We all know that texting can be a bit impersonal, and sometimes it’s hard to emphasize what you mean when you’ve only got a short written message to work with. Thankfully iOS allows you to add some oomph to your outgoing iMessages. We’ll walk you through the kind of iMessage effects offered on iOS 13 and how best to use them. Here’s how to send effect-laden iMessages on the iPhone.
Sending messages with full-screen effects
The iMessage effect option splits into two categories — full-screen effects and bubble effects. To bring up these options, you’ll want to press and hold the Send button on your next iMessage. You’ll then be presented with the Send with effect screen, under which you’ll see Bubble and Screen. If you’re really wanting to make a splash then you should go with a full-screen effect.
Your options for full-screen effects are Echo, Spotlight, Balloons, Confetti, Love, Lasers, Fireworks, Shooting Star, or Celebration. Scroll left and right to browse through these options, and when you’ve settled on your desired effect, press the send button again to send your iMessage with the full-screen effect of your choice.
These effects are incredibly fun and provide a range of cool effects. Trying to share some exciting news? Share it with the Fireworks effect and watch a New Year’s-worthy fireworks show shoot across the screen. Really trying to drive a point home? Share it with Echo and your message will replicate itself about 100 times across the screen. Trying to share a cheesy loving message? Share it with Love and a giant heart-shaped balloon will sprout from your message and then float away!
All of these options will take up the entire screen of the receiving contact when they open up your text, making them the perfect way to emphasize what you’ve said.
Sending messages with bubble effects
If you’re trying to punctuate your text while being a little more low-key, you can send a message with the bubble effect. You can do this by simply selecting Bubble when choosing between effect options. You’ll be presented with four options: Slam, Loud, Gentle, and Invisible Ink.
If you’re trying to say something gently, then Gentle will send your message in a cute tiny font. Or if you’re trying to scream something from the rooftops, then Slam will help you make a statement by enlarging your message and slamming it down on the screen.
Sending a handwriting note
While it’s not technically an effect, we think this is a neat and often overlooked feature within iMessage. If you turn your iPhone to landscape orientation, you’ll see a handwriting symbol appear on the lower right of the keyboard. This allows you to send a handwritten message, or select from a number of premade ones.
iMessage on your latest iPhone is capable of all sorts of great text gizmos that help you communicate what you’re feeling or thinking to your friends and family. So next time you’ve got something to say through text, say it loud!