# init(format:) Creates a photo settings object with the specified output format. ``` convenience init(format: [String : Any]?) ``` ## Parameters `format` A dictionary of Core Video pixel buffer attributes or AVFoundation video settings constants (see Video Settings). To capture a photo in an uncompressed format, such as 420f, 420v, or BGRA, set the key in the `format` dictionary. The corresponding value must be one of the pixel format identifiers listed in the [`availablePhotoPixelFormatTypes`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoOutput/availablePhotoPixelFormatTypes-6eyb) array of your photo capture output. To capture a photo in a compressed format, such as JPEG, set the key [`AVVideoCodecKey`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVVideoCodecKey) in the `format` dictionary. The corresponding value must be one of the codec identifiers listed in the [`availablePhotoCodecTypes`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoOutput/availablePhotoCodecTypes) array of your photo capture output. For a compressed format, you can also specify a compression level with the key [`AVVideoQualityKey`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVVideoQualityKey) . ## Return Value A new photo settings object. ## Discussion Requesting capture in a processed format adds requirements for other photo settings: for details, see the [`format`](/documentation/AVFoundation/AVCapturePhotoSettings/format) property. 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 don’t 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)