Importing Image Files

The first time you connect a supported camera to your computer and set the camera to its playback or transfer mode, iPhoto will open automatically. If it doesn't, you can manually launch iPhoto either from the Dock or the Applications folder. The iPhoto window will be in Import mode.

Mac OS X includes in its Application folder the Image Capture program that downloads images and media files from supported cameras and card readers. It also works with TWAIN-compliant flatbed scanners (given an appropriate driver) to scan images.

The Import pane, shown in Figure 12.2, displays the camera status, Import button, and an option to delete images from the camera after they're stored in iPhoto.

Figure 12.2. The Import mode enables you to follow the progress of your files as they're transferred from the camera to your computer.

To import the photos on your camera, click the Import button in the lower-right corner of the window. If the box for Erase Camera Contents After Transfer is checked, the Confirm Move sheet appears and asks you to approve deletion of the original photo files from the camera. Thumbnails of the transferring images appear in the image well of the Import pane along with the number of photos remaining to be transferred. When the import is complete, the new images will appear in the photo viewing area along with any other images you've imported.

By default, new rolls (groups of pictures imported at one time) are added to the bottom of the viewing area, but you can change that to order with the most recent at the top inside the application preference panel.

To import images already stored on your hard drive or other media, simply select them and drag them onto the Photo Library. Thumbnails appear as if the images were another "roll" of film.