Set up your laptop teleprompter with a phone camera

What you need

Use a laptop with the teleprompter open, a recording phone and a stable phone support. Recording runs in your phone's camera app, separately from this browser. Keep the laptop screen and your phone lens visible from your speaking position.

Position the phone and reading column

Secure the phone in front of the screen so it does not move during a take or obstruct the text you need to read. Use the actual camera lens position as your reference.

Adjust the side margins to narrow the reading column near the lens. Choose line length and text size together: a column that is too narrow can break the script into awkward fragments, while a wide column requires more sideways reading.

Enable Phone mode

Enable Phone mode in the output preferences, then adjust the lower reading-height divider to leave enough space below the text for your phone. This is empty reserved space, not a live camera feed.

The divider can be dragged or adjusted with arrow keys. At full reading height the clearance reaches zero. Saved layout preferences apply again when you return; you can export configuration to reuse them.

Choose a readable pace

Set font size and line spacing from your actual speaking distance. Place the reading guide where your eyes can follow the text near the lens, and use focus mode if it helps you keep the current paragraph in view.

Begin with a short passage and change speed until it suits your delivery. No particular font size, margin or multiplier is ideal for every setup.

Rehearse and review a short take

Make a short recording before a long session. Check that the phone does not cover the script, that text is comfortable to read, and that your pace leaves room for pauses. Use a bookmark to return to the passage after reviewing.

1. Prepare a short paragraph and adjust the reading column.
2. Start recording on your phone, then start the teleprompter.
3. Pause and review the take before adjusting layout or speed.

Limits of screen-based eye contact

Keeping words close to the lens can make the setup easier to use, but a screen beside a lens is not the same as text reflected directly in front of it. Review your actual recording rather than expecting guaranteed eye contact.

If you use reflective teleprompter glass, check whether mirrored text is required. This app flips text horizontally; it does not correct your eyes or certify compatibility with a physical rig.