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# activeDepthDataFormat

The currently active depth data format of the capture device.

```
var activeDepthDataFormat: AVCaptureDevice.Format? { get set }
```

## Discussion

You must obtain exclusive access to the device by calling [`lockForConfiguration()`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCaptureDevice/lockForConfiguration()) before setting this property value.

You can set this property only to formats present in the active format’s [`supportedDepthDataFormats`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCaptureDevice/Format/supportedDepthDataFormats) array. Attempting to set an unsupported format throws an exception.

You can’t set the frame rate of depth data directly. Instead, the system synchronizes the depth data frame rate to the device’s [`activeVideoMinFrameDuration`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCaptureDevice/activeVideoMinFrameDuration) and [`activeVideoMaxFrameDuration`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCaptureDevice/activeVideoMaxFrameDuration) values. It may match the device’s current frame rate, or lower, if the system can’t produce depth data fast enough for the active video frame rate. To receive depth data less often than video, set an upper limit on its frame rate with [`activeDepthDataMinFrameDuration`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCaptureDevice/activeDepthDataMinFrameDuration).

Delivery of depth data to a [`AVCaptureDepthDataOutput`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCaptureDepthDataOutput) may increase the system load, resulting in a reduced video frame rate for thermal sustainability.

On devices where depth data isn’t supported, this property value is `nil`.

This property is key-value observable.

---

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