User Guide

General

When starting the app for the first time after installation, you will need to be connected to Internet in order to register the app with DJI servers. Registration with DJI servers can be done without being connected to a DJI drone. The registration is done in the background, if the registration failed you will be notified with an error popup. Be aware that some Internet connections may have troubles connecting to DJI servers, in such a case make sure to try a different Internet connection (home wifi, mobile data connection, a friend's connection, public wifi, etc).

Connecting Litchi to your drone

First, ensure you are using the latest DJI firmwares on both your drone and remote controller if you are using one. You can update the firmware using DJI Fly/Go, or for older drone models download them from dji.com. Then, depending on your mobile platform, follow the steps below.

Android

To connect using a cable (Mini, Air, Mavic, Phantom 3 Adv/Pro, Phantom 4 and Inspire series), follow these steps:

1. Make sure no DJI-based apps (including DJI Fly, DJI Go and other third party apps) are running in the background. If there are any, close them
2. If you have another app (such as DJI Fly or DJI Go) set as the default app to launch when you connect the remote controller, you will need to clear the defaults for that app: go to mobile device Settings - Apps - DJI Go (or other app name) - Clear Defaults. Some devices automatically set the app you start as default, so this step may have to be done every time you want to switch app (for example from DJI Fly to Litchi and vice versa)
3. Start your drone and remote controller, and let them initialize for a few seconds
4. Connect the remote controller to the mobile device. For Mavic drones, you can use either the bottom or side USB ports, however make sure to use only one port at once (if 2 cables are plugged in the remote controller, Litchi won't be able to connect)
5. You will see a popup asking which app to start, select Litchi in the popup to initiate connection

Info Watch a video tutorial for USB connection.

To connect using Wi-Fi (Phantom 3 Standard/4K, Spark), follow these steps:

1. Make sure no DJI-based apps (including DJI Go and other third party apps) are running in the background. If there are any, close them
2. Force stop all DJI-based apps (including DJI Go and other third party apps). Please note step 1 is not enough. To force stop an app, go to your mobile device Settings - Apps - DJI Go (or other app name) - Force stop
3. Start your drone and remote controller if you are using one, and let them initialize for a few seconds
4. Connect to the Wi-Fi network of the drone
5. Start Litchi

iOS

1. Make sure no DJI-based apps (including DJI Fly, DJI Go and other third party apps) are running in the background. If there are any, close them
2. Start your drone and remote controller if you are using one, and let them initialize for a few seconds
3. Connect the remote controller to the mobile device using a cable. For Wi-Fi based drones (Phantom 3 Standard/4K or Spark), connect to the Wi-Fi network of the drone instead
4. Start Litchi

Status Bar

Regaining Control

Whenever the drone flies autonomously, you can regain control instantly at any time using the remote controller's flight mode switch.

• For newer drone models (Mini 2, Air, Mavic, Phantom, Spark and Inspire series), toggle the flight mode switch from Normal/P to Sport mode in order to regain control. You may switch back to Normal/P mode afterwards.
• For Mavic Mini 1 and Mini SE, use the flight mode button in the top bar to switch from Normal/P to Sport mode in order to regain control. You may switch back to Normal/P mode afterwards. In addition, by default the RTH button on the remote controller can be used to pause an autonomous flight.
• For older drone models (Phantom 3, Inspire 1), toggle the flight mode switch from F to Normal/P mode in order to regain control. You may switch back to F mode afterwards.

Alternatively, or when connected to a drone without remote controller (for example with Spark or Mavic Air/Pro), you can use the red stop button in the left button bar to stop an autonomous flight and regain control.

Simulator Mode

The Simulator mode lets you try the Litchi flight modes without actually flying the drone in the real world. A connection to the drone is however still required.
Simulator mode can be enabled with a long press at the center of the top bar. The top bar's background color will change to purple to indicate that the drone is in Simulator mode.
Once enabled, you can fly the drone virtually, the rotors will not spin up when taking off.
Disable Simulator mode using a long press again at the center of the top bar. The drone must then be restarted if you wish to perform a real flight.

Camera Settings

General camera settings as well as shooting modes (Single/HDR/Burst/AEB/Interval) can be adjusted after a tap on the camera settings icon under the shutter/record button.
An exposure info panel is also shown at the top of the video screen when connected to the aircraft.
To set the ISO/Shutter Speed/Aperture/Exposure Compensation, tap on the Camera Settings button, then "Exposure Settings".

Camera Focus

For cameras with adjustable focus, the camera focus mode can be changed in the camera settings. Available modes are Auto, AFC and Manual.
To set the focus on a specific location, make sure you are in Auto or AFC focus mode then tap anywhere on the video preview to trigger autofocus at that location.
To set the focus to Infinity (everything in focus), switch to Manual focus mode then tap on the Infinity (∞) button. Alternatively you can use the custom function "Focus to Infinity". Before using Infinity focus for the first time, it is recommended to calibrate the lens. Tap on "Calibrate Lens" in the camera settings then follow the steps on-screen.

