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iMovie Slideshow: How to Make an iMovie Photo Slideshow with Music and Templates

Last Updated: 2025. 09. 28

Are you returning from a family vacation with batches of photos to share or need a special way to celebrate the upcoming holiday? Then an engaging slideshow is a great way to share photos with families and friends.

Making a photo slideshow with iMovie is one of the best things any Mac user can rely on. As an inbuilt video editor, it provides a simple yet professional way to make slideshow movies from your photos and videos. Besides, you can level up your slideshow by trimming, cropping, adding transitions, filtering and more.

Can't wait to start now? Here we'll walk you through how to create an iMovie slideshow, from getting the images from Photos to adding transitions, effects and music for that exciting thrill at the end.

Free and Customizable iMovie Video Slideshow Templates for You:

Romantic Anniversary Collage Slideshow
Preview
Romantic Anniversary Collage Slideshow
Use This Template
Universal Film Memory Photo Collage Slideshow
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Universal Film Memory Photo Collage Slideshow
Use This Template
Funeral Tribute Slideshow
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Funeral Tribute Slideshow
Use This Template
Family Photo Frames Slideshow
Preview
Family Photo Frames Slideshow
Use This Template

Can't Miss: Best Free Slideshow Makers with Music & Effects Online/Offline>

Part 1. How to Make a Slideshow on iMovie with Music

Now let's go straight to see how to make an iMovie slideshow with music. Simply follow the steps below.

Step 1: Prepare the Images in Photos

Before making slideshows on iMovie, crop and edit your pictures in Photos. Then create an album and arrange the images in the order you want them to display in the slideshow.

Even if you can do these in iMovie, it's much easier to edit them in Photos.

Step 2: Create a New Project in iMovie

When you open iMovie, click on the Projects button and then click Create New. iMovie gives you two options: to create short and fun Hollywood-style trailers with some ready-made templates as below or make a video with a combination of photos, videos and music.

Trailer Templates in iMovie

Trailer Templates in iMovie

To make a slideshow, the Movie function is what we'll be using today as it gives more flexibility and features.

Create a New Project in iMovie

Create a New Project in iMovie

Step 3: Import Photos, Videos and Audio Files

Go to My Media tab and click on Import to load your photos, videos and audio to iMovie. If you've already arranged all your media resources in the Photos app, you can just switch to Photos tab under the Libraries panel on the left to import.

Import Photos, Videos and Audio Files

Import Photos, Videos and Audio Files

Step 4: Adjust the Photos in Timeline

Now it's time to fine-tune your photos with some extra editing options available on the Viewer pane. You can use the Magic Wand tool to improve the photo quality automatically, do some color correction, work on the color balance, crop your photos, and add filters. When finishing edits, remember to save your changes.

Adjust the Photos in Timeline

Adjust the Photos in Timeline

Step 5: Add Motion to Still Image

When you use pictures in slideshow, it's nice to bring motion to your still images. Select the photos you want to add motion, go to the Cropping option at the top of your Viewer pane and choose the Ken Burns tab. Adjust the starting and ending frames in the way you want to see the effect start and end.

Add Motion to Still Image

Add Motion to Still Image

Step 6: Add Transition to Your Slideshow

Transitions are one of the main features to create a smooth slideshow. iMovie offers an array of transition effects like cross dissolve, fade and cross blur. But it's not wise to use a lot of different transitions one after another, as it distracts the attention and interrupts the flow.

To add a transition to the slideshow, drag and drop it between two photos in the timeline.

Add Transition to Your Slideshow

Add Transition to Your Slideshow

Step 7: Add Titles and Text

Using titles and text is a great way to mark the beginning and end parts of your slideshow. You can also add some famous quotes and words to bring an extra emotional dimension to your slideshow.

To add a title, click the Titles panel and then select one of the templates. Then drop it into the timeline and type your preferred text in the preview window now. However, iMovie doesn't allow you to add plain text to your slideshow as all the text presets include animation effects. Don't worry! We will offer a solution later.

Add Titles and Text

Add Titles and Text

Step 8: Add Music to Slideshow

You can import your audio from computer or download some royalty-free music tracks from websites to set them as the background music of your slideshow. According to iMovie's official website, you'd better purchase music from iTunes and then apply it to your slideshow.

Sync the track with your slideshow by trimming if you're make a storytelling video. But if you want to layer multiple audios like voiceover, background music and sound effects, iMovie is not the ideal option for you as multiple soundtracks layer is unavailable on iMovie.

Add Music to iMovie Slideshow

Add Music to iMovie Slideshow

Step 9: Save and Export the Slideshow

Play the slideshow to check if everything goes well and select File / Share / File to export your slideshow. Now you can share the iMovie photo slideshow with your friends.

Save and Export the iMovie Slideshow

Save and Export the iMovie Slideshow

Although iMovie is an easy-to-use option for creating slideshow on Mac, it still has drawbacks as below.

