Sharing a photo style
Send a photo style to a friend as an image with a QR code, and import one you receive in a single tap.
On this page
You can share any custom photo widget style with a friend as a single image. The image includes your photo and a small QR code containing your style settings. When they open it, Steps Widget automatically recreates your exact look.
How to share a style
- In Steps Widget, swipe to the widget using your custom photo style.
- Tap Share Style at the top.
- Tap Share to send the image via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or save it to Photos.
Note: Share Style only appears on widgets using a photo style you created. Built-in styles cannot be shared.
If you see "That style can't be shared yet", the photo is still syncing from iCloud. Give it a moment on Wi-Fi, or share from the device where you created it.
How to open a shared style
When someone sends you a style image:
- From AirDrop, Messages, or Mail: Tap the image and choose Steps from the share sheet or Open in.
- From Photos: Save the image to Photos, open Steps Widget, tap Style from Photo, and select the saved card.
- From Files: Tap Style from Photo › Files in the app and select the file.
The editor automatically reads the QR code, crops the photo, and applies the settings. You can tweak any setting before tapping the checkmark to save it to your library.
If the recipient does not have the app
Scanning the QR code with the iPhone Camera opens a page with the App Store download link and these steps. Once installed, opening the shared image in the app loads the style.
What is included
- Photo & framing: The exact image, crop, zoom, tone, and blur.
- Colours: The foreground text colour, or the chosen colour palette.
- Privacy: Only your photo and styling parameters are included. No step count, Health data, or account details are shared.
Subscription
Importing, editing, and saving a shared style is free. Applying custom photo styles to an active widget requires the Customization subscription.
What to read next
- Styles from a photo — how to make a style from your own pictures.
- Styling widgets — palettes, display options, and subscription details.
- Privacy and sync — how your styles sync between devices.
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