Exposure Metering

By default exposure metering is in Average mode. Tap anywhere on the video preview to change to Spot metering mode at that location.
To go back to Average metering mode, tap again on the Spot metering icon and the icon will disappear.
Info If your camera supports adjustable focus, you first need to do a long press on the green square icon at the top left of the video preview to switch from Focus mode to Metering mode.

Camera Zoom

Optical/Digital zoom: For cameras which support optical or digital zoom but cannot be adjusted using the RC's right wheel: hold the RC's Fn/C2 button and use the left RC wheel to adjust the zoom.
Custom Function: It is also possible to control the zoom (optical or digital) using the custom functions "Zoom In" and "Zoom Out". Only for cameras which support zoom in the DJI firmware.

Gimbal Roll Adjustment

To adjust the gimbal's roll angle, hold the RC's C2 button and use the right RC wheel.

Bluetooth Controllers

Litchi allows you to control Wi-Fi based drones (Spark, Phantom 3 Standard, Mavic Air/Pro) with a bluetooth controller when no DJI remote controller is connected.
If you are looking for a compatible bluetooth controller, we recommend the Mad Catz CTRL i for iOS.
Litchi will automatically recognize and accept input from a bluetooth controller after it is paired with your mobile device.

FPV

The FPV mode allows you to fly the aircraft manually using the joysticks.

Litchi Vue Streaming

Litchi Vue lets you stream your drone's video feed to a second mobile device using a Wi-Fi connection.

The following video explains how to use Litchi Vue:

Follow these steps to setup Litchi Vue:

1. Ensure both mobile devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (via a personal hotspot or external Wi-Fi router, Internet is NOT required)
2. Connect the drone to the pilot's mobile device (device A) and start Litchi for DJI Drones
3. On device A, tap on the share button at the top right corner of the video view, then select 'Litchi Vue'. The button will turn yellow indicating the device is now available for streaming
4. Start the Litchi Vue app (download for Android or iOS) on the second mobile device (device B), you should then see the name of device A appear in the list of the available streams. Tap on it to connect
5. The drone's video stream will now be displayed on both mobile devices. On device A, the share icon turns green indicating you are connected to device B

Within the Litchi Vue app, you can enable VR mode for better immersion.

Important Because Litchi Vue requires a Wi-Fi connection between the 2 devices, it is not compatible with Wi-Fi based aircraft models such as the P3 Standard and the P3 4K.

Waypoint

Waypoint mode lets you plan a path made of several waypoints that the drone can then fly autonomously.
Classic waypoint missions can be planned as well as advanced camera moves such as Selfies and Cable Cams.
Enter the Waypoint mode by pressing the Flight Mode icon at the top left of the Litchi screen. Select "Waypoint". You can then start editing missions.

Mission Settings

• Heading Mode: Defines the heading of the aircraft during the mission. Choose between "Toward next Waypoint" ("Auto" on iOS) where the aircraft will point toward the next waypoint, "Initial Direction" ("Initial" on iOS) where the aircraft will keep the heading it has when the mission is started, "User Controlled" ("Manual" on iOS) where you are able to control the heading of the aircraft during the mission using the left joystick left/right (mode 2) or "Waypoint Defined" ("Custom" on iOS) where the aircraft will use the heading defined at each waypoint. Using "Waypoint Defined" ("Custom" on iOS) also means that the aircraft will smoothly transition from one waypoint's heading to the next.
• Finish Action: Choose an action that the aircraft will perform at the end of the mission. Available choices are "None", "Go Home" ("RTH" on iOS), "Land", "Back to First Waypoint" ("Back to 1st" on iOS) and "Reverse". When using "Reverse", the only way for the mission to end is if you manually stop it, "Reverse" allows you to let the aircraft fly to the last waypoint and then replay the mission in reverse using the joysticks or the cruising speed slider.
• Path Mode: Choose between "Straight Lines" where the aircraft will go straight to each waypoint then turn, or "Curved Turns" where the aircraft will not stop at waypoints and instead take curved turns (how large the curved turns are depends on each waypoint's curved size setting).
• Cruising Speed: Defines the autonomous flight speed of the aircraft. If you do not use the remote controller's right joystick (mode 2) during the mission, the speed the aircraft will travel at is the cruising speed. Can be set to negative values if you want the aircraft to travel backwards autonomously. Can be adjusted while the mission is in progress.
• Max Flight Speed: If you use the remote controller's right joystick (mode 2) while the mission is in progress, you can increase the speed of the aircraft up to the "Max Flight Speed".
• Photo Capture Interval: Defines the default time/distance interval in seconds/meters when two photos are taken as the aircraft moves from waypoint to waypoint. The interval can be set between 0 and 100 seconds/meters. The interval restarts at each waypoint. If the requested interval exceeds the camera's capability, the photos will be taken at the maximum possible speed.
• Default Curve Size: When adding a new waypoint, the previous waypoint's curved size will be set to the "default curve size percentage" of the minimum length available on both adjacent sides of the waypoint.
• Default Gimbal Pitch Mode: Default Gimbal Pitch Mode to be used for newly added waypoints.
• Rotations Direction: When set to Managed, aircraft rotations from waypoint to waypoint will always use the shortest direction (clockwise/anticlockwise).

