First Steps

Now that you've installed Rando, let's walk through your first photo randomization experience.

Launching Rando

1. Open Rando from your Applications folder (Mac) or Start Menu (Windows)
2. You'll see the welcome screen on first launch

Selecting Your First Photo Source

Before Rando can show random photos, it needs to know where your photos are stored.

Option A: Select a Folder

1. Click the "Select Source" button in the interface
2. Click "Browse Mac Folders" (or "Browse Folders" on Windows)
3. Navigate to a folder containing photos (e.g., Pictures, Downloads, or an external drive)
4. Select the folder and click "Select" or "Choose"

Option B: Select from Photos Library (macOS)

1. Click the "Select Source" button in the interface
2. Click "Photos Library" in the Local Storage section
3. Browse your albums in the album picker
4. Select an album to load its photos

Step 3: Grant Folder Access (macOS Only)

On macOS, due to sandbox security, Rando needs explicit permission to access folders:

1. After selecting a folder, you may see a permission dialog
2. Click "Grant Access" or "Allow"
3. This permission persists, so you won't need to grant it again

Your First Random Photo

Once your folder is selected:

1. Click the "Random" button (or press Space)
2. Rando will instantly display a random photo from your collection
3. 🎉 You've just rediscovered a memory!

Basic Navigation

Now that you have a photo displayed, try these controls:

Using Buttons

• Random - Show a different random photo
• Previous - Go back to the last photo
• Next - Move forward in your history

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

• Space - Random photo
• ← (Left Arrow) - Previous photo
• → (Right Arrow) - Next photo
• F - Toggle full screen

Understanding Navigation History

Rando remembers your navigation history during the current session:

• Random adds a new photo to your history
• Previous/Next navigate through your history
• History is cleared when you close the app

Viewing Photo Details

Hover over the photo to see additional information:

• File name
• File path
• Image dimensions
• File size

Trying Full Screen

1. Click the Full Screen button or press F
2. The photo fills your entire screen
3. Press Esc or F again to exit full screen

Adding More Folders

Want to randomize across multiple folders?

1. Click "Select Folder" again
2. Choose another folder
3. In the dialog, choose "Add to current selection"
4. Rando now randomizes across ALL selected folders

What's Next?

Now that you've mastered the basics, explore:

• Interface Overview - Understand all interface elements
• Core Features - Discover what else Rando can do
• Slideshow Mode - Experience immersive photo viewing

Common Questions

Q: Why are some photos not appearing?

A: Rando displays common image formats (JPG, PNG, HEIC, GIF, BMP, TIFF) and professional RAW formats (NEF, CR2/CR3, ARW, DNG, ORF, RW2, PEF, RAF). Videos and other file types are excluded. Note: On Windows, some RAW formats may require the Windows RAW Image Extension (free in Microsoft Store) or manufacturer codec packs.

Q: Can I exclude certain subfolders?

A: Currently, Rando scans all subfolders within selected folders. To exclude photos, keep them in a separate folder that you don't select.

Q: Does Rando modify my photos?

A: No! Rando is read-only. Your original photos are never modified, even when you tag them (tags are stored separately).