How to Use Edge Light on Mac to Get Better Lighting in Video Calls

Poor lighting can ruin even the best video call. To fix this common problem, Apple introduced a new feature called Edge Light in macOS Tahoe 26.2. This tool helps brighten your face during video calls without using any extra lights or accessories.

Edge Light is especially useful when you are sitting in a dim room. Your Mac screen softly lights up and acts like a gentle lamp. The result is a clearer, more balanced look on camera.

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What Is Edge Light and How It Works

Edge Light is a built-in video effect designed to improve how your face looks during video calls. Instead of using harsh lighting, your Mac creates a soft glow around the edges of the screen. This glow falls naturally on your face, similar to a ring light, but much more subtle.

Apple uses smart system technology to make this work smoothly. Your Mac detects where your face is on the screen and adjusts the lighting automatically. The brightness changes based on the room’s light level, and everything happens gradually so it doesn’t look distracting.

To keep your workflow uninterrupted, the light avoids areas where menus and controls appear. The effect only runs while your camera is on and turns off by itself once the call ends.

Which Macs Support Edge Light

Edge Light is not available on all devices. It works on Apple Silicon Macs, including models with M1 chips and newer. If you use Apple’s Studio Display with a supported Mac, the lighting effect remains consistent even on an external screen.

Both built-in cameras and external webcams are supported. While higher-quality cameras show better results, even basic webcams benefit from the added lighting.

Most Macs require you to turn Edge Light on manually during a call. However, Macs released in 2024 can enable it automatically when the system detects low light. To use the feature, your Mac must be updated to macOS Tahoe 26.2.

How to Turn On Edge Light During a Video Call

Follow these simple steps to enable Edge Light:

1. Update your Mac to macOS Tahoe 26.2.
2. Open a video calling app such as FaceTime, Zoom, or Webex.
3. Start or join a video call.
4. Look at the menu bar and click the green video or FaceTime icon.
5. Open the video effects panel.
6. Select Edge Light from the list.

Once enabled, the edges of your screen will glow softly and your face will appear brighter. The feature works only during active calls and stops automatically afterward.

Adjusting Brightness and Color

Edge Light also lets you fine-tune how the lighting looks. Next to the Edge Light option, you’ll find controls for brightness and warmth.

Increase brightness if the room is dark. Lower it if there is already enough light. Use the warmth slider to adjust color tone so your face looks natural. Avoid extreme settings to keep the lighting realistic.

All changes apply instantly, so you can adjust them anytime during a call.

Using Automatic Edge Light on Newer Macs

If you have a Mac released in 2024, you can enable automatic Edge Light. This allows your Mac to turn the feature on by itself when lighting conditions are poor.

To enable it:

• Open the video effects menu during a call.
• Expand the Edge Light settings.
• Turn on the automatic activation option.

Once enabled, your Mac remembers this setting and applies it automatically in future calls.

Apps That Support Edge Light

Edge Light works with many popular video calling apps. FaceTime supports it fully, and it also works well with Zoom and Webex. Since the feature is controlled by macOS, apps do not need separate settings. This ensures consistent lighting across supported platforms.

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Final Thoughts

Edge Light is a simple but powerful addition to macOS. It improves video call lighting without extra equipment and works quietly in the background. Whether you’re attending meetings, online classes, or personal calls, it helps you look clear and well-lit.

With automatic activation on newer Macs and manual controls for customization, Edge Light is a practical feature for everyday and professional use.