# Import and toolbar

Start from the empty editor, grant photo access, and open the main editing surfaces.

Shotwell starts on an empty editor. After you import an image, the toolbar becomes the main place you switch between editing tasks.

## [Start from the empty editor](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#start-from-the-empty-editor/index.html)

From the empty editor, Shotwell can show these entry points:

| Entry point                  | What it does                                                                                |
|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| `Select a photo`             | Opens your photo library to pick any image                                                |
| `Import latest screenshot`    | Loads the newest screenshot directly when a compatible recent-screenshot handoff is available |
| Recent screenshots rail       | Lets you swipe through recent supported screenshots from the empty state                    |

### [What to know](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#what-to-know/index.html)

- If Shotwell cannot frame the recent screenshots it finds, you can still import the latest screenshot without a frame preview.
- Recent framed previews are currently aimed at supported iPhone screenshots.
- If no recent screenshots are available, use the photo picker instead.

## [Photo Library access](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#photo-library-access/index.html)

On first use, Shotwell can ask for Photo Library access.

| State                     | Result                                                                                      |
|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Permission not decided yet | Shotwell can show a Photo Library onboarding card                                           |
| Permission granted or limited | You can pick photos and browse recent screenshots that Shotwell can read                   |
| Permission denied          | Use the system settings path to re-enable access                                           |

Granting access improves photo picking and recent screenshot discovery. If access stays denied, import flows may appear limited or unavailable.

## [Main tabs after an image is loaded](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#main-tabs-after-an-image-is-loaded/index.html)

| Tab       | Purpose                                                       | Availability               |
|-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| `Adjust`  | Composition controls such as ratio, crop, position, background, and frame | Requires an imported image |
| `Tune`    | Quick polish controls such as padding, shadow, corners, inset, and stroke | Requires an imported image |
| `Presets` | Style preset library                                       | Requires an imported image |
| `History` | Recent edit versions from this device                        | Always available            |

## [Toolbar and gallery destinations](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#toolbar-and-gallery-destinations/index.html)

From the toolbar and its related galleries, you can open:

| Category         | Destinations                                 |
|------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Composition       | `ratio`, `crop`, `position`, `frame`        |
| Backgrounds      | `color`, `gradient`, `image`                 |
| Style memory      | `history`, `style presets`                    |
| Utility screens    | `settings`, `about`, and `Shotwell Pro` when billing is enabled |

## [Overflow and context actions](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#overflow-and-context-actions/index.html)

Shotwell also exposes utility actions around the editor flow:

- `New Image` starts a replacement import flow.
- `Clear` removes styling from the current image.
- `Appearance` changes theme mode.
- `Settings` and `About` open app-level screens.

## [Availability rules](/content/docs/workflows/import-photos#availability-rules/index.html)

- `Adjust`, `Tune`, and `Presets` stay disabled until an image is loaded.
- `History` stays available so you can restore a local edit without importing a new image first.
- Some controls change when a frame is active. For example, a few quick tune controls become unavailable until the frame is removed.

[Canvas\
\
Canvas-level controls for ratio, crop, position, transforms, and background setup.](/content/docs/transformations-and-limits/index.html) [Action menu\
\
Export actions, defaults, Pro behavior, and output constraints.](/content/docs/workflows/export-and-share/index.html)