Windows Photo Gallery is a program that allows you to easily edit, organize and view your photos thanks to its simple interface. The application is included with Windows Vista, but is also compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, if you wish to download it from Microsoft's website. The following instructions describe the basic features of the program, how to download it, how to import and edit your images.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting Started
Step 1. Get Windows Photo Gallery
To do this you need to download Microsoft's Windows Essentials software package. Open the page https://windows.microsoft.com/it-IT/windows/essentials on your browser and click Download. Once the download is complete, run the installation file.
- For Windows 7 or 8 users, the software package is named Windows Essentials 2012.
- On Windows Vista Photo Gallery is already included and you don't have to download anything.
Step 2. Open Windows Photo Gallery
You can do this by clicking on "Start> All Programs> Windows Photo Gallery".
Step 3. Add the photos already on your computer
If you want to import some images saved on your hard drive into the program, you can simply drag and drop them into its window.
Step 4. Import photos from a camera or other external device
To do this, connect the device, then click "Home> Import". Select the drive from which to import images or videos, then click Confirm.
Step 5. Choose the destination of the imported images (optional)
Click "More Options" and a dialog box will appear. Here you can choose the destination folder, the names of the subfolders and files (for example, name + date etc.). Click "OK" to confirm the settings.
The default location where pictures are saved is the "Pictures" folder ("Computer> Pictures" or "C: / Users [username] Pictures")
Step 6. Complete the operation
When you are satisfied with the settings, click "Import". You will find two options: "Import all new items" or "View, organize and group items to import".
- Choosing "Import all new items" will save on your computer all the files of the selected source that do not already exist in the destination folder.
- The "View, organize and group items to import" function allows you to select and divide specific files as you like.
Part 2 of 2: Organize and Share Photos
Step 1. Organize items with tags and captions
You can tag images to categorize them and find them better, while captions add information and character to photos. To apply a tag, click on the image, then on "Add tag" in the details box; enter your text and press Enter. You can choose only one tag for a group of images by selecting the desired photos before clicking "Add Tag". You can create captions in a similar way by selecting the "Caption" field in the Details pane, then typing the text.
- If the "Details pane does not appear, click" Organize> Layout> Details Pane "to view it.
- You can select multiple items by clicking or dragging the mouse while holding Ctrl.
Step 2. Use the lower section to browse photos, make simple edits or view images in full screen
The buttons at the bottom allow you to zoom in, rotate, switch or delete photos. You can also view the items you have selected in a presentation, using the button in the center.
- You can exit the presentation at any time by pressing the Esc key.
- You can apply a filter to your presentation in the "Home> Presentation" menu.
Step 3. Edit images and fix common defects
Some changes can be performed on multiple photos at the same time. Windows Photo Gallery can automatically adjust brightness and contrast; choose the photo to edit and open the "Edit> Corrections> Auto Adjust" menu. Other automatic actions include removing red eyes and straightening the frame.
- You can make manual changes to individual images by clicking "Edit> Corrections> Fine Adjustment". This allows you to control the same tools mentioned above to correct photos according to your personal preferences.
- You can undo unwanted changes by pressing "Back to original" in the "Edit" tab.
Step 4. Share and print photos
Windows Photo Gallery supports integration with your hardware and email clients, so you can share images directly from those programs. You must make sure that the client is configured correctly and that the printer has updated drivers before using them with the application.
- To send an image via email: select the items to send, then go to "Home> Sharing> Email". Select the size of the photos, then press "Attach". The default email client will be opened automatically, with a blank message containing the images as attachments.
- To print: select the items to print, then right click and select "Print" on any of them (alternatively, press Ctrl + P). The print window will open. Here you can choose the size, layout and number of copies of the selected photo. Click "Print" to continue.
Step 5. Export the photos to an external storage drive
Connect the disk to your computer, then simply drag and drop the desired images from the photo library or folder in which they are saved to the desired destination on the external drive.
Advice
- For more information and assistance on using Windows Photo Gallery, you will find many tutorials in the Windows Support Center. You can access the Photo Gallery help from the small blue icon located in the upper right corner of the main toolbar.
- If you use Photo Gallery often, you can set it as the default program for image files. You can do this from "Control Panel> All Control Panel Items> Set Default Programs".
