Import and export photos and videos on iPad (2024)

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iPad User Guide

You can import photos and videos directly to the Photos app from a digital camera, an SD memory card, or another iPad or iPhone that has a camera. You can also export unmodified versions of your photos and videos directly to an external drive, memory card, or other storage device that’s connected to your iPad.

Import photos and videos to your iPad

Import photos and videos saved on another device such as a digital camera or an external drive to the Photos app on your iPad.

Insert the camera adapter or card reader into the Lightning connector or USB-C connector, or connect the device directly to your iPad.
Do one of the following:
- Connect a camera: Connect the adapter to the camera, then turn on the camera and make sure it’s in transfer mode. For more information, see the documentation that came with the camera.
- Connect an external storage device or insert an SD memory card into the card reader: Don’t force the card into the slot on the reader; it fits only one way.
- Connect an iPhone or iPad: Use the Lightning adapter or the USB-C cable that came with the device to connect it to the camera adapter. Turn on and unlock the device.
Open the Photos app on your iPad, then tap Import.
Select the photos and videos you want to import, then select your import destination.
- Import all items: Tap Import All.
- Import selected items: Tap the items you want to import (a checkmark appears for each), tap Import, then tap Import Selected.
After the photos and videos have been imported, keep or delete them on the camera, card, iPhone, or iPad.
Disconnect the camera adapter or card reader.

Export photos and videos to an external storage device

You can export photos and videos you took on your iPad directly to an external drive, a memory card, or other storage device.

Note: For photos and videos that have been edited, the unmodified original version will be exported.

Connect your iPad to the storage device using the Lightning or USB-C connector, or connect the device directly to your iPad.
Open the Photos app, then select the photos and videos you want to export.
Tap , then tap Export Unmodified Original.
Tap your storage device (below Locations), then tap Save.

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