Nimslo Support

Nimslo needs an iPhone running iOS 17 or later.

Nimslo is a 3D camera app for iPhone: press the shutter once to create four views of the scene and loop them into a wigglegram. If something isn’t working, the answers below cover the usual causes. If they don’t help, get in touch and I’ll do my best to sort it out.

Getting help

Write to me through the contact page. It helps a lot if you include your iPhone model, your iOS version, the Nimslo version (shown at the bottom of the Info screen) and what you were doing when the problem appeared.

About your results

Nimslo creates its four views with machine learning. Three models run on your iPhone for every 3D shot: one estimates how far away everything in the frame is, one separates your subject from the background, and one paints in the part of the scene that was hidden behind them. Together they decide how each pixel moves between the four views.

These models make estimates, not measurements, so they don’t always get it right. A shot can come out flat, the subject’s edge can tear or shimmer as it wiggles, or the filled-in background can look smeared. The things that trip them up most are:

  • fine detail such as hair, fur, fences and leaves
  • glass, mirrors, water and other reflective or see-through surfaces
  • subjects that are very close to the camera, or scenes with nothing behind the subject
  • low light, motion blur and busy patterns

Results also differ between iPhone models. A LiDAR scanner or a second camera gives Nimslo better depth to start from, and without them it relies on the models alone. The same photo can also develop a little differently from one version of the app to the next.

If a shot doesn’t look right, it’s usually worth another go in the lightbox: move the crosshair onto your subject, add a pin, turn the depth dial down, or touch up the cut-out with your finger. Because Nimslo keeps the original of every shot, you can re-develop it at any time, including after an update.

I’m continuing to improve the models and the algorithms around them, and each update aims to make the 3D cleaner and more reliable. If a shot develops badly, I’d like to hear about it. Send it through the contact page along with your iPhone model, and it will help decide what to fix next.

Common questions

The viewfinder is black, or Nimslo says it needs camera access.
Open Settings, find Nimslo, and turn on Camera. Then return to the app.
Saving to Photos doesn’t work.
Nimslo needs permission to add to your library. Open Settings, find Nimslo, tap Photos and choose Add Photos Only. Then save again.
My 3D shot looks flat, or the wiggle looks torn.
3D mode works best with your subject about 6 ft (2 m) away and something further behind them. Much closer and the views pull apart; much further and the scene flattens. Glass, mirrors and fine hair are the hardest subjects. In the lightbox, drag the crosshair onto your subject and turn the depth dial down if the effect is too strong.
What’s the difference between 3D and GIF mode?
3D makes four lens views with real depth from a single exposure. GIF takes four real frames in a row with no 3D; hold steady until all four have fired.
Can I use a photo I already have?
Yes. In Photos (or any app that can share images), tap Share and choose Nimslo. Then open Nimslo and the photo will be developing in the lightbox.
Which formats can I export?
GIF, MP4 video and Live Photo. You can save to your library or share straight to another app.
Where are my shots kept?
On your iPhone, inside Nimslo, until you delete them. Nothing is uploaded. Deleting the app deletes the roll, so save the loops you want to keep to Photos first.
Developing takes a while.
Nimslo measures depth and fills in the background on your iPhone rather than on a server, which takes a few seconds per shot and longer on older models. You can keep shooting while shots develop.

Privacy

Nimslo collects no data. Read the privacy policy.