# Getting started

Start from the empty editor, style a screenshot, and export a polished final image.

Shotwell starts on an empty editor. You bring in one image, style it with a small set of focused tools, and export a clean final asset.

## [Start here](/content/docs#start-here/index.html)

1. Open the empty editor.
2. Choose one starting path:
   - Select a photo from your library.
   - Import your latest screenshot.
   - Swipe through recent supported screenshots when Shotwell can find them.
3. Set composition, polish the treatment, then export.

## [Core tools](/content/docs#core-tools/index.html)

### [Canvas](/content/docs#canvas/index.html)

The canvas controls composition: ratio, crop, placement, transforms, backgrounds, and frame choices.

- Start here: [Canvas](/content/docs/transformations-and-limits/index.html)
- Drill-down settings: [Layout and crop settings](/content/docs/editing/layout-and-crop/index.html), [Background settings](/content/docs/editing/backgrounds/index.html), [Frame settings](/content/docs/editing/frames/index.html)

### [Toolbar](/content/docs#toolbar/index.html)

The toolbar is the main navigation layer after an image is loaded. It opens the editing tabs, full-screen galleries, and utility actions.

- Start here: [Import and toolbar](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos/index.html)

### [Tune menu](/content/docs#tune-menu/index.html)

The tune menu controls quick polish values: padding, shadow, roundness, inset, and stroke.

- Start here: [Tune menu](/content/docs/editing/effects/index.html)

### [Action menu](/content/docs#action-menu/index.html)

The action menu handles export, share, copy, export settings, and utility actions like appearance, clear styling, and settings.

- Start here: [Action menu](/content/docs/workflows/export-and-share/index.html)

### [Presets and history](/content/docs#presets-and-history/index.html)

Presets save reusable looks. History lets you restore recent versions from this device while you edit.

- Start here: [Presets and history](/content/docs/editing/presets-and-history/index.html)

## [Typical flow](/content/docs#typical-flow/index.html)

1. Import a screenshot or photo.
2. Set ratio, crop, position, background, and frame.
3. Tune padding, shadow, corners, inset, and stroke.
4. Reuse a preset or save your own.
5. Export, copy, or share.

## [Use guides and reference together](/content/docs#use-guides-and-reference-together/index.html)

- Use [Guides](/content/docs/guides/add-gradient-background/index.html) when you want a task done quickly.
- Use [Reference](/content/docs/transformations-and-limits/index.html) when you need exact behavior, limits, or defaults.

## [Quick path if you are new](/content/docs#quick-path-if-you-are-new/index.html)

1. Read [Import and toolbar](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos/index.html).
2. Skim [Canvas](/content/docs/transformations-and-limits/index.html) and [Tune menu](/content/docs/editing/effects/index.html).
3. Try one guide: [Add a gradient background](/content/docs/guides/add-gradient-background/index.html).
4. Finish with [Export for sharing](/content/docs/guides/export-for-sharing/index.html).

## [Need help](/content/docs#need-help/index.html)

- [Settings](/content/docs/help/settings/index.html) covers app behavior, About, and Pro access.
- [Pro and subscriptions](/content/docs/help/pro-and-subscriptions/index.html) covers watermark removal, restore purchases, and billing management.
- [Troubleshooting](/content/docs/help/troubleshooting/index.html) covers import, history, and export problems.