Waypoints

To add a waypoint, tap anywhere on the map (make sure that the POI toggle is not on).
Info It is also possible to add a waypoint at the drone's current location when it is already flying using the custom function "Waypoint at Aircraft" which can be bound to one of the customizable remote controller buttons in the 'Keys' settings section.
To view the waypoint settings, tap the waypoint itself. To drag a waypoint, do a long press on the waypoint, then move it around.
To delete a waypoint, tap the waypoint to open its settings, then tap the minus icon at the top left corner of the waypoint settings window.
To insert a waypoint between two consecutive waypoints, tap the first waypoint of the two to open its settings, then tap the plus icon at the top left corner of the waypoint settings window. A waypoint will then be inserted between this waypoint and the next, it will be placed exactly in the middle of these two waypoints.
Important The 3D distance between consecutive waypoints must be between 0.6m and 1999m.

Waypoint Settings

• Altitude: The altitude of the waypoint relative to the elevation of the aircraft where it took off. The waypoint's altitude is also shown above the waypoint marker on the map.
• Speed: The speed at which the aircraft will travel from this waypoint to the next. By default the aircraft will use the mission's cruising speed setting, but the cruising speed can be overriden for each waypoint using this setting.
• Curve Size: Defines the size of the curved turn at this waypoint. A bigger size means the aircraft will start the turn earlier while travelling to this waypoint. This setting only applies when the mission setting "Path Mode" is set to "Curved Turns". It also does not apply to the first and last waypoints as there are no turns at these waypoints.
  Info The path of the curve is drawn in turquoise on the map. It will update dynamically as you adjust the curve size setting.
• Heading: The direction relative to north in which the aircraft will look at when arriving at this waypoint (0° is North, 90° is East). This setting only applies when the mission setting "Heading Mode" is set to "Waypoint Defined" ("Custom" on iOS). If two consecutive waypoints have different headings, the aircraft will smoothly transition from one heading to the other while travelling from the first waypoint to the second.
  Info The waypoint heading is represented by the blue aircraft icon on top of each waypoint. It will update dynamically as you adjust the heading setting.
• Rotation: When two consecutive waypoints have different headings, the aircraft will smoothly rotate from the first heading to the next. This setting defines the direction in which the aircraft will rotate, clockwise or anti-clockwise.
• Gimbal Pitch: Choose between "Disabled" where the gimbal pitch control will be manual, "Focus POI" where Litchi will automatically control the gimbal pitch to keep the selected POI in the center of the frame (blue markers), or "Interpolate" where you can specify the gimbal pitch angle at this waypoint. For "Interpolate" to work, the previous or next waypoint need to be set to "Interpolate" as well. Litchi will then automatically adjust the gimbal pitch angle to start and end at the specified angles, and smoothly transition while travelling between the two waypoints.
• POI: Use this setting to change which POI a waypoint will focus on. By default, when adding a waypoint it will focus on the nearest POI, if there is one.
• Photo Capture Interval: Defines the time/distance interval in seconds/meters when two photos are taken as the aircraft moves from this waypoint to the next. The interval can be set between 0 and 100 seconds/meters. The first photo will be taken as the aircraft leaves the current waypoint. If the requested interval exceeds the camera's capability, the photos will be taken at the maximum possible speed. By default, this setting uses the global 'Photo Capture Interval' mission setting's value.
• Actions: Each waypoint can have up to 15 different actions (more details below).

Waypoint Actions

Actions are performed when the aircraft arrives at the waypoint. There are six different waypoint actions, three of which accept an additional parameter.
You can add up to 15 different actions for each waypoint.
Important Waypoint actions are ignored when the mission "Path Mode" is "Curved Turns" as the aircraft will not stop at waypoints then.

• Stay for: The time in seconds that the aircraft should pause at the waypoint. Maximum 32 seconds.
• Take Photo: The camera will take one picture. For this action to work, recording must of off.
• Start Recording: The camera will start recording.
• Stop Recording: The camera will stop recording.
• Rotate Aircraft: The aircraft will rotate to the specified angle. The parameter is the angle relative to North that the aircraft should rotate to (0° is North, 90° is East). For example, setting it to 270° means that the aircraft will rotate to point towards West. If the aircraft is already pointing West before starting this action, it will not rotate at all.
• Tilt Camera: The gimbal will move to the specified angle (tilt). The valid value range is +0° to -90° (look down).

Panorama Preset

Point of Interests

When adding a new POI, all waypoints which have no assigned POI will have their heading setting adjusted in order to target the new POI.
To drag a POI, do a long press on the POI, then move it around. This will automatically adjust the heading setting of the waypoints that are currently targetting the POI.
To view the POI settings, tap on the POI. You will be able to adjust the POI's altitude which is used for the "Focus POI" waypoint gimbal setting.
To delete a POI, while the POI settings window is displayed, tap on the top left corner trash icon. Deleting a POI will automatically reassign nearest POIs for waypoints which had the now-deleted POI in target.

