Golden ratio & rule of thirds camera for iPhone Compose with intention

9:41
Spiral staircase framed with a golden ratio guide in the PhiFrame camera
1× 0.0 4:3

PhiFrame is a composition camera for iPhone. The rule of thirds, golden ratio, Fibonacci spiral and more, drawn live on your viewfinder so every shot is framed with intention.

Download on the App Store

One-time purchase · No subscription · No account

Composition guides

Every classic composition rule, drawn live on your viewfinder.

Switch between timeless overlays in an instant. Guides align pixel-for-pixel with the captured photo, so the lines you see are exactly where they land.

Example photo with the selected composition guide drawn over it
  • Split the frame into a 3×3 grid and place your subject or horizon on the lines or where they cross. The quickest way to move a subject off-centre and give a photo room to breathe.

  • Like the rule of thirds, but the lines sit at the golden ratio (1 : 1.618), closer to the centre. The result is a subtler, more natural balance that painters and architects have used for centuries.

  • The golden spiral leads the eye in a sweeping curve to a single point of focus. Line up a winding road, a staircase or a portrait’s eye with the tight end of the spiral.

  • A diagonal with two perpendicular lines splits the frame into triangles. Ideal for scenes with strong diagonals, such as rooftops, shorelines and leading lines, giving a dynamic sense of motion.

  • Baroque and sinister diagonals at 45° from each corner. Align lines, limbs and edges with them to add energy and depth to architecture, sport and street photography.

  • Drag the vanishing point anywhere on the viewfinder and let converging lines point straight to it. Perfect for roads, corridors, bridges and one-point perspective shots.

Built for photographers

A camera built around composition.

Whether you are learning composition or a professional who wants a clean, precise viewfinder, PhiFrame stays out of the way until you need it.

  • Horizon level with haptic lock

    A precision level that taps back the moment your horizon is perfectly straight.

  • Tap to focus, pinch to zoom

    The camera controls you expect, with the guides staying out of your way.

  • 4:3, 16:9 and 1:1

    Shoot in the aspect ratio that suits the scene, with every guide on hand.

  • ProRAW (DNG) capture

    Full-quality photos, including Apple ProRAW on supported iPhones.

  • Overlay or burn-in

    Keep photos clean, or burn the guide into the image as a reference.

  • Pixel-for-pixel accurate

    What you see is what you shoot. Guides align exactly to the captured photo.

  • Your colours, your weight

    Pick a guide colour, opacity and line thickness that suits the scene.

  • Composition Coach

    Experimental live framing help that runs entirely on your iPhone.

Frequently asked questions

What is PhiFrame?

PhiFrame is a composition camera app for iPhone. It draws classic composition guides (rule of thirds, golden ratio phi grid, Fibonacci spiral, golden triangles, diagonals and a draggable vanishing point) live on your viewfinder, so you can frame every shot with intention.

How much does PhiFrame cost?

PhiFrame is a one-time purchase on the App Store. There is no subscription and no account to create.

What is the difference between the rule of thirds and the golden ratio?

Both divide the frame with two vertical and two horizontal lines. The rule of thirds places them at exactly one third and two thirds. The golden ratio (phi grid) places them at roughly 38% and 62% (a ratio of 1 : 1.618), closer to the centre, which gives a calmer, more classical balance.

How do I use the golden spiral in photography?

Choose the spiral guide and place your main point of interest, such as an eye, a doorway or the end of a staircase, at the tight end of the spiral. Then let lines and curves in the scene follow the sweep of the spiral.

Are the guides saved onto my photos?

It is your choice. Guides can stay as a visual overlay only, so your photos are clean, or be burned into the photo when you want to keep the composition reference.

Does PhiFrame shoot RAW?

Yes. PhiFrame captures full-quality photos, including Apple ProRAW (DNG) on iPhones that support it.

Can I use PhiFrame as a reference for painting or drawing?

Yes. Burn the composition guide into your photo and you have a reference image with the rule of thirds, golden ratio or spiral already laid out for sketching, painting or design work.

What is the Composition Coach?

The Composition Coach is an experimental feature that gives live help framing your subject on the active guide, and suggests when another guide suits the scene better. It runs entirely on your iPhone.

Which iPhones does PhiFrame support?

PhiFrame requires iOS 26.5 or later.

Learn composition

Guides from the blog.

All articles
PhiFrame app icon

Frame your next shot with intention.

Download on the App Store

One-time purchase · Requires iOS 26.5 or later