iMovie Guide: How to Edit with iMovie Like a Pro

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iMovie Guide: How to Edit with iMovie Like a Pro

Last Updated: 2022. 05. 06

Developed by Apple Inc., iMovie is one of the world's video editing tools software that gives users the opportunity to edit their videos like a pro. It has the capacity to give your video that Hollywood movie effect if you follow the right steps. Today, iMovie has over 5 million users, and its popularity keeps increasing over time, thanks to its clear user interface.

Can't Miss: How to Add a Voice over in iMovie on Mac and iPhone>

Benefits of Editing with iMovie

The benefits of using the iMovie tool cannot be over-emphasized. Because of the multiple functions of this tool, the benefits are just too many to be mentioned at once. But we have mentioned a few important ones below; they are listed thus:

1. User-friendly Interface

The developers of this app understand that not every user is a pro in video editing, so they are cutting them a slack. While some have no experience in video editing, others may have just the most basic experience. So, they have designed the app in a way where everyone can participate hence, the easy-to-use user interface.

2. Custom Elements

Remember we told you that iMovie comes with multiple functions; one of them is the custom elements. This feature lets you come out with that cinema-like video graphic and add custom cast names and credit rolls. Users can also choose from the array of fitting templates designed for different video genres.

3. Effects and Enhancements

iMovie video editing tool allows users to improve their videos using an in-built video enhancement and special effects features. It has ten filters and eight themes, accompanied by sounds and music effects to select from. Users can also add any song of their choice from their private music library. Another interesting benefit is the fact that it makes provisions where users can add voiceovers if they wish.

Away from the benefits of iMovie, there has been much debate about how easy it is to edit videos using the iMovie. As complex as this tool may look, it is easy to use; you don't need to be techy before navigating through it. Below is how to edit with iMovie with ease.

How to Edit with iMovie

Step 1. Download the iMovie

This is where you are from the Apple store. You can also download it from the apple.com platform. But before you go about this, there are some system requirements you need to have. For iMac users, you need a 3.1GHz Core i7 CPU and 16GB RAM. For MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, you need a 3.1GHz Core i5 CPU and 8GB RAM.

Step 2. Start a New Project

While on the project browser, click "Create New."

Click on the "Project" button in your toolbar.

Click the "Project" button again to launch the Project browser.

Click Movie.

After which, your new project is expected to be open alongside the browser, the timeline, and the viewer.

Start a New Project

How to Start With an iMovie Template

Open your iMovie on the Mac computer. Click on the "Projects" button located in the upper-left corner.

Select "Create New," after which you click "Movie."

Drag and drop your preferred template into iMovie. Move it to the editing area.

Click "Settings" located in the upper-right hand corner of the timeline. Now click on "No Theme," after which the "Change Theme" window shows up.

Now, click on play to preview, then you can go ahead to apply to any of your videos.

Some iMovie Templates Style

Currently, there are 14 pre-programmed templates styles in iMovie. Some of these templates include Bulletin Board, Photo Album, Scrapbook, Sports, Comic Book, Filmstrip, Neon, News, Travel, etc.

iMovie Video Template

Step 3. How to Cut video in iMovie

To add/remove frames with clip trimmer:

Select the clip you wish to work on in the timeline you wish to trim.

Click Choose Window, then Show Clip Trimmer.

By now, the trimmer should appear over your timeline.

But in a case where edges are shown and an unused portion of the clip appears dimmed, do the following;

Extend the clip by dragging the edge of your clip away from its center.

Shorten your clip by dragging the edge of the clip toward the center.

Then close the clip trimmer by pressing 'Return.'

How to Cut video in iMovie

Step 4. How to Split Clips in iMovie

Splitting your videos allows you to adjust the duration of each video section. You can erase unwanted sections or add a new title to the video with this. Below is how you split your videos using iMovie:

Go to the timeline to position your play head where you wish to split the clip: your play head is the white line.

Zoom in on the clip. To do this, pinch open in the center of your timeline, then tap on the video.