Waypoint Gimbal Pitch

Litchi can control the gimbal pitch automatically during the mission, as long as the aircraft is within range of the remote controller or if DJI's gimbal interpolation is enabled. To specify how the gimbal pitch should be controlled, each waypoint has a Gimbal Pitch setting which can be one of the following:

• Disabled: The gimbal pitch control will be manual from this waypoint.
• Focus POI: Litchi will automatically control the gimbal pitch from this waypoint to the next to keep the selected POI in the center of the frame. The POI altitude will be taken into account to determine the gimbal pitch angle.
• Interpolate: You can specify the gimbal pitch angle at this waypoint. For "Interpolate" to work, the previous or next waypoint need to be set to "Interpolate" as well. Litchi will then automatically adjust the gimbal pitch angle to start and end at the specified angles, and smoothly transition while travelling between the two waypoints.

Drawing Tool

When you are done, lift your finger from the screen and a Batch waypoint settings window will appear, use it to set global settings for the waypoints that will be created from the drawn path.
In this window, you will find an additional setting, the "Waypoint Spacing" which is the minimum distance between the waypoints that will form the drawn path. Slide all the way to the left to select "Optimized" which will automatically determine the minimum amount of waypoints required to form the drawn path.

Batch Edit

The Batch Edit tool allows you to easily edit multiple waypoints at once.
To enter Batch Edit mode, tap the Batch Edit icon located in the top right corner of the map, under the Tools submenu.
While in Batch Edit mode, additional buttons will display at the bottom left of the screen which can be used to select all waypoints (Select All), edit selected waypoints (Edit), delete selected waypoints (Delete) or exit Batch Edit mode (Cancel).
To select a waypoint, tap on the waypoint's marker. You can select as many waypoints as you want.
To edit the selected waypoints, tap the "Edit" button located in the buttons bar at the bottom left of the screen. A waypoint settings window will then appear, it contains the same settings as when editing a single waypoint. When you are done making changes, tap the "Apply/OK" button to apply the changes you made to all previously selected waypoints. Only modified properties marked with a star icon will be applied to the selected waypoints.
For the altitude, there is an additional setting allowing you to set an altitude relative to the "Home" point (similar as when editing a single waypoint), relative to the "Current" waypoint altitudes, or relative to the "Ground".
"Current" can be used to increase or decrease multiple waypoint altitudes by an offset, for example if you set the altitude to +30m relative to "Current", all selected waypoints will have their current altitudes increased by 30m.
When the "Ground" option is selected, Litchi will automatically calculate the correct waypoint altitudes given the ground elevation at each waypoint, using the ground elevation at waypoint 1 as the reference. For the best results and because waypoint 1 is used as a reference, it is strongly advised to place waypoint 1 in a location close to where the drone will take off (i.e. similar ground elevation). This option requires internet as it uses the google elevation data which is only available online.

Loading / Saving a mission

Missions can be planned anywhere, you do not need to be connected to the aircraft in order to plan a mission.
To save a mission, tap the save button in the left button bar. Enter a filename, click Ok and the mission will then be saved in the "LitchiApp/missions" ("missions" on iOS) folder located in the mobile device's internal storage.
To load a mission, tap the load button in the left button bar, select the mission then click load.
When logged in to your Litchi account, missions will be synced automatically across all of your devices as well as on the Mission Hub.
By default, missions sync'ed in your account will be private and not visible to anyone unless you set them to public in the Mission Hub.

Running a mission

Press the "Play" button located in the left button bar to show the mission preflight report. If the mission is valid, you will be able to tap the "Start" button in the report window to start the mission. Before starting the mission, you can also select a specific starting waypoint.

Pausing a mission

Pausing a mission can be done by tapping on the pause button in the left bar.

Stopping a mission

Stopping a mission can be done using the red stop button in the left button bar.

Cookbook

Mission Hub

Mission Hub lets you plan waypoint missions from a desktop or laptop PC/Mac.
If you are logged in to your Litchi account, saving a mission will automatically synchronize it across all devices where you are also logged in.
In addition, Mission Hub lets you browse missions from other users around the world or publish your own missions and videos for other users to see.

Info For the best experience, we recommend using the Google Chrome browser to access Mission Hub.

Missions Menu

• New: Click to create a new mission.
• Open...: Click to open the mission browser. In the mission browser's 'My Missions' tab, you can open your own missions and view/edit them. Attaching a video to a mission and disabling the 'Private' checkbox will make it appear on the map for other users. The mission browser's 'Discover' tab lists public missions from other Litchi users.
• Save...: Click to save the current mission. At least 2 waypoints required.
• Import...: Click to import a mission into Mission Hub. Supported file formats are CSV, KML and Litchi Mission files.
• Export as CSV: Click to export the current mission as a CSV file.
• Export as KML 3D Path: Click to export the current mission as a KML file. This can then be imported in Google Earth Pro to view the planned mission in 3D.

Batch Edit

To edit multiple waypoints at once, click on a waypoint to select it and then select more waypoints using control + click.

Altitude Modes

Elevation Data

In order to use the "Above Ground" option to set altitudes, Mission Hub needs to know the ground elevation. There are two possible sources for Elevation Data.

Digital Elevation Model files

Elevation Data can be provided using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file. To import a DEM, go to "Missions" then "Import DEM", then select the DEM file on your computer. Mission Hub supports Esri ASCII Grid format (.asc files) with the WGS-84 coordinate system. The area covered by the DEM file will be shown in transparent blue on the map. It is possible to import multiple DEM files.

