How to do it
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Open the frame viewer
Open the Live Photo in the Photos app and tap Edit. Then tap the Live Photo button.
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Choose the key photo
Drag the white frame to pick a different thumbnail. Release your finger, tap Make Key Photo, then tap Done.
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Save the frame as a still
Tap the three dots at the top right and choose Duplicate, then Duplicate as Still Photo, as a MacPaw guide describes. Or tap the LIVE button while editing to turn Live off so the photo becomes a still of its key photo.
What does Make Key Photo do?
The key photo is the frame shown as the Live Photo’s thumbnail. Your iPhone records what happens 1.5 seconds before and after the shot, so there are frames to choose from (Apple).
What else can I do in the editor?
Apple lists these in the Live Photo editor: set a key photo, trim the length by dragging either end of the frame viewer, mute the sound, and turn the Live Photo into a still photo (Apple).
Is there a catch on newer iPhones?
Yes. Live Photos taken on an iPhone 15 model or later with a portrait effect lose the portrait effect if you change the key photo (Apple).
Does duplicating keep the original?
Apple says you can duplicate a photo or video while preserving the original version, and the copy appears next to the original in your library (Apple). Check the result on your own iPhone before deleting the Live Photo.
Can PicWay turn a Live Photo into a still?
Yes. Convert to still photo removes the motion when you only want the still. On the Set aside page, tap the level on the compression card and choose Keep one frame. You can compare before and after, and delete the original only once the new version looks right.
Which method is better?
| Goal | Method |
|---|---|
| Keep the Live Photo and a separate still | Make Key Photo, then Duplicate as Still Photo |
| Turn this photo into a still | Tap LIVE to turn Live off |