The iPhoto Main Window

Before you can use iPhoto's various features, you first have to import the photos into the Library, as explained on the following pages. When you import photos, iPhoto considers each import session a "Film Roll." Each time you import, the photos are grouped beneath a Film Roll icon that shows the date of the import and the import session number.

To hide the photos from an import session, click the disclosure triangle to the left of the Film Roll icon. To show the photos, click again on the triangle.

Each image is tagged with the name that your camera automatically assigned, a name like DSCN451. You can rename any photo, as shown below: Select a photo in the viewing area, then click the "i" button (shown at right) to display the Information pane in the bottom-left corner. Click the word "Title," then type in a new name for the photo. The Information pane also includes the date and time the photo was taken, the image format, the photo dimensions (in pixels), and the photo storage size. At the very bottom of the Information pane you can type comments about the photo. Comments are searchable and can help you find photos later.

If the import sessions in your viewing area are not separated by a Film Roll icon, go to the View menu and select the "Film Rolls" item to place a checkmark next to it. The Film Roll icons will now appear in your viewing area.