Tap on the action button. Next, tap Split.

You can also do it the other way round:

Tap on the video clip (in the iMovie).

Swipe down over the play head on your video like you are slicing through the video using your finger.

How to Split Clips in iMovie

Step 5. Add Text

Open your iMovie app.

Pick the Video you wish to add texts on.

Tap on the "T," located at the bottom of your screen.

Select your preferred title style.

A preview of your chosen style appears on the screen. Tap on it, and input your text.

When you finish, tap "Done."

How to Add Text in iMovie

Step 6. Add Transitions

There are two ways to add a transition to your videos in iMovie. It's either you use the automatic or the manual method. But we will use the manual method, which is more common.

First, switch off automatic transition. In your iMovie app, open your video in the timeline. Select "Transitions" located above the browser.

Skim the transition to preview it.

Then do either of the following:

Add a transition between two videos by dragging a transition between two videos in your timeline.

Add transition at both ends of the video by selecting a video in the timeline and double-clicking on a transition in the browser.

How to Add Transitions in iMovie

Step 7. Add Filters

Tap on a video in your timeline to select.

Tap on the Filters button, and tap a filter to preview the viewer.

Tap outside your filter section to apply filters. You can as well tap "None" if you don't feel like using a filter.

To add a filter to the whole project:

Open your project. Tap on the Project Settings button.

Tap on a filter, after then tap "Done." After that, filters are applied to all the projects. But not all the still images or photos.

How to Add Filters in iMovie

Step 8. Change Themes

Click Settings from your iMovie app. Click "Settings," located in the upper-right hand corner of the timeline.

Click the "Theme" button.

Then change the Theme window by doing any of these:

Select a theme by clicking "Select a Theme," then click on "Change."

Remove a theme by clicking "Select No Theme," then click "Change."

How to Change Themes in iMovie

Step 9. Change Video Speed

Open your project, and tap on the video of your choice from the timeline to disclose the inspector located at the button screen.

Tap on the "Speed" button. A yellowish bar will appear just at the bottom of your screen, alongside the range handles at both ends.

To set the ranges, do either of these:

Drag either of the yellowish-orange handles. Tap on "Add" to create another range.

Drag the slider to the right or left to increase or decrease your speed, do it in the inspector.

The relative speed will display below the video while you drag.

To create an extra range, tap outside a portion of the video that you have selected the range.

Drag the yellowish range handles to move the range. Then keep adjusting the speed with the slider.

For each range you create is represented by a vertical white line located at the bottom of the video.

To reverse the whole video to normal speed, tap on the "Reset" button located in the inspector.

When you are done, tap outside the inspector to dispel it.

How to Change Speed in iMovie

Step 10. Add Audio

To do this:

Open your Video in the timeline in the iMovie app. Select "Audio," which is located above the browser.

Select "Music," which is located in the sidebar. Then browse to find the video you wish to add to the project.

Drag and drop the video to the background audio.

To Record a Voiceover in iMovie on Mac

While in the iMovie app, position the playhead in the timeline where you wish to commence the recording.

Click the "Record Voiceover" button located below the viewer.

Adjust (and keep adjusting) your recording settings until you get the perfect fit.

How to Change Audio in iMovie

The Bonus Tips: Best iMovie Alternative

But in a case where you don't have a Mac or iOS device, you might as well try out one of the best iMovie alternatives: FlexClip. FlexClip is one of the world's best and the most used online video editing tools. It has grown to become the best iMovie alternative, an achievement that can be attributed to its interesting features, e.g., no download; it is completely online-based, and you won't have to worry about it occupying more space in your CPU. Again, it comes with the best eye-catching templates, and it's very easy to use hence a simple, friendly user interface. So, don't hesitate to make FlexClip your video editing companion when you find the iMovie a bit complex.

Create a Video

View Templates

The Bottom Line

That's all for how to edit with iMovie. Use iMovie to level up your videos right now. By the way, if you can't access to iMovie on account of diverse reasons, let the best iMovie alternative - FlexClip to help you!