Online Elevation

To use the Online Elevation data source, enable "Use Online Elevation" in the Mission Hub settings. Elevation data will then be provided for the whole world by our online services.

Visual Mission Planning with Google Earth

Using Google Earth Pro, you have the ability to plan a waypoint mission in 3 dimensions. This enables you to frame your shots easily and to position the camera exactly where you want it for each waypoint. You can then import the mission into Mission Hub. To learn more about this planning method, please watch the following tutorial video.

Download DJI Cameras - Field of View.kml

Follow

Follow causes the aircraft to follow the movements of a subject.
The subject is usually the mobile device that is connected to the drone but it can also follow a pin on a map or a second mobile device running the Litchi Magic Leash app (Android only).

Warning It is advisable to only use the Follow feature in wide open areas.

Enter the Follow mode by pressing the Flight Mode icon at the top left of the Litchi screen. Select "Follow". Press the Follow Settings icon on the left side of the screen.

Follow Settings

For Follow to work, the app needs to know the position of the subject in relation to the aircraft. The easiest way to set these relative values is to fly the aircraft at the relative position the aircraft should be in when the subject begins to move, and press the “Set from Aircraft Position.”
All settings except "Follow Terrain" can be altered in real-time.

• Set from Aircraft Position: Sets the relative altitude, distance and heading from the aircraft's current position.
• Altitude: The altitude from which the aircraft should follow the subject.
• Distance: The distance from which the aircraft should follow the subject.
• Heading Mode (North/Course - North by default): Heading mode “North” means that the aircraft will point its nose to the angle you set relative to North. For example if you set it to 0, the nose will point to North while keeping the subject in the center of the frame. Heading mode “Course” means that the aircraft will point its nose to the angle you set relative to the subject's course (only works if the subject is moving faster than 1m/s). For example if the heading is set to 0 (Leash), the aircraft will follow the subject from behind. Likewise if you set the heading to 180degree (Lead), the aircraft will follow the subject from the front.
• Heading: The angle from which the aircraft should follow the subject (the reference is defined by the Heading Mode).
• Gimbal Control (auto/manual - auto by default): When set to automatic (auto), causes the gimbal to point at the subject automatically. If the option is set to manual, the user will be required to control the gimbal manually.
• Subject Height: The height of the subject that the camera should point at.
• Subject Offset: Only change this setting in situations where you want the aircraft to follow the subject's movements while looking in another direction relative to the subject. The default 0 degrees causes the aircraft to face the subject. An offset of 180 degrees will cause the aircraft to face completely away from the subject.
• Follow Terrain (enabled/disabled - disabled by default): When on, the aircraft will follow the terrain and fly at the altitude set relative to the mobile device elevation which means it will continuously adjust its altitude as the subject moves up or down in altitude (for example if the subject moves up a hill).
• RC Joystick (enabled/disabled - disabled by default): When on, you are able to adjust the altitude using the left joystick up/down, the distance using the right joystick up/down, and the follow heading using the left joystick left/right. The follow heading is the heading of the aircraft relative to the subject, so moving the left joystick to the right and holding it there will result in the aircraft doing an orbit around the subject in a clockwise direction.
• Horizontal Movements (enabled/disabled - enabled by default): When set to off, horizontal movements will be disabled and only the aircraft's altitude, yaw and gimbal will be controlled by Litchi. This can be useful to simulate a fixed camera in the sky.

Running a Follow session

Press the "Follow" button at the bottom of the settings screen to initiate a Follow session. The Follow button will change to a Stop button that can be used to end the Follow session.
When initiated the aircraft will first rise to your chosen altitude, then proceed to the designated relative position as indicated in the settings. It will then move as the subject moves.

Info It is recommended to enable Dynamic Homepoint in the general settings for Follow sessions

Stopping Follow

Stopping a Follow session can be done using the red stop button in the left button bar.

Litchi Magic Leash (Android only)

Download Litchi Magic Leash on the Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flylitchi.lml
Or Download Litchi Magic Leash on the Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1031764016
Litchi Magic Leash allows the subject of the Follow mode to be a different mobile device from that which is connected to the RC. In other words the aircraft will follow a mobile device that is not connected to the RC. Both mobile devices must be connected to the internet for Magic Leash to work.

Warning At this time, Litchi Magic Leash does not transfer altitude data. This means that if you go up or down a hill using Litchi Magic Leash, the aircraft cannot adjust its altitude.

Follow these steps in order to setup Litchi Magic leash (mobile device connected to RC is device A, second device is B):

1. On device A, start Litchi, connect to the aircraft, switch to Follow mode, and tap the Magic Leash Button (top left corner of Follow settings) to connect, then remember the PIN code that pops up
2. On device B, start Litchi Magic Leash, tap the Magic Leash icon to connect, then enter the PIN code from step 1
3. Your two mobile devices are now paired. Start the Follow session on device A.

The following video explains how to use Magic Leash:

Orbit

Orbit causes the aircraft to circle around a point of interest while optionally having the gimbal keeping focus on it.
The orbit parameters (radius, altitude, speed) can be altered in real-time.
Enter the Orbit mode by pressing the Flight Mode icon at the top left of the Litchi screen. Select "Orbit".

