iMovie is a greatvideo editing softwareto use for beginners and pros alike.

Its free and exploring its features is a lot of fun!

This guide will teach you how to use iMovie on a Mac and maximize every feature.

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Inside This Article:

What Is iMovie?

iMovie is Apples default video editor.

you might even add special effects and music to make them more impressive.

what is imovie

How to Use iMovie on Mac

Its convenient to use iMovie because it is very intuitive.

Below are each of those features and extremely useful tips on how you might make the most of them.

This applies to both Mac laptops and desktop computers.

create new

you’re free to alsotransfer photos from your iPhone to your gear.

You will also see categories.

Drag and drop the photos and video clips you want to include in the storyboard below.

import media

The storyboard is also called the Timeline.

You will then see all the folders on your Mac.

This is also where you’ve got the option to access your external drives.

using ken burns

launch the folder from the popup window and select your media then click Import.

By default, these photos and clips will be in the order in which they were imported.

you might drag and drop each of them to arrange their location on the board.

transitions

it’s possible for you to access them from the right pane.

hit Backgrounds from the menu beside Titles, after Audio and My Media.

it’s possible for you to also zoom in and out of photos.

filters

Take note that this feature only works for still photos.

So how do you use Ken Burns for iMovie on a Mac?

When is splitting useful?

add text

For example, you want to add subtitles on different parts of that particular media.

you might split it so that the texts show separately.

Extending a video using the trim feature would loop it back to the beginning of the video is short.

add text to imovie

This is how you’re free to use the split and trim features for iMovie on Mac.

For both steps, verify that on the right pane, you are in Cropping mode.

Combining Clips

Combining clips on iMovie does not mean that two photos or videos will become one.

add music

Or to make them display continuously.

Drag and drop the clips you want to combine.

Adding Transition Effects

iMovies transition effects are incredibly superior compared to other video editing apps.

saving your imovie video

There are about 24 different transition effects available on iMovie on Mac, and they are so versatile.

The process of adding transitions on a Mac greatly differs from an iPhone.

Here is how you might use transition effects on iMovie on Mac.

why use imovie

Adding Filters

you’re free to add filters to both photos and videos.

Inputting Texts or Subtitles to Clips

Adding text to your videos creates an amazing effect.

Your videos can look like professional trailers, and its a great way to tell stories.

you’ve got the option to choose from several text fonts and layouts.

Take note that texts or subtitles added to clips on iMovie only last for a few seconds.

you’re able to add subtitles for individual clips.

This is how you could use the Subtitle feature on iMovie on a Mac.

Below are the best ways to add music to your videos.

These are not to be confused with templates.

iMovie only offers templates to Trailers.

There are a few iMovie themes that you could use, like the News Theme for example.

Using this will apply breaking news-like music and transitions to your video.

If you want to use that particular music, you might select that Theme and toggle on Theme Music.

The music will automatically be applied.

Garageband is Applessound editing software.

You will not be flagged for copyright infringement even if you post them on social.

Here is how you could use the free soundtrack library on iMovie on a Mac.

Saving your iMovie project does not automatically convert it to a video file.

You have to export your video for it to be available in your libraries and folders.

You will see a popup where you could enter a filename for your iMovie project.

Saving Your Video

There are different ways to save or export your iMovie to a video format.

This is not the case when you use iMovie on a Mac.

On a MacBook, your video will only be initially saved on the folder youve selected upon saving it.

Unfortunately, you cant export it directly from your Mac.

Why Use iMovie?

Using iMovie to create and edit videos makes telling stories a lot more fun and easier.

Its a great tool for artists and business owners to create marketing materials to showcase their products or works.

you’re able to use it for presentations at work or company events.

you’ve got the option to also use it simply to share memories with friends and family.

Final Word

iMovie truly takes your video editing skills to the next level.

You dont need to be a professional to create stunning videos.

Its easy to use and best of all, its free!

So master using iMovie on your Mac using the tips above and tell captivating stories now.