  • Limited templates to choose from(themes, title and trailer templates) and most of them are out of date to get more views on social media platforms.
  • Unable to add plain text without effects since all the title presets are animated.
  • You can't add multiple audio tracks like voiceover, sound effects and background music one by one and play them at the same time in iMovie.
  • It lacks an inbuilt music library which means that you have to search for royalty-free soundtracks and download them to your computer for creation.
  • A limited number of video effects and personalized options.
  • Are you looking for an iMovie alternative way to create slideshow with more freedom and flexibility? Just keep reading and explore an AI-powered interesting way to create photo slideshow with template.

    Part 2. Make Stunning Photo Slideshow with AI Recreate

    If you want to start a branded new experience of creating photo slideshow, you can try this online iMovie alternative - FlexClip.

    Offering almost 6000+ ready-made template, FlexClip enables you to quickly find a stylish template and apply its design to form a professional-level photo slideshow. However, that's just the beginning of your slideshow creation using FlexClip.

    Elegant Wedding Invitation Floral Love Anniversary Family Memoirs Collage Slideshow
    Preview
    Elegant Wedding Invitation Floral Love Anniversary Family Memoirs Collage Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Love Frame Photo Collage Birthday Family Party Travel Friend Film Slideshow
    Preview
    Love Frame Photo Collage Birthday Family Party Travel Friend Film Slideshow
    Use This Template

    How about the template customization? FlexClip revolutions basic drag-and-drop replacements into AI-powered recreate process. Its smart AI technology will analyze your uploaded content and reimagine resources to tailor a new slideshow that aligns with your theme and unique story. No editing skills required! No downloads needed! With FlexClip’s templates, creating appealing slideshow has never been easier.

    AI Recreate Feature to Make Photo Slideshow with More Flexibility

    AI Recreate Feature to Make Photo Slideshow with More Flexibility

    Create Photo Slideshow View Slideshow Templates

    Key Features of FlexClip's Templates

  • There are 6000+ ready-made slideshow templates with stylish designs and trending soundtrack that you can customize with ease, such as family slideshow template, wedding slideshow template, memorial slideshow template, birthday slideshow template and so on. What’s more, this number keeps growing as professional design team updates the template library regularly.
  • Extensive Library of Slideshow Templates in FlexClip

    Extensive Library of Slideshow Templates in FlexClip

  • Say goodbye to template incompatibility issue! In FlexClip, every template works with multiple aspect ratios, including 16:9, 9:16, and 1:1. Now you’ll never be disappointed by picking a favorite slideshow template only to find it won’t work for your needs.
  • Strong Compatibility Support of Every Template in FlexClip

    Strong Compatibility Support of Every Template in FlexClip

  • Choose from 7M+ royalty-free music, photos and videos to perfect your slideshow as you like, saving you hours of finding the right music online and avoiding copyright infringement.
  • Millions of Media Resources to Make Your Slideshow Shine

    Millions of Media Resources to Make Your Slideshow Shine

  • Experience the joy of streamlined slideshow creation with AI in FlexClip. Whether it's TTS tool to create natural-sounding voiceover from text, photo colorizer to change your image style, remove unwanted object from photo, transform photo to video with AI or turn your ideas into melodious rhythm, FlexClip gives whatever you need without the hassle of platform switching.
  • AI-driven Tools of FlexClip to Speed up Slideshow Creation

    AI-driven Tools of FlexClip to Speed up Slideshow Creation

  • Hundreds of text styles & animation effects, stylish filters, cool transitions, awesome effects, appealing overlays are available to infuse your creativity in your slideshow. Say goodbye to endless time-consuming searching! Since with FlexClip, an all-in-one slideshow maker, you can easily find whatever you want in seconds.
  • Hundreds of Texts, Filters, Overlays and Other Elements to Infuse Your Creativity into Slideshow

    Hundreds of Texts, Filters, Overlays and Other Elements to Infuse Your Creativity into Slideshow

  • Besides, if you need to make slideshow creation with your families, colleague or friends, FlexClip's team collaboration makes it easier to assign tasks, check the process and give timely feedback. Meanwhile, its versatile workaround of the edited slideshow can also benefit you much more: you can directly download the slideshow to play it at party, generate a clickable link to embed in an email as a surprising gift or directly share to social media to win likes and subscriptions. Incredible convenient and easy!
  • Team Collaboration Feature to Craft Slideshow with Your Colleague

    Team Collaboration Feature to Craft Slideshow with Your Colleague

    How to Create a Slideshow with Templates in FlexClip

    Step 1: Pick a Template You Like

    Access FlexClip's template interface, enter keyword to instantly circle your theme option and pick your preferred template to start.

    Pick a Template You Like to Start

    Pick a Template You Like to Start

    Step 2: Customize the Template with AI Recreate Feature

    FlexClip offers both general drag-and-drop customization and AI Recreate. Here hit on AI Recreate button below and you’ll be led to the setup interface. The selected template will appear on the left for you to preview and check.