Orbit Settings

To bring up the Orbit settings window, place a point of interest marker on the map, then tap on it.

• Altitude: The altitude at which the aircraft should orbit. Can be changed in real-time using the left joystick up/down (mode 2).
• Radius: The distance from which the aircraft should orbit from the point of interest. Can be changed in real-time using the right joystick (mode 2). Push the joystick up to reduce the radius, or push it down to increase the radius.
• Speed: The speed at which the aircraft should orbit in degrees per second. The maximum selectable speed will vary depending on the selected radius. Can be changed in real-time using the right joystick (mode 2). Push the joystick to the right to increase the clockwise speed, push it to the left to increase the anti-clockwise speed.
• Entry Point: The point on the circle where the aircraft will start orbiting. Please note that the map is orientated towards North by default.
  Important Make sure there are no obstacles between the entry point and the initial position of the aircraft.
• Heading Mode: Defines the orientation of the aircraft while orbiting. Can be set to "Center", "Along the circle (Forward)", "Along the circle (Backward)", "Outwards" or "User Controlled (Manual)". The heading can be changed in real-time using the left joystick (mode 2). Push the joystick to the left to turn left, and to the right to turn right.
• Direction (Rotation): Defines the orbit direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise.
• Gimbal Control (auto/manual - auto by default): When set to automatic (auto), causes the gimbal to point at the orbit center automatically. If the option is set to manual, the user will be required to control the gimbal manually.
• Subject Height: The height of the orbit subject that the camera should point at. If Gimbal Control is set to auto, use the RC's gimbal wheel to adjust to subject height during an Orbit session.

Running an Orbit session

Press the "Start" button at the bottom of the settings screen to initiate an Orbit session.
When initiated the aircraft will first rise to the preset altitude, then proceed to the entry point on the Orbit circle. It will then start orbiting.

Stopping Orbit

Stopping an Orbit session can be done using the red stop button in the left button bar.

Virtual Reality

Available in all flight modes, the VR mode immerses you into a real First Person View, the video stream appears right in front of your eyes.
You also have the ability to control the gimbal by moving your head. VR mode requires a remote controller.

Info By harnessing the power of your mobile phone, the VR mode brings you the most immersive FPV experience at less than a quarter the cost of the least expensive FPV glasses solution.

To start VR mode, tap on the goggles icon located the top right corner of the video screen.
The VR mode requires the use of a phone together with external mobile VR goggles. Litchi is compatible with most VR goggles.
Below are some recommendations:

• Homido
• Durovis
• Google Cardboard

It is highly recommended to get a pair of goggles with a headstrap, not all of them comes with one.
Additionally, if your goggles expose the mobile device camera to the outside, you will be able to take advantage of the mobile device camera toggle in Litchi (except for P3 Standard).

Warning The VR mode brings you into another world, be aware of your surroundings as you will not be able to see your aircraft.

VR Settings

• Exit VR: Tap this button to exit VR mode.
• Display OSD: Turn this on to display the On-Screen Display (altitude, distance, speed, etc.).
• Depth Offset: Increase or decrease the OSD depth offset to make it more comfortable to your eyes.
• Gimbal Head Tracking: Turn this on to enable moving the gimbal using head movements.
• Gimbal Speed: Defines how responsive the gimbal will be to your head movements. A higher value means it will move faster.
• Aircraft Head Tracking: Choose between Off, Immersive or Joystick to enable rotating the aircraft using head movements (details below).

Aircraft Head Tracking

In Immersive mode, rotating your head left/right causes the aircraft to rotate left/right mirroring the angle you are looking at relative to the reference which is established when VR mode is started.

In Joystick mode, rotating your head left/right is similar to using the left joystick's left/right axis (mode 2). As an example, the more you rotate your head to the left, the faster the aircraft will rotate to the left. The zero point, at which the aircraft will not rotate, is set when VR mode starts using the current mobile device orientation at that time.

Mobile Device Camera

For remote controllers with C1/C2 custom buttons (all aircrafts except P3 Standard), you can bind the custom function "Toggle Mobile Device Camera (VR)" to either C1 or C2.
This allows you to switch between your drone's camera view and your mobile device's camera view, making it very easy to keep track of your surroundings with the goggles on.

Focus

Focus allows you to easily keep a subject (Point of Interest or Mobile Device) in the video frame while flying the aircraft manually.
The aircraft rotation (yaw) and gimbal pitch angle are controlled by Litchi as well as the gimbal yaw for drone models that support it.
Focus is compatible with Litchi Magic Leash (Android only), making it possible to focus on an external mobile device.
Enter the Focus mode by pressing the Flight Mode icon at the top left of the Litchi screen. Select "Focus".

