all connected devices. Perfect for complex productions and multi-angle timelapses.

Why does my camera keep refocusing during timelapse?

Auto-focus can cause unwanted focus changes during long captures. To prevent this: 1) Switch to manual focus mode in camera settings, 2) Lock focus by tapping and holding on your subject until "AF/AE Lock" appears, or 3) Use a camera profile with fixed focus settings. Manual focus ensures consistent sharpness throughout your timelapse.

How do I prevent overheating during long timelapses?

To minimize heat buildup: 1) Remove your phone case for better heat dissipation, 2) Keep your device out of direct sunlight, 3) Use lower quality settings if heat becomes an issue, 4) Avoid charging while recording (use external battery packs instead), 5) Take breaks between long sessions, and 6) Monitor thermal state in the Battery menu. The app will warn you if temperatures become critical.

TimeLapse General

(5 questions)

My timelapse video is extremely fast. How can I fix this?

This is a complex question. The easiest answer is to retime the video in the app. Change the rate on the TimeLapse playback screen and export a new video. This will be placed in your photo library or stored in the app as TimeLapse-Video-Name-retimed and have all of the properties as the original video. If you want to control this during TimeLapse, then go to the Timelapse menu in the camera, then go to the Video tab and change the video rate. This only makes sense if you are slowing down the timelapse < 1.0x rate. Otherwise you may want to consider a longer timelapse interval if you want to speed up the output of the timelapse.

My timelapse is split into multiple videos. Why?

There are two reasons why this may occur: 1. You have enabled Video Splitting in the Video section of Timelapse Settings. This splits the timelapse into videos to prevent loss should anything happen to your phone. 2. You minimized the app during a timelapse. Timelapsed camera, or any camera app cannot record in the background while the app is minimized. Therefore, your videos were split when you minimized the app. See the "Can I TimeLapse with the app minimized?" question below. You may join the videos together in another app such as Capcut. Exporting videos requires the full version. Check the In App Purchase options for more information.

Can I TimeLapse with the app minimized?

No - due to Apple Security and Privacy, your camera will turn off when the app is minimized for any reason. When this occurs, the Timelapse you were running is then saved and a new video for your Timelapse will be created when you restore the app and begin Timelapsing again. Both, or more videos for each time you minimize will be created and saved to the same TimeLapse in the app and multiple videos will be saved to your camera roll automatically if you enabled Photo Library Access.

I can't find my video in my Photo Library on my phone after the TimeLapse

Videos and Photos are only exported in the Full Version of the app. If you are using the Full version, did you allow the app to access your photo library? If not, then the video cannot be exported. Please review our Privacy Policy and note that we do not scan your photo library or access it in any way. It should be considered safe to grant Full Access so that each time a timelapse or video is exported to your Photo Library then you won't be prompted for permission to allow the export. If you miss a prompt, the video will not be saved. You can attempt to export it from the TimeLapse playback screen.

My music stopped playing when the timelapse started. What happened?

If you have the countdown timer, shutter or any other app sounds enabled, they will cancel out your music. You can disable these settings in the app Settings and camera menus, or if you have an Apple Watch, restart your music after the countdown timer if the shutter sound is disabled.

Rocket Launch Tracking

(6 questions)

How does rocket launch tracking work?

TimeLapsed includes a CloudKit-based rocket launch feed that provides real-time launch schedules, countdowns, and notifications. The system tracks launches from SpaceX, NASA, ULA, and other providers worldwide. Launch data is synchronized across all your devices and includes detailed mission information.

Can I get notifications for upcoming launches?

Yes! You can enable push notifications for rocket launches in the app settings. Choose to be notified 24 hours, 1 hour, or 10 minutes before launch. Notifications include launch details, location, and direct links to start recording a timelapse of the event.

How do I find launch pad locations?

The rocket launch feature includes an integrated map showing all major launch pad locations worldwide. You can view Kennedy Space Center, Boca Chica, Vandenberg, and international sites. The map helps you orient your camera toward the launch direction.

Can I record launches automatically?

Yes! Using the Actions & Automation system, you can create automated sequences that start recording before a scheduled launch and stop afterward. The system can adjust camera settings for optimal night or day launch visibility.

What information is included for each launch?

Each launch entry includes: mission name, launch provider, vehicle type, payload details, launch window, weather conditions, recovery information, and live stream links. Historical data is also available for past launches.

How accurate is the launch timing data?

Launch times are sourced from official providers and updated in real-time as schedules change. However, launches can be delayed or scrubbed due to weather, technical issues, or range conflicts. Always check official sources for the most current information.

