ShotwellShotwell

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

  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

Canvas

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

Toolbar

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

Tune menu

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

Action menu

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

Presets and history

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

Typical flow

  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

  • Use Guides when you want a task done quickly.
  • Use Reference when you need exact behavior, limits, or defaults.

Quick path if you are new

  1. Read Import and toolbar.
  2. Skim Canvas and Tune menu.
  3. Try one guide: Add a gradient background.
  4. Finish with Export for sharing.

Need help

Canvas

Canvas-level controls for ratio, crop, position, transforms, and background setup.

On this page

Start hereCore toolsCanvasToolbarTune menuAction menuPresets and historyTypical flowUse guides and reference togetherQuick path if you are newNeed help