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If you need to put photos on your iPad, you can import and export from your computer, a camera, a USB flash drive, and more. You can easily transfer a few photos using your email. Here's how to put photos on an iPad.

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Syncing to a Computer

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  1. If you don't have iTunes, first download it for free from the Apple website
  2. If you don't have one, acquire another iPad to USB (or Lightning to USB) connector.
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  3. Make sure you are looking at your iTunes Library and not the iTunes Store.
    • If you cannot find your device, try navigating to the View drop-down menu at the top of your screen and clicking "Hide Sidebar" to free up more space on the display. This option will not be available if the sidebar is already hidden.
    • If you are using an older version of iTunes, the device may appear in the left-hand pane instead. In this case make sure your sidebar is visible by navigating to "View: Show Sidebar".
  4. Alternatively, select "Choose Folder", navigate to the folder you store your photos in, and click Open.
    • If you don't want to sync with your entire collection, make a folder specifically for photos you want to have available on your iPad. You can use the "Selected Folders" option to only sync with certain albums or subfolders within the application or folder you selected.
  5. Keep your iPad connected while it syncs with the photo collection you selected. It should now "sync" every time you connect the two devices together, automatically deleting or adding photos to match changes on the synced computer.
    • If you'd like your iPad to sync every time the two devices are on the same WiFi network, stay in the device menu and select "Sync with this iPad over WiFi" under the Summary tab.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Using a USB Flash Drive

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  1. For more detailed instructions, see Save Files to a USB Flash Drive.
  2. Make sure you know which model iPad you are using, since they have different types of ports (places to attach cables and other devices).
    • If you using a first, second, or third generation iPad, you'll need an iPad Camera Connector Note: You may have to purchase it as part of the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit
    • If you are using a fourth generation or later iPad, you'll need a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.
  3. A list of the drive's files should soon display on your iPad.
  4. You can select Import All to transfer the whole camera's contents.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Importing from a Camera

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  1. Make sure you know which model iPad you are using, since they have different types of ports (places to attach cables and other devices).
    • If you using a first, second, or third generation iPad, you'll need an iPad Camera Connector. (This is included in the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.)
    • If you are using a fourth generation or later iPad, you'll need a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.
  2. Make sure the camera is on and set to the correct mode for exporting images. A list of the camera's photos should soon display on your iPad.
  3. You can select Import All to transfer the whole camera's contents.
    • Most cameras will prompt you to "Keep" or "Delete" the photos on your camera. If you select Delete, the imported photos will be removed from the camera or SD card.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Using a Transfer Program

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  1. Then connect iPad to the computer. If you are going to put digital camera’s photos to iPad, please connect your digital camera to computer too.
  2. Choose "Photo Library" and click “Add" button on the top line. Then, click "Add File" or "Add Folder" to choose photos from your computer.
  3. When the photo transfer is finished, you will get the photos in your iPhone Photo Library.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Using an SD Card

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  1. Make sure you know which model iPad you are using, since they have different types of ports (places to attach cables and other devices).
    • If you using a first, second, or third generation iPad, you'll need an iPad SD Card Reader to attach a camera's SD card. (This is included in the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.)
    • If you are using a fourth generation or later iPad, you'll need a Lightning to SD Camera Card Reader.
  2. The SD card is a small rectangular object stored beneath a flap on the back or side of your camera.
    • Consult your camera's manual if you are having trouble finding the SD card.
    • If the SD card does not slide out on its own, very gently push it into the camera then release.
  3. A list of the camera's photos should soon display on your iPad.
  4. You can select Import All to transfer the whole camera's contents.
    • Your iPad should prompt you to "Keep" or "Delete" the photos on your camera. If you select Delete, the imported photos will be removed from the camera or SD card.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Using Email

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  1. Use the computer the photos are stored on.
  2. In most email services this is accomplished by clicking "Attach" or a paper clip icon, then selecting the desired files.
    • You can find more details at Add Files or Photos to Your Email.
    • You can attach more than one photo using the same method.
  3. If the photos are high-quality, large, or numerous, or if your internet connection is slow, you may need to wait a few minutes first for them to attach.
    • If you have more than a few photos to transfer, choosing another method is recommended.
  4. You may need to scroll down past the text of the email to see the image.
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About This Article

Andrea Enger
Co-authored by:
Photographer
This article was co-authored by Andrea Enger. Andrea Enger is a Photographer based in Colorado. Andrea is an Elopement Photographer with nearly a decade of experience, who has photographed hundreds of weddings. She is a premier adventure elopement photographer, focusing on the American Southwest, South America, and Spanish-speaking countries. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including: ABC News, Reuters, Colorado Wedding Magazine, World’s Best Wedding Photos 2024, Zion Brides, Rangefinder, Wandering Weddings, Here Comes the Guide, The Budget Savvy Bride and Revista Chilena Si Acepto. This article has been viewed 266,120 times.
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Co-authors: 14
Updated: August 27, 2024
Views: 266,120
Categories: Ipad
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