Focus Settings

• Subject: Choose between Point of Interest (to be placed on the map) or Mobile Device.
• Subject Height: The height of the subject that the camera should point at. You can also use the RC's gimbal wheel to adjust to subject height while in flight.
• Aircraft Rotation: When enabled, Litchi will control the yaw (rotation) of the aircraft. Recommended for drones which do not support gimbal yaw rotation.
  Warning There is added latency with joystick controls when this setting is enabled, use carefully.
• Joystick Reference: Choose between "Default" (joysticks respond as normal), "Aircraft Heading" (course is locked based on current aircraft heading, similar to Course Lock, can be changed in real-time using the yaw joystick and can be reset using C1/C2 "Course Lock" custom function), "Mobile Device Orientation/Device Heading" (course is locked based on your mobile device orientation), "Home-Aircraft (H-A) Bearing" (course is locked based on the bearing between the home point and the aircraft location) and "Mobile Device-Aircraft (D-A) Bearing" (course is locked based on the bearing between the mobile device and the aircraft location). For each option except "Default", axes will be drawn on the map for reference, the large magenta axis is the pitch axis (forward/backward) while the small blue axis is the roll axis (left/right). Only applies when Aircraft Rotation is enabled.
• Joystick Speed Limiter: Use this setting to slow down the overall speed of the aircraft. Only applies when Aircraft Rotation is enabled.

Running a Focus session

If your subject is a Point of Interest, place it on the map before starting the session.
Then, press the "Start" button at the bottom of the settings screen to initiate a Focus session.

Stopping Focus

Stopping a Focus session can be done using the red stop button in the left button bar.

Litchi Magic Leash (Android only)

Download Litchi Magic Leash on the Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flylitchi.lml
Or Download Litchi Magic Leash on the Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1031764016
Litchi Magic Leash allows the subject of the Focus mode to be a different mobile device from that which is connected to the RC. In other words the aircraft will focus on a mobile device that is not connected to the RC. Both mobile devices must be connected to the internet for Magic Leash to work.

Follow these steps in order to setup Litchi Magic leash (mobile device connected to RC is device A, second device is B):

1. On device A, start Litchi, connect to the aircraft, switch to Focus mode, and tap the Magic Leash Button (top left corner of Focus settings) to connect, then remember the PIN code that pops up
2. On device B, start Litchi Magic Leash, tap the Magic Leash icon to connect, then enter the PIN code from step 1
3. Your two mobile devices are now paired. Start the Focus session on device A.

Panorama

The Panorama mode allows you to easily shoot horizontal, vertical and spherical panoramas.
Enter the Panorama mode by pressing the Flight Mode icon at the top left of the Litchi screen. Select "Panorama".

Panorama Settings

• Width: The width of the panorama in degrees.
• Columns: The width is divided in columns which define the aircraft/gimbal yaw angles where photos are taken.
• Height: The height of the panorama in degrees. The height will be centered on the gimbal's pitch when starting the panorama. If the 'Nadirs' setting is set to 1 or more, the height of the panorama will be clamped to the bottom of the panorama. For example: with 'Height' set to 40° and 'Nadirs' set to 0, the panorama will be shot from -20° to +20° (assuming the gimbal is at 0° at the beginning of the panorama); with 'Height' set to 90° and 'Nadirs' set to 1, the panorama will be shot from -90° to +0°.
• Rows: The height is divided in rows which define the gimbal pitch angles where photos are taken.
• Nadirs: The number of Nadirs (bottom shots) that will be taken. If the 'Width' is set to less than 360° or if 'Columns' is set to 1, no 'Nadirs' shots will be taken.
• Grid Pattern: Choose between 'Linear' and 'Spherical'. In 'Linear' mode, the 'Columns' setting applies to each row (for example in a 8 'Columns' x 4 'Rows' panorama, the drone will take 8 photos for each one of the 4 rows). In 'Spherical' mode, the 'Columns' setting applies to the horizon row only (+0°). Less photos will be taken at lower and higher rows, reducing the total number of photos taken while still producing a stitchable output.
• Capture Strategy: Choose between 'Column by Column' and 'Row by Row'.
• Mode: Choose between 'Aircraft Rotation' and 'Gimbal Rotation'. This setting is only available for gimbals which are able to yaw (e.g. Inspire 1-2). If 'Gimbal Rotation' mode is selected, the gimbal will rotate instead of the aircraft.
• Delay before each Photo: Additional time that the aircraft waits before taking each photo, can help to stabilize shots.
• Delay after each Photo: Additional time that the aircraft waits after taking each photo, can help to stabilize shots.
• Save to Panorama Database: Choose 'Yes' to save this panorama to the Panorama Database (details below). iOS only.

Shooting a Panorama

Fly the aircraft to the location you want to take the panorama, then press the "Start" button at the bottom of the settings screen to initiate the shot.

Stopping Panorama

Stopping a Panorama shot can be done using the red stop button in the left button bar.

Auto Pano

Auto Pano uses preset parameters to shoot a 360° spherical panorama.
In addition, Litchi will use optimized camera settings and panorama settings to improve the chances of a successful stitch in Litchi's Panorama Database (iOS only).
Info If you use a camera which has variable focus, make sure to set the focus before starting the Auto Pano.

Panorama Database (iOS only)

The Panorama Database lets you stitch, view and share the panoramas you have shot all within Litchi.
The Panorama Database is not automatically backed up or synced, as such be aware that uninstalling Litchi will also permanently delete the Panorama Database.
After selecting a panorama in the database, select the desired stitching quality and tap on "Create Panorama" to stitch it within Litchi.