AR Features

(4 questions)

How does AR sun and moon tracking work?

TimeLapsed uses ARKit and Core Location to provide real-time sun and moon tracking overlays on your camera view. The system calculates precise celestial positions based on your location and time, showing the path of the sun/moon across the sky for planning timelapses.

What is the flight radar integration?

The AR flight radar feature displays real-time aircraft positions overlaid on your camera view. This helps you track planes for aviation timelapses or avoid aircraft in your shots. The data comes from ADS-B transponders and shows flight numbers, altitude, and aircraft type.

Can I see sunrise and sunset times in AR?

Yes! The AR celestial overlay shows sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset times for your current location. It also displays the golden hour and blue hour periods, helping you plan the perfect lighting for your timelapses.

How accurate is the AR tracking?

AR tracking accuracy depends on your device's sensors and environmental conditions. The system uses GPS, compass, accelerometer, and ARKit for positioning. Calibrate your device by moving it in a figure-8 pattern if tracking seems off. Indoor use may be less accurate due to limited GPS signal.

Siri & Voice Commands

(5 questions)

How many Siri commands are available?

TimeLapsed supports 50+ Siri voice commands covering all major app functions. Commands are organized into categories: Camera Control, Recording, Settings, Navigation, and Advanced Features. You can start recording, adjust settings, switch cameras, and more using just your voice.

What are some essential Siri commands?

Key commands include: "Start timelapse recording," "Stop recording," "Switch to ultra wide camera," "Set ISO to 100," "Enable light painting," "Take a photo," "Open camera settings," and "Show battery status." Commands work even when the app is in the background.

Can I use Siri commands with Apple Watch?

Yes! The Apple Watch companion app supports most Siri commands for hands-free control. You can start/stop recording, adjust basic settings, and monitor recording status directly from your wrist. Perfect for situations where you can't access your phone.

Do voice commands work in different languages?

Siri commands currently work in English and will adapt to your device's language settings. The app recognizes natural speech patterns, so you can say "start recording" or "begin timelapse" for the same function. Support for additional languages may be added in future updates.

Can I create custom voice shortcuts?

Yes! You can create custom Siri shortcuts in the iOS Shortcuts app to trigger specific TimeLapsed actions or sequences. Combine multiple commands into a single shortcut like "Set up night photography" to configure multiple settings at once.

Actions & Automation

(6 questions)

What are TimeLapsed Actions?

Actions are pre-programmed sequences that execute automatically based on triggers or schedules. Think of them as recipes for complex timelapse captures. You can create actions for sunrise timelapses, construction documentation, plant growth monitoring, and more using the visual action builder.

How do I create an automated sequence?

Use the drag-and-drop Action Builder to create sequences. Start by selecting a trigger (time, location, or condition), add conditions (battery level, storage space), then build your sequence of actions (start recording, adjust settings, stop recording, export). Test your action before deploying it.

What triggers are available for actions?

Available triggers include: specific time/date, repeating intervals, GPS geofence entry/exit, sunrise/sunset times, manual activation, and device conditions like battery level or Wi-Fi status. You can combine multiple triggers for complex scenarios.

Can actions run automatically when I'm not there?

Yes! Actions can run automatically when the app is active and your device meets the specified conditions. Perfect for unattended captures like construction progress, plant growth, or weather documentation. Ensure your device has sufficient power and storage.

What happens if an action fails?

Actions include error handling and can retry operations, send notifications, or execute fallback sequences. You can set up actions to check device conditions (battery, storage, thermal state) before executing critical operations to prevent failures.

Can I share actions with other users?

Yes! Actions can be exported and shared with other TimeLapsed users. This is perfect for teams or educational environments where standardized capture procedures are needed. Import actions to quickly set up proven workflows.

Effects & Video Editing

(5 questions)

Using Tilt Shift, the screen is blurry. How can I fix this?

Tilt shift has 3 different blur types you can experiment with in the tilt shift settings. Try reducing the blur amounts and heights until you dial in a look and feel that you desire. Also, you can adjust the position of the blur by dragging the focal point on the camera screen if you enable Focal Point Lock.

What is the Metal Video Editor?

TimeLapsed includes a GPU-accelerated video editor built with Apple's Metal framework. It provides professional timeline editing, real-time effects processing, color grading tools, and supports 4K editing with smooth playback. The editor is optimized for mobile devices and handles complex effects efficiently.

Can I edit multiple video clips together?

Yes! The Metal Video Editor supports multi-clip compositions. You can combine multiple timelapses, add transitions, apply different effects to each clip, and create complex productions. The timeline supports drag-and-drop editing with precise frame control.

