ReferenceToolbar and action menu
Action menu
Export actions, defaults, Pro behavior, and output constraints.
The action menu is where you finish the job: save, copy, share, open export settings, and run app-level utility actions.
Export controls
| Control | Options | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | jpeg | png | jpeg | JPEG is the default share-first option. PNG is lossless and usually larger. |
| Size preset | small | balanced | full | balanced | Presets target a long edge of 2048, 3072, or 4096 px before any limits apply |
Export actions
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Export | Save output to Photos |
| Copy | Copy output for quick paste workflows |
| Share | Open share sheet with current export |
| Open export settings | Open format and size controls |
Free and Pro behavior
- Free save, copy, and share exports include a Shotwell watermark.
- Shotwell Pro removes that watermark from those export actions.
- Export settings still let you choose format and size on either tier.
Utility actions in overflow
| Utility action | Options or behavior |
|---|---|
| Appearance | System, Dark, Light |
| New image | Replace current image selection flow |
| Clear styling | Reset styling for current image |
| Settings | Open app settings |
| About | Open app information |
What affects final output
- Final output size depends on the selected preset and the current canvas aspect ratio.
- Shotwell can reduce output automatically when the source image, frame asset, or device render budget cannot support the requested size.
Fulldoes not guarantee a larger file thanBalanced; it only requests the largest target.- PNG is best when every pixel matters. JPEG is usually better for lighter share-ready files.
- If
Auto-close menusis enabled, open export trays can close automatically after about10seconds of inactivity.