Warning Avoid stitching a panorama while the drone is in the air as the stitching process can take a while and uses a lot of resources.

There are 3 available quality settings for stitching:

• Low: Uses the preview images automatically downloaded by Litchi after a panorama is shot. Can be done without downloading the high quality images from the drone but produces a lower quality panorama.
• Medium: Requires downloading the high quality images from the drone to produce a higher quality panorama. Up to 65 megapixels on iPhone and up to 100 megapixels on iPad Pro.
• High: Requires downloading the high quality images from the drone to produce an even higher quality panorama. Up to 130 megapixels on iPhone and up to 220 megapixels on iPad Pro.

Warning Some older devices may not have the required resources to successfully stitch a panorama. Try lowering the quality setting.

To improve the chances of a successful stitch, please follow these steps:

• Use the Auto Pano feature, which will optimize the camera and panorama settings
• Avoid starting the Panorama shot with the drone facing the sun

Once the panorama is stitched, you will be presented with the below interface:

Stitching a Panorama outside of Litchi

Here is a non-comprehensive list of software you can use to stitch the photos together outside of Litchi:

• PTGui
• Easypano
• Hugin

Track

In Track mode, Litchi uses state of the art computer vision algorithms to track a selected object on the video preview and keep it in the frame.
You have the choice to either fly the aircraft manually while Litchi keeps the object in the frame, use the Orbit feature to instruct the aircraft to Orbit around the tracked object, or start Follow where the drone will autonomously follow the tracked object.
The aircraft rotation (yaw) and gimbal pitch angle are controlled by Litchi as well as the gimbal yaw for drone models that support it.
Enter the Track mode by pressing the Flight Mode icon at the top left of the Litchi screen. Select "Track".

Warning Because Litchi decodes the video, runs the algorithms to track the object and renders the video, all of this in real-time, a high performance mobile device is required. Be sure to close all background applications and screen recorders before using Track. Video lag will kill tracking.

Track Settings

• Tracking Quality: Choose between Normal or High for the tracking quality. When set to High, the tracking will be more accurate and reliable but it uses more resources which can cause lag on older devices. Only set to High when using a powerful mobile device (iPad Pro, latest iPhones, etc).
  
• Aircraft Rotation: When enabled, Litchi will control the yaw (rotation) of the aircraft. Recommended for drones which do not support gimbal yaw rotation.
  Warning There is added latency with joystick controls when this setting is enabled, use carefully.
• Joystick Reference: Choose between "Default" (joysticks respond as normal), "Aircraft Heading" (course is locked based on current aircraft heading, similar to Course Lock, can be changed in real-time using the yaw joystick and can be reset using C1/C2 "Course Lock" custom function), "Mobile Device Orientation/Device Heading" (course is locked based on your mobile device orientation), "Home-Aircraft (H-A) Bearing" (course is locked based on the bearing between the home point and the aircraft location) and "Mobile Device-Aircraft (D-A) Bearing" (course is locked based on the bearing between the mobile device and the aircraft location). For each option except "Default", axes will be drawn on the map for reference, the large magenta axis is the pitch axis (forward/backward) while the small blue axis is the roll axis (left/right). Only applies when Aircraft Rotation is enabled.
• Joystick Speed Limiter: Use this setting to slow down the overall speed of the aircraft. Only applies when Aircraft Rotation is enabled.
• Orbit Speed: Controls the speed of the autonomous Orbit around the tracked object.

Running a Track session

Select the object you wish to track on the video preview using the Pinch gesture (with 2 fingers, see image below).

When you are happy with the selection, release your fingers from the screen and Track will automatically start.
It is recommended to start Track while the aircraft is airborne.
To select a different object, simply start the procedure again.
Info To recenter the current selection, double tap where you want the new object center to be on the video preview.
For optimal tracking, ensure the background scene is not too cluttered and that there is enough contrast between the tracked object and its surroundings. It is also important to select your object carefully. Avoid including too much of the background in the selection and make sure the object you want to track is not too small on the video preview.

Orbit

During a Track session, you can start an Orbit using the Start Orbit button in the left button bar.
The speed at which the aircraft will orbit can be changed in the Track settings.
Additionally, while Orbit is in progress it is possible to control the aircraft's altitude, pitch and increase/decrease the Orbit speed using the joysticks.

Follow

In Follow mode, Litchi takes entire control of the drone to have it follow the tracked object. The maximum aircraft speed in this mode is 10m/s.
It is possible to control the altitude of the drone while Follow is in progress using the joysticks.
For an optimal Follow, avoid selecting an object that is horizontally or vertically aligned with the drone's field of view.
Follow should not be used where the terrain has elevation changes as the aircraft will not adjust its altitude should the tracked object change altitude.
Warning Under non-optimal conditions, Litchi may fail to keep track of the object causing the aircraft to follow an unwanted path. Always be ready to intervene and regain control using the remote controller mode switch or the "Stop Tracking" button.

Stopping Track

Stopping a Track session can be done using the "Stop Tracking" button in the left button bar.

Settings

Info Not all settings apply to both platforms

FAQ