How to Use VSCO: A Complete Beginner’s Guide in 2026

by Fahim Joharder | Last updated Mar 8, 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every VSCO feature:

Getting Started — Create your account and learn the interface
How to Use One-Tap Photo Effects — Apply preset filters in seconds
How to Use Object Remover — Erase unwanted items from photos
How to Use Photo Editor — Fine-tune exposure, color, and detail
How to Use VSCO Canvas — Build moodboards and collages
How to Use VSCO Learner — Sharpen your photography skills
How to Use Client Galleries — Share polished galleries with clients
How to Use Video Editor — Edit and enhance video clips
How to Use Film FX — Add authentic film grain and effects
How to Use Desktop Studio — Edit on Mac or Windows

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used VSCO for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This how to use VSCO tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

VSCO is one of the most powerful mobile photo editing tools available today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use every major feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

VSCO Tutorial

This complete VSCO tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

VSCO

Edit photos with 200+ film-inspired presets and powerful manual tools. VSCO gives you pro-level results on your phone, Mac, or web. Free starter plan available — try the 7-day trial for full access.

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Getting Started with VSCO

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 3 minutes.

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to vsco.co or download the VSCO app from your app store.

Tap “Sign Up” and enter your email address.

Create a username and password to finish registration.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.

Step 2: Download or Access the App

VSCO is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and web browsers.

Download from the App Store or Google Play for mobile.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main Studio tab with six navigation icons.

Step 3: Complete Initial Setup

Grant VSCO access to your camera and photo library when prompted.

Choose your interests to personalize your Discover feed.

Tap the Studio tab to start importing or capturing photos.

✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO One-Tap Photo Effects

One-Tap Photo Effects lets you apply film-inspired presets to any photo instantly.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Import Your Photo

Open the Studio tab and tap the import button at the top.

Select the photo you want to edit from your camera roll.

Step 2: Browse and Apply a Preset

Tap your imported photo, then tap the edit icon.

Scroll through the preset bar at the bottom of the screen.

Tap any preset to preview it on your image.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the preset applied with an intensity slider.

Step 3: Adjust Intensity and Save

Drag the slider left or right to control the preset strength.

Tap Save at the top of the screen when you’re happy.

✅ Result: Your photo now has a polished, film-inspired look in seconds.

💡 Pro Tip: Tap and hold the image to compare before and after. This helps you decide if the preset strength needs adjusting.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Object Remover

Object Remover lets you erase distracting elements from your photos using AI.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the Editor

Import a photo and tap the edit icon to enter the editor.

Find the Object Remover tool in the editing toolbar.

Step 2: Paint Over the Object

Use your finger to brush over the item you want removed.

Adjust the brush size for smaller or larger objects.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The painted area should highlight in a colored overlay.

Step 3: Apply and Review

Tap the apply button to let VSCO’s AI fill in the area.

Check the result and undo if you need to try again.

✅ Result: The unwanted object is gone and the background looks natural.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a smaller brush for objects near edges. This gives the AI a cleaner area to work with and produces better fills.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Photo Editor

Photo Editor lets you fine-tune exposure, color, and detail with manual controls.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enter the Editing Tools

Open any photo in your Studio and tap the edit icon.

Swipe past the presets to see the full editing toolbar.

Step 2: Adjust Your Settings

Tap Exposure to brighten or darken your image.

Use Contrast to add depth between light and dark areas.

Try the HSL tool to adjust hue, saturation, and lightness per color.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see real-time changes as you drag each slider.

Step 3: Save Your Edit

Tap Save to store the edited version in your VSCO Studio.

You can also save your edit settings as a recipe for future use.

✅ Result: Your photo has custom exposure, color, and detail adjustments.

💡 Pro Tip: Save your favorite editing settings as a recipe. Apply it to future photos for a consistent look across your portfolio.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Canvas

VSCO Canvas lets you build moodboards, collages, and visual layouts.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Create a New Canvas

Tap the create button in the Studio tab.

Select Canvas from the options that appear.

Step 2: Add Photos and Elements

Choose a template or start with a blank canvas.

Tap the plus icon to add photos, shapes, or colors.

