Photo Mode, one of the most anticipated additions to Baldur’s Gate 3 since the game’s official launch, finally arrived with Patch 8, giving players far more freedom when taking screenshots. Now, thanks to this new tool, you can tilt and pan the camera while you explore the map and also enjoy full control over character placement and post‑processing.
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With that freedom, players can craft fresh scenes that capture unique moments across the three acts that Baldur’s Gate 3 offers. The mode supports everything from lighthearted snapshots that embrace the Dungeons & Dragons silliness to intense, dramatic compositions, and its built‑in interface keeps the process smooth for newcomers and experts alike. So, for those looking to test their photography skills in Patch 8, here’s how to easily use the new Photo Mode in Baldur’s Gate 3.
How To Use Photo Mode In Baldur’s Gate 3
Fortunately, accessing the photo mode in Baldur’s Gate 3 is not a complex task. At any moment during exploration or combat, PC players can simply press the F9 key or select the camera icon added below the mini-map to open the interface and explore all available customization options.
For those playing with a controller, the process is just as simple. Pressing both analog sticks simultaneously (R3+L3) will open Baldur’s Gate 3’s photo mode features. From there, players can freely adjust the camera position, apply visual filters, change the depth of field, and play with lighting to capture epic, emotional, or even comedic moments from their journey.
Controls For Photo Mode In Baldur’s Gate 3
The direct commands below let you frame shots without touching the side panels:
- W A S D – Move the camera
- Q E – Rotate the camera
- Z X – Raise or lower the camera without tilting it
- P – Show or hide the Photo Mode HUD
- Space – Capture the image
For those playing with a controller, it's necessary to press Y/Triangle to control the camera. Then, simply press the same button again to access the HUD and manage the other customization options.
- Left Stick – Move the camera
- Right Stick – Rotate the camera
- R1 L1 / RB LB – Tilt the camera
- L2 / LT / R2 / RT (When controlling camera) – Raise or lower the camera without tilting it
- L2 / LT – Show or hide the Photo Mode HUD
- R2 / RT – Capture the image
However, the real freedom of Baldur’s Gate 3’s Photo Mode lies in the other options that the game provides, allowing players to go further in customization, not only making camera movements but also influencing the position or expression of the characters. For example, while the first two HUD menus enable the player to better configure where the camera will be or where it should focus, the other options go a bit further.
How To Customize Characters In Photo Mode For Baldur’s Gate 3
What makes Baldur’s Gate 3’s Photo Mode so impressive is the level of control players have when creating a shot. One of the key features is the ability to manipulate both the position and current actions of characters. To do this, players must access the third tab of the HUD, titled Character Settings, where they can make these adjustments freely.
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Only one character can be edited at a time, and players can only customize party members, so, not enemies or NPCs. However, for those aiming for a cleaner shot, this tab also allows users to decide who appears in the screenshot. It’s possible to remove NPCs, enemies, or even allies from the composition.
- Expression: This setting lets players change the facial expression of each character in the shot. There’s a wide selection of emotions available, and many of them include slight variations, offering plenty of variety for each photo.
- Pose: Larian has created over 40 base poses for characters in Photo Mode, most of which include variations. This opens up even more creative possibilities for composing scenes, and players can get pretty creative when deciding where and how to position the characters, creating unique scenarios.
In addition to setting expressions and poses, players can fine-tune character placement by adjusting X, Y, Z coordinates and Rotation, placing each party member exactly where desired. Finally, the remaining options under Character Settings let players apply finishing touches, such as changing a character’s outfit to camp clothing or removing their helmet.
What Are The Post-Processing Effects In Baldur’s Gate 3?
Those looking to fine-tune their screenshots in Baldur’s Gate 3 can now rely on in-game tools rather than external software. With the release of Patch 8, the Photo Mode includes post-processing options like contrast, saturation, and other effects that enhance the final image directly within the game.
|
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Colour Grading |
Alters the overall color tone using preset filters. |
|
Contrast |
Modifies the difference between light and dark areas. |
|
Saturation |
Controls how vivid the colors appear. |
|
Highlights |
Adjusts the brightness of the image’s lightest areas. |
|
Brightness |
Changes the overall light level of the image. |
|
Vignette |
Adds a light or dark fade around the edges of the frame. |
|
Vignette Opacity |
Adjusts the visibility of the vignette effect. |
|
Vignette Thickness |
Determines the width of the vignette’s fade area. |
Unfortunately, Baldur's Gate 3's Photo Mode isn't fully available during cutscenes or dialogues. It's a bit more limited, but players can still adjust stickers, frames, and post-processing effects. However, other options are not enabled during these moments.
How To Add Frames And Stickers In Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3’s Photo Mode, players can take their creativity further using the Frames and Stickers options found in the fifth and sixth menus, respectively. The frame tab includes cinematic bars and artistic styles that help compose more polished visuals. Each frame's opacity and the size of the black bars can be adjusted to create a dramatic or minimalist look.
Stickers allow for up to 30 unique visual elements to be added to a single shot. Each one can be repositioned, resized, and individually adjusted for opacity. From humorous icons to dramatic effects, these tools add creative flexibility to highlight special moments. Whether crafting a meme or capturing a romantic scene, frames and stickers help make each screenshot more expressive and memorable.
Where Are Baldur’s Gate 3 Photos Saved?
For players using the Steam version, screenshots taken via Baldur’s Gate 3’s Photo Mode are saved in a dedicated folder created by Larian Studios. To access them, navigate to the following path:
C:(Username)\Documents\Larian Studios\Baldur’s Gate 3\Screenshots
However, if players use Steam’s native screenshot feature or another external capture tool, the images will be stored in that tool’s designated folder. Console users will also find their photos saved through system-specific apps. On PlayStation 5, the screenshots are stored in the Media Gallery, while Xbox Series X|S players can access their captures through the Capture & Share menu.
Baldur's Gate 3
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
