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Send and receive photos, videos, and audio messages on iPad

In the Messages app , you can send messages with photos, videos, and audio using the iMessage or SMS/MMS service (Wi-Fi Cellular models). You can also share, save, or print attachments. Your carrier may set size limits for attachments; iPad may compress photo and video attachments when necessary.

Send a photo or video

In Messages, do any of the following while writing a message:
- Take a photo within Messages: Tap , frame the shot in the viewfinder, then tap .
- Take a video within Messages: Tap , choose Video mode, then tap .
- Choose an existing photo or video: Tap to see recent shots, then swipe up to search or browse through all photos and albums. If multiple photos or videos are selected, a number indicates in which order they’ll be sent.
Tap to send your message or to cancel.

If you receive multiple photos at the same time, they’re automatically grouped into a collage (two to three photos) or a photo stack (four or more photos). You can swipe through a photo stack to view, reply, or interact with each photo individually.

To save a photo, tap the next to the photo or collection of photos.

Note: The Messages app can detect nudity in photos on your child’s device before the photos are sent or received, and provide resources to help your child handle the situation (iPadOS 15.2 or later; not available in all countries or regions). Apple doesn’t get access to the photos as a result of this feature. For more information, see Turn communication safety for messages on or off on a family member’s device.

Mark up or edit a photo

You can mark up or edit a photo before you send it in a Messages conversation.

Tap in the app drawer, then choose a photo.
Tap the photo in the message bubble, then do any of the following:
- Tap Markup, use the markup tools to draw on the photo, then tap Save.
- Tap Edit, use the photo editing tools to edit the photo, then tap Done.
Tap Done, add a message, then tap to send the photo, or tap to remove the photo from the message bubble.

Add camera effects to a photo or video

On supported models, when you take a photo or video in a conversation, you can add camera effects to it—such as filters, stickers, labels, and shapes.

Tap , then choose Photo or Video mode.
Tap , then do any of the following:
- Tap , then choose a filter to apply to your picture.
- Tap to add a text label, or to add a shape.
- Tap to add a Memoji, or to add an Emoji sticker.
Tap to close the effect window.
Tap to take a photo or to record video.
Tap Done to add the photo or video to the message bubble, where you can add a message, or tap to send the photo or video directly.

Send an audio message

In a conversation, touch and hold to record an audio message.
Tap to listen to your message before you send it.
Tap to send the message or to cancel.

Note: To save space, iPad automatically deletes audio messages two minutes after you listen to them, unless you tap Keep. To always keep audio messages, go to Settings > Messages > Expire (below Audio Messages), then tap Never.

Share, save, print, copy, or delete a message or attachment

In a conversation, do any of the following with attachments:

Share, save, or print an attachment: Tap the attachment, then tap .
Copy an attachment: Touch and hold the attachment, then tap Copy.
Share items from another app: In the other app, tap Share or , then tap Messages.
Forward a message or attachment: Touch and hold a message or attachment, tap More, select additional items if desired, then tap .
Delete a message or attachment: Touch and hold a message or attachment, tap More, select additional items if desired, then tap .

Note: Attachments you send over iMessage (such as photos or videos) may be uploaded to Apple and encrypted so that no one but the sender and receiver can access them. To improve performance, your device may automatically upload attachments to Apple while you are composing an iMessage. If your message isn’t sent, the attachments are deleted from the server after several days.

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iPad User Guide