Drag and resize elements to arrange your layout.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your canvas should show multiple layered elements.

Tap Save to store the canvas in your Studio.

You can also export it directly to your camera roll.

✅ Result: You’ve created a custom moodboard or collage ready to share.

💡 Pro Tip: Browse millions of community images inside Canvas for inspiration. Tap any image to add it directly to your board.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Learner

VSCO Learner lets you sharpen your photography skills with guided lessons.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Find the Learner Section

Open VSCO and navigate to the Learner area in the app.

Browse the available lessons and courses.

Step 2: Pick a Lesson

Choose a topic like portrait photography or color grading.

Follow the step-by-step instructions and examples provided.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see lesson progress and practice exercises.

Step 3: Practice What You Learned

Apply the techniques from each lesson to your own photos.

Compare your results with the lesson examples.

✅ Result: You’ve picked up new editing and shooting techniques.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with the fundamentals lessons first. They build a strong foundation that makes advanced techniques much easier to grasp.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Client Galleries

Client Galleries lets you share polished photo collections with clients privately.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Create a New Gallery

Open VSCO and navigate to the Client Galleries feature.

Tap the create button to start a new gallery.

Step 2: Upload and Organize Photos

Add your edited photos to the gallery from your Studio.

Arrange them in the order you want clients to view them.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your gallery should display a clean grid of uploaded images.

Tap the share button to generate a private gallery link.

Send the link to your client via email or message.

✅ Result: Your client can browse, favorite, and download photos from the gallery.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a watermark to gallery previews before sharing. Remove it only after the client makes their final selections.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Video Editor

Video Editor lets you trim, adjust, and apply presets to video clips.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Import a Video

Open the Studio tab and tap the import button.

Select a video clip from your camera roll.

Step 2: Edit and Apply Effects

Tap the video to open the editor.

Use the trim tool to cut unwanted sections from your clip.

Apply presets and adjust exposure, contrast, and saturation.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the preset and adjustments applied in the preview.

Step 3: Save or Export

Tap Save to store the edited video in your Studio.

Export to your camera roll or share directly from VSCO.

✅ Result: Your video clip now matches your photo editing style.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply the same preset to both photos and videos from the same shoot. This creates a consistent visual style across all your content.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Film FX

Film FX lets you add authentic film grain, light leaks, and analog effects.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the Film FX Tool

Enter the photo editor and scroll through the editing tools.

Tap the Film FX option in the toolbar.

Step 2: Choose Your Effect

Browse through grain, dust, and light leak options.

Tap any effect to preview it on your photo.

Adjust the intensity slider to control how strong the effect appears.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your photo should show a subtle film texture overlay.

Step 3: Combine with a Preset

Layer Film FX on top of any preset for a richer look.

Tap Save when you’re satisfied with the combination.

✅ Result: Your photo now has an authentic analog film feel.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep grain intensity below 50% for most photos. Too much grain can make images look noisy instead of cinematic.

Try VSCO for free

How to Use VSCO Desktop Studio

Desktop Studio lets you edit photos on Mac or Windows with the same VSCO tools.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Access VSCO on Desktop

Go to vsco.co and log in with your VSCO account.

Navigate to the Studio section from the main menu.

Step 2: Import and Edit Photos

Upload photos from your computer to the desktop editor.

Apply presets and use all the same editing tools as mobile.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the full editing toolbar on a larger screen.

Step 3: Sync Across Devices

Your edits sync automatically between desktop and mobile.

Start editing on your computer and finish on your phone.

✅ Result: You can edit on a bigger screen with the same VSCO tools.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the desktop version for batch editing. The larger screen makes it faster to apply consistent edits to multiple photos.

Try VSCO for free

VSCO Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing VSCO for over two years, here are my best tips.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Compare before/after	Tap and hold the image
Undo last edit	Shake your device (mobile)
Quick save to camera roll	Tap Save → Export to Camera Roll
Switch between presets	Swipe left/right on preset bar

Hidden Features Most People Miss

Recipes: Save your favorite edit settings and apply them to new photos with one tap. Find this in the edit menu after making adjustments.
VSCO Spaces: Join small creative communities to get feedback on your work. Access Spaces from the main navigation menu.
Discover Tab Search: Search by mood, color, or style to find creators whose work inspires you. Tap the magnifying glass in the Discover section.

