# format A dictionary describing the processed format (for example, JPEG) to deliver captured photos in. ``` var format: [String : Any]? { get } ``` ## Discussion This property is read-only—you specify a processed format when creating a settings object with the [`photoSettings`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoSettings/photoSettings), [`init(format:)`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoSettings/init(format:)), or [`init(rawPixelFormatType:processedFormat:)`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoSettings/init(rawPixelFormatType:processedFormat:)) initializer. When capturing images in processed formats, the following requirements apply: - This dictionary must contain a value for either the (to request an uncompressed format) or [`AVVideoCodecKey`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVVideoCodecKey) (to request a compressed format such as JPEG) key, but not both. - If this dictionary has the key, the value for that key must be listed in the photo output’s [`availablePhotoPixelFormatTypes`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoOutput/availablePhotoPixelFormatTypes-6eyb) array. If this dictionary has the [`AVVideoCodecKey`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVVideoCodecKey) key, the value for that key must be listed in the photo output’s [`availablePhotoCodecTypes`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoOutput/availablePhotoCodecTypes) array. - Your delegate method must implement the [`photoOutput(_:didFinishProcessingPhoto:previewPhoto:resolvedSettings:bracketSettings:error:)`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoCaptureDelegate/photoOutput(_:didFinishProcessingPhoto:previewPhoto:resolvedSettings:bracketSettings:error:)) method. The capture output validates these requirements when you call the [`capturePhoto(with:delegate:)`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoOutput/capturePhoto(with:delegate:)) method. If your settings and delegate do not meet these requirements, that method raises an exception. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)