What export formats are supported?

The app supports export to various formats including 4K ProRes, H.264, H.265/HEVC in different quality settings. You can choose frame rates from 24fps to 60fps and customize bitrate settings. Export directly to Photos app, Files, or cloud storage services.

How do I batch process multiple videos?

Use the batch processing feature in Advanced Mode to apply the same effects, color grading, or export settings to multiple videos simultaneously. This is perfect for processing large numbers of timelapses with consistent settings, saving significant time for professional workflows.

Light Painting

(6 questions)

My screen turns white when I enable Light Painting / Frame Blending - what is wrong?

If your environment is bright, then the shutter is maxed out at 1 second, it is capturing too much light. Select an Auto mode, or go into a darker environment.

The background is too bright, or the light painting is too bright. What should I adjust?

Please review the Frame Blending guide as it has detailed instructions on how to adjust for different scenes. In short, click the Camera Icon in the Camera view and try to lower the ISO value first. You can also experiment with White Balance to control the temperature of the light. If ISO is already as low as you can get it, then switch to the Frame Blending tab under Effects and you can adjust the colors prior to blending frames. See "Advanced Color Controls". This allows you to get the best quality of image pre-filter which can affect the frame blending. You can also adjust these after the frame blending in the Color Controls tab of Image Enhancements.

My light paintings have gaps in them, or they are not smooth. What should I adjust?

It is not recommended to change the shutter speed to less than 1 second for standard light painting as you will experience gaps in the flow of your light streaks. It is crucial to have 1 second Shutter and 1 Second Interval for light painting to appear smooth and fluid. Also it is crucial that you use the Back Ultra Wide Camera as it is the only camera that allows manual settings required for light painting.

How can I change the Temperature or Color of my light paintings?

A good combination of ISO and White Balance on the camera settings is key. For cooler or softer colors try a lower White Balance setting - for sharper and warmer colors use a higher setting. You can also adjust the saturation, contrast, and brightness of the light painting in the Effects section of the camera. This is a great way to control the output of the light painting because it is applied prior to the final blending of the frames before it goes to video. Another note is that you can use various filters such as Noir, Tonal or Chrome to create a unique black and white light painting that will stun your audience.

What blending modes are available?

TimeLapsed offers 25+ GPU-accelerated blending modes including Add, Screen, Lighten, Color Dodge, Linear Dodge, Multiply, Overlay, Soft Light, Hard Light, and many artistic modes. Each mode creates different visual effects - experiment with different modes to achieve your desired look.

Can I use frame blending for non-light painting effects?

Absolutely! Frame blending works for many creative effects: cloud movement, star trails, traffic flow, water motion, and artistic compositions. The blending algorithms work with any moving elements in your scene, not just light sources.

Apple Watch

(5 questions)

What can I do with the Apple Watch companion app?

The Apple Watch app provides remote control for your iPhone camera, live recording status, battery monitoring, storage space tracking, and basic camera controls. You can start/stop recording, take photos, and view recording statistics directly from your wrist.

How do I set up the Apple Watch app?

Install TimeLapsed on your iPhone first, then the Watch app will automatically appear on your Apple Watch. Ensure both devices are connected via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Open the Watch app and it will sync your recording settings and provide remote control functionality.

Can I control camera settings from my Apple Watch?

Yes! The Watch app supports basic camera controls including switching between cameras, adjusting ISO, changing focus modes, and controlling recording intervals. For advanced settings, you'll need to use the iPhone app directly.

Does the Apple Watch app work when my iPhone screen is locked?

Yes! The Apple Watch maintains connection and control even when your iPhone screen is locked or the camera app is running in the background (when permitted). This is perfect for discreet recording or when your iPhone is mounted in a hard-to-reach location.

Can I receive recording notifications on my Apple Watch?

Absolutely! The Watch app displays notifications for recording start/stop, battery warnings, storage alerts, and thermal warnings. You can also see live recording duration, frame count, and remaining storage space on your watch face.

Privacy

(2 questions)

Why do you need to know my location?

We do not need to know your location, and in fact in our Privacy Policy we state that we do not collect any location data. We clearly state that Location services is only used for the metadata saved in your videos IF you want to use this. As well, Apple WeatherKit uses Location so they are both required to log stats and location to your TimeLapses. We will never transmit your location, and you should ensure that you remove location data before you share a video from your device.

Why do you need to access to my Photo Library?

This is discussed in our Privacy Policy in which we state that we do not scan your photos or access them in any way. We only need access to export the timelapses you create to your photo library so that you can share them, edit them, and etc.

Still have questions?

If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out to our support team.