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VSCO Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Using Presets at Full Strength

❌ Wrong: Applying a preset at 100% intensity and calling it done.

✅ Right: Lower the preset to 60-80% and then fine-tune exposure and contrast manually.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the HSL Tool

❌ Wrong: Only adjusting overall saturation to change colors.

✅ Right: Use HSL to target specific colors like greens in landscapes or skin tones in portraits.

Mistake #3: Not Saving Recipes

❌ Wrong: Re-creating the same edits from scratch every time you edit a photo.

✅ Right: Save your go-to settings as a recipe and apply them instantly to new photos.

Try VSCO for free

VSCO Troubleshooting

Problem: Photos Not Importing

Cause: VSCO doesn’t have permission to access your photo library.

Fix: Go to your device Settings, find VSCO, and enable photo library access.

Problem: Presets Not Loading

Cause: Slow internet connection or outdated app version.

Fix: Update VSCO to the latest version and ensure a stable internet connection.

Problem: Edits Not Syncing Between Devices

Cause: You’re logged into different accounts on each device.

Fix: Confirm you’re using the same VSCO account on all devices and check your connection.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact VSCO support.

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What is VSCO?

VSCO is a mobile photo and video editing app that gives you film-inspired presets and manual editing tools.

Think of it like Instagram’s artsy cousin — focused on editing, not likes.

Watch this quick overview:

How to Use VSCO on iPhone - VSCO Tutorial for Beginners

It includes these key features:

One-Tap Photo Effects: Apply 200+ film-inspired presets with adjustable intensity
Object Remover: Erase unwanted items from photos using AI
Photo Editor: Fine-tune exposure, contrast, HSL, and white balance manually
VSCO Canvas: Build moodboards and collages with templates or blank canvas
VSCO Learner: Improve your photography with guided lessons and exercises
Client Galleries: Share polished photo collections with clients privately
Video Editor: Trim, adjust, and apply presets to video clips
Film FX: Add authentic film grain, dust, and light leak effects
Desktop Studio: Edit on Mac or Windows with full cross-device sync

For a full review, see our VSCO review.

Try VSCO for free

VSCO Pricing

Here’s what VSCO costs in 2026:

Plan	Price	Best For
Starter	Free	Casual editors who want basic presets and tools
Plus Membership	$2.50/month	Hobbyists who want 200+ presets and advanced editing
Pro	$5.00/month	Professional photographers who need full access and client tools

Free trial: Yes — VSCO offers a free 7-day trial for new members.

Money-back guarantee: You can cancel anytime through your app store.

💰 Best Value: Plus Membership — you get 200+ presets and advanced tools for less than a coffee per month.

Try VSCO for free

VSCO vs Alternatives

How does VSCO compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Tool	Best For	Price	Rating
VSCO	Film-inspired photo editing	$2.50/mo	⭐ 4.3
Picsart	All-in-one creative editing	$5/mo	⭐ 4.6
Canva	Graphic design and templates	$6.50/mo	⭐ 3.5
Design Pickle	Unlimited graphic design service	$499/mo	⭐ 4.0
Blaze	AI content creation	$26/mo	⭐ 3.9
Fotor	Quick online photo editing	$3.33/mo	⭐ 4.5
Remini	AI photo enhancement	$0.99/mo	⭐ 4.4
Photoleap	Creative mobile editing	$3.33/mo	⭐ 4.5

Quick picks:

Best overall: VSCO — unmatched film-inspired presets and clean editing tools
Best budget: Remini — powerful AI photo enhancement for under a dollar per month
Best for beginners: Fotor — simple interface with solid editing tools
Best for graphic design: Canva — thousands of templates for social media and marketing

🎯 VSCO Alternatives

Looking for VSCO alternatives? Here are the top options:

