iLife

This wikibook contains characters (such as the Apple logo) that display only on Apple Macintosh computers. These characters will not appear on computers running Microsoft Windows.

What is iLife?

Often cited as a reason to use a Mac over a Windows PC, iLife is a suite of six digital media applications that let you organize photos, music, and videos; create home movies, songs, and podcasts; and publish your projects to the internet and DVDs. Although it isn't included with Mac OS X, it is included with every new Mac that Apple ships, and is available separately for $79.

About this Wikibook

Although iLife is considered very easy to use compared to the competition, using its six applications can prove difficult at times. New users may find they need help before they can use iLife by themselves. In addition, power users may wish to learn about some of iLife 06's new features.

In the past, the preferred way of learning how to use iLife was a traditional book. Unfortunately, these books can be expensive, especially when in color, which is important for a book pertaining to editing movies and photos. Many users simply try to learn iLife by themselves, often missing out on important features and time-saving tricks.

With the advent of the wikibook, you can learn iLife online for free. Don't worry, there are no hidden charges for using this site.

Wikibooks are great because anyone can edit them. See a confusing explanation of how to do something? Once you figure out a better way to explain, come back and fix it for everyone else. In a real book, you can't help other readers understand something the author explained poorly.

In addition, unlike traditional bound books, Wikibooks are always up-to-date. This is especially important for iTunes, the music-managing app in iLife, that is updated frequently over the course of the year. Features are added, new iPods debut, and the interface improves.

Keep in mind that this book assumes you already know how to use Mac OS X as a whole. If you don't, please read our companion wikibook, Mac OS X Tiger.

This wikibook also covers Front Row, which while not part of iLife, is heavily dependent on it.

Using this Wikibook

Structure

This wikibook is divided into six "parts", one for each application. Each part is divided into chapters. There is also an appendix on Front Row.

Nesting

Arrows > Like > These are used to show menus. For instance, "Open the menu labeled File. In that menu is an item labeled Save As. Click Save As " could be abbreviated to "File > Save As...".

Likewise, these > arrows are also used for file locations. "Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities" is shorthand for "Open the Macintosh HD folder. Inside is a folder labeled Applications. Inside that is another folder labeled Utilities. Open that."

Right Click

Another convention in this Wikibook is the use of "right click". Mac OS X supports both one-button and two-button mice. On a two-button mouse, when told to "right click", simply press the right mouse button. But if using a one-button mouse, hold down the "control" key on your keyboard while you click.

Info Boxes

A computer book mainstay, info boxes have called attention to important items for ages. This wikibook is no exception, offering four different flavors.

NOTE: Notes contain handy "sidebar" information that doesn't quite mesh with the rest of the chapter. We recommend reading them, since they're often quite interesting.

WARNING: Look out! Not reading these yellow Warning boxes could cause headaches and the loss of time, data, or equipment!

TRICK: Essential? Maybe not. Fun? Definitely. Learn about extra features and timesavers in these boxes.

BACKGROUND: Gather 'round for a bit of iLife history.

Contents

1. iTunes

   iTunes is an app for acquiring digital music from CDs or the internet and then outputting it to CDs or an iPod. The latest version also handles videos.

2. iPhoto

   iPhoto sucks up pictures from a digital camera, lets you sort them into groups, edit them, and then output them as prints or gifts.

3. iMovie HD

   iMovie lets you import footage from a digital camcorder and then edit it with titles, transitions, and special effects.

4. iDVD

   iDVD lets you take media from iPhoto or iMovie and burn it to blank DVDs with professional menus.

5. GarageBand

   GarageBand lets you create your own songs, either out of musical building blocks called loops or with a digital piano keyboard. It also lets you create your own podcasts (online radio shows).

6. iWeb

   iWeb lets you create a simple personal website and fill it with your photos, music, movies, podcasts. It also lets you create a blog.

7. Appendices

   • A: Using Front Row

     While technically not part of iLife, this feature on all Macs that came with an Apple Remote lets you enjoy your media from your sofa.

   • B: The Keyboard Shortcut Cheat Sheet

     A quick guide to time-saving keyboard shortcuts that can improve your workflow.

8. Glossary

   Find a term you don't know? You might find it in the glossary.