Reference Image Overlay
Transform your photos into stunning drawing timelapses
TimeLapsed App's camera features a built-in functionality to overlay a reference image or art directly onto your camera preview. This feature proves useful for creating drawing timelapses, practicing drawing, serving as a visual learning tool, or matching a scene to a reference image.
With a reference image overlay, you can easily match the scene to the reference and see your hand as you watch through the camera while you draw, for example. It's also useful for laser or light painting where you can draw objects against a background with lasers.
One of our favorite uses is to timelapse drawing on an acrylic light board. It's fun to take one of your favorite photos and turn it into a drawing by referencing the image on your screen and effectively tracing it while recording a timelapse.
Additionally, the image overlay can be used to match up camera position if you have a reference image. It's useful for matching scenes or continuing a long timelapse after removing the camera from its position.
Perfect For
- Drawing timelapses with reference images
- Light board and acrylic art creation
- Laser and light painting projects
- Camera positioning and scene matching
- Art practice and visual learning
Enabling Reference Image Overlay
Quick access to overlay settings
In the TimeLapsed App Camera, you can select the briefcase icon from the sidebar and then select the photo icon. This action will take you to the Reference Image options to enable, import, and set up the image overlay.
Once enabled, you can select from your existing images or import a new image from your iPhone's photo library, or the Files app, which allows you to pick from iCloud.
Step-by-Step Process
1
Open Camera Sidebar
Tap the sidebar to access camera tools
2
Select Briefcase Icon
Access the tools and settings menu
3
Tap Photo Icon
Opens Reference Image options
4
Import or Select Image
Choose from library or Files app (iCloud)
Pro Tip
Name your reference images clearly when importing them. This makes it much easier to find and select the right image for future projects.
Live Filtered Mode
Real-time drawing without delay
TimeLapsed App's camera offers several preview modes. The mode selector is in the sidebar, and the mode that works best for live drawing is the Live Filtered Mode.
Tap on the preview mode button until you can see your hand moving in real-time during the timelapse. This mode allows you to draw without the timelapse output delay. Timelapse output is disabled in this mode, but you will have filtered effects applied for saturation, color enhancements, and such.
No frame blending is displayed in this mode, but it is applied to the final output. The primary goal of the Live Filtered Mode is to allow you to see with limited effects in real-time, unlike the standard Filtered mode, which is typically displayed during a timelapse and displays the latest captured image filtered.
Live Filtered Mode
- Real-time hand movement visibility
- No timelapse output delay
- Color enhancements applied
- Perfect for drawing
Standard Filtered Mode
- Shows latest captured image
- Timelapse output delay present
- Frame blending visible
- Less ideal for real-time drawing
Important Note
While frame blending is not displayed in Live Filtered Mode, it is still applied to your final timelapse output. This ensures you get the best of both worlds: real-time drawing visibility and high-quality final results.
Overlay Settings
Fine-tune your reference image for optimal drawing
Overlay Transparency
Set the overlay transparency to a level that allows you to see your hand at the same time. Since each image is different, there isn't an exact number to recommend, but if you can't see your hand, then lower the transparency.
Image Positioning and Scale
You can adjust the image position, rotation, scale, and even flip the image via the controls. This allows you to match the scene to the reference image or align your image to fit the scene.
Transparency Controls
- Adjust overlay opacity
- Balance reference visibility
- Ensure hand visibility
- Custom per image
Positioning Options
- Move image position
- Rotate for alignment
- Scale to fit scene
- Flip horizontally/vertically
Optimization Tips
- Start with 50% transparency and adjust as needed
- Position the reference to match your drawing surface
- Use rotation to align with your natural drawing angle
- Scale the image to match the actual size of your artwork
Important Notes
Key facts about reference image overlays
Reference Image Overlay is Not Recorded to Video
It's important to note that the reference image overlay is not recorded to the video. It is only visible on your screen and is used as a guide/tool for you while recording a timelapse.
This means your final timelapse will only show your drawing process, not the reference image overlay.
Reference Images are Saved In-App
You only need to import a reference image once, and it is saved in your app. You can select it later or save a profile with this reference image to recall the exact settings at any time.
Be sure to give it a recognizable name when you import it for later selection.
Screen Only
Overlay appears only on your device screen
Saved Locally
Images stored in app for reuse
Profile Ready
Save complete setups as profiles
Best Practices
- Use clear, descriptive names when importing reference images
- Create profiles for frequently used setups (transparency, position, scale)
- Test transparency levels before starting your timelapse
- Remember that the overlay is a guide tool, not part of the final video
Related Guides
Frame Blending & Light Painting
Create stunning light paintings and frame blending effects with your iPhone using TimeLapsed App.
Learn More →
Camera Settings Guide
Master the camera settings for optimal drawing timelapse results.
Coming Soon
Light Board Setup
Learn how to set up and use light boards for stunning drawing timelapses.
Coming Soon
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