🚀 Picsart: Full creative suite with AI tools, stickers, and collage features for mobile and desktop editing.
🎨 Canva: Best for graphic design with thousands of templates. Less focused on photo editing than VSCO.
💼 Design Pickle: Unlimited graphic design service with a dedicated designer. Best for businesses needing ongoing design work.
⚡ Blaze: AI-powered content creation for social media posts. Good for marketers who need quick visuals.
💰 Fotor: Affordable online photo editor with batch editing and one-click enhancements. Great for quick fixes.
🧠 Remini: AI-focused photo enhancer that sharpens blurry images and restores old photos automatically.
🌟 Photoleap: Creative mobile editor with layering, blending, and AI art generation features.
🔧 Pixelcut: AI-powered product photo editor built for e-commerce sellers. Great background removal tools.
📊 Photoroom: Instant background removal and product photography editing. Best for online store owners.
👶 YouCam Perfect: Selfie-focused editor with beauty tools, body tuning, and AR effects for portraits.
🏢 Photoshop: Industry-standard professional photo editor with the most advanced tools available anywhere.
⭐ Pixlr: Free browser-based photo editor with layers and advanced tools. No download required.
🔥 Photopea: Free Photoshop alternative that runs entirely in your browser. Supports PSD files natively.

⚔️ VSCO Compared

Here’s how VSCO stacks up against each competitor:

VSCO vs Picsart: VSCO wins for film-inspired presets. Picsart wins for all-in-one creative tools and sticker libraries.
VSCO vs Canva: VSCO is better for photo editing. Canva is better for graphic design, presentations, and social media templates.
VSCO vs Design Pickle: VSCO is a self-service editor. Design Pickle is a managed design service with human designers.
VSCO vs Blaze: VSCO focuses on photo and video editing. Blaze focuses on AI-generated marketing content.
VSCO vs Fotor: Both are affordable editors. VSCO has better presets. Fotor has more batch editing features.
VSCO vs Remini: VSCO is a full editor with presets and manual tools. Remini focuses only on AI photo enhancement.
VSCO vs Photoleap: Both are strong mobile editors. VSCO has better presets. Photoleap has better layering and blending.
VSCO vs Pixelcut: VSCO is for personal photography. Pixelcut is built for product and e-commerce photo editing.
VSCO vs Photoroom: VSCO offers creative presets and manual tools. Photoroom focuses on background removal for products.
VSCO vs YouCam Perfect: VSCO is for artistic photo editing. YouCam Perfect is for selfie retouching and beauty effects.
VSCO vs Photoshop: Photoshop is more powerful for pros. VSCO is simpler, more affordable, and better for mobile editing.
VSCO vs Pixlr: VSCO has better presets. Pixlr offers free browser-based editing with layers and advanced features.
VSCO vs Photopea: VSCO excels on mobile. Photopea is a free browser tool with Photoshop-level features and PSD support.

Try VSCO for free

Start Using VSCO Now

You learned how to use every major VSCO feature:

✅ One-Tap Photo Effects
✅ Object Remover
✅ Photo Editor
✅ VSCO Canvas
✅ VSCO Learner
✅ Client Galleries
✅ Video Editor
✅ Film FX
✅ Desktop Studio

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with One-Tap Photo Effects.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

Try VSCO for free

Frequently Asked Questions

What does VSCO stand for?

VSCO stands for Visual Supply Company. The app was originally created to sell Lightroom presets and film emulation tools. It has since grown into a full photo and video editing platform with its own creative community.

What is VSCO used for?

VSCO is used for editing photos and videos with film-inspired presets and manual tools. It also includes a community for sharing work, moodboard creation, and learning resources for photographers. Many creators use it as their primary mobile editing app.

Can people see who viewed their VSCO?

No, VSCO does not show who viewed your profile or photos. The platform is designed to remove social pressure. There are no public like counts, follower metrics, or view tracking features.

Is VSCO free or paid?

VSCO offers a free Starter plan with basic presets and tools. The Plus plan costs $2.50 per month and includes 200+ presets. The Pro plan costs $5.00 per month and unlocks everything including client galleries and advanced features.

Is VSCO available on desktop?

Yes, VSCO offers a desktop editing experience through VSCO Studio. You can access it on Mac and Windows via the web at vsco.co. Your edits sync across all devices automatically so you can switch between phone and computer.