    Use AI Recreate Feature to Customize the Selected Template

    Use AI Recreate Feature to Customize the Selected Template

    On the right panel, select the language, tone, and theme for AI to analyze and rebuild. After that, upload your photos and clips to create your slideshow

    Upload Your Photos and Customize Setup to Guide AI Rebuild Your Slideshow

    Upload Your Photos and Customize Setup to Guide AI Rebuild Your Slideshow

    Step 3: Generate and Preview

    Hit on Generate button to get started. AI will instantly analyze visuals and audios content in uploaded media, then generate appropriate text to match on your slideshow theme and visuals, finally it combine the visuals, text and effects to produce the final slideshow result.

    Star AI Recreate Process and Let AI Rebuild the Template for You

    Star AI Recreate Process and Let AI Rebuild the Template for You

    Within minutes, your crafted slideshow will be ready to preview and play in FlexClip's built-in editor page. At there, you can make more personal touch by changing default music, adjusting playback speed and applying additional AI tools to make it truly shine.

    Preview the AI-generated Slideshow and Add Personal Touches

    Preview the AI-generated Slideshow and Add Personal Touches

    Step 4: Download and Share

    Congrats! Now it's time to share your stunning slideshow. You can tap the Export button to download the video or share it with your friends in no time.

    Download the Edited Slideshow and Share Across Social Media

    Download the Edited Slideshow and Share Across Social Media

    Note
    Want to generate a slideshow start from scratch? Apply FlexClip's ai slideshow generator that uses text prompt to generate slideshow videos with background music. You just need to enter your prompt and then a beautiful slideshow is at your fingertips.

    Part 3. Popular Slideshow Types iMovie Users Like to Create

    iMovie Memorial Templates in FlexClip Free Download

    Turn the life story of your loved one into a heartfelt, personal film, allowing relatives and friends to celebrate their remarkable life. An editable template simplifies the process. Choose your favorite preset, then personalize it by incorporating their favorite song, selecting cherished photos, and adding heartfelt words to express your sorrow and honor their memory.

    Memorial Photo Slideshow For Funeral
    Preview
    Memorial Photo Slideshow For Funeral
    Use This Template
    Memorial Slideshow For Funeral
    Preview
    Memorial Slideshow For Funeral
    Use This Template
    Retro Vintage Minimalist Memorial Tribute Funeral Collage Photo Slideshow
    Preview
    Retro Vintage Minimalist Memorial Tribute Funeral Collage Photo Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Memorial Day Slides
    Preview
    Memorial Day Slides
    Use This Template

    iMovie Wedding Templates in FlexClip Free Download

    Marriage is for two while wedding is for all! Whether you’re in need of a wedding invitation slideshow template for gathering people together for your Big Day or a romantic wedding template to tell your love story at the rehearsal dinner party, these free templates below can help you out! You can use these beautiful wedding templates not only for invitation but also for anniversary celebration or proposal.

    Romantic Wedding Propose Polaroid Love Story Memories Family Retro Photo Collage Slideshow
    Preview
    Romantic Wedding Propose Polaroid Love Story Memories Family Retro Photo Collage Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Film Polaroid Love Story Wedding Anniversary Family Travel Memories Photo Slideshow
    Preview
    Film Polaroid Love Story Wedding Anniversary Family Travel Memories Photo Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Black White Vintage Film Look Love Wedding Story Collage Slideshow
    Preview
    Black White Vintage Film Look Love Wedding Story Collage Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Romantic Polaroid Wedding Anniversary Love Story Travel Memories Photo Collage Slideshow
    Preview
    Romantic Polaroid Wedding Anniversary Love Story Travel Memories Photo Collage Slideshow
    Use This Template

    iMovie Collage Slideshow Templates Free Download

    Looking for creative ideas for a more engaging slideshow? Why not create a collage slideshow that showcases multiple photos on one screen and combines visuals in innovative shapes? Simply browse FlexClip’s collage template collection and choose your favorite to personalize with your unique touches.

    Family Friend Film Memory Photo Collage Slideshow
    Preview
    Family Friend Film Memory Photo Collage Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Romantic Wedding Propose Polaroid Love Story Memories Family Photo Collage Slideshow
    Preview
    Romantic Wedding Propose Polaroid Love Story Memories Family Photo Collage Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Minimalist Floral Photo Album Collage Loving Memory Funeral Slideshow
    Preview
    Minimalist Floral Photo Album Collage Loving Memory Funeral Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Golden Christmas Light Happy New Year Tree Photo Collage Slideshow Greeting
    Preview
    Golden Christmas Light Happy New Year Tree Photo Collage Slideshow Greeting
    Use This Template

    The Bottom Line

    That's all about how to create an iMovie photo slideshow on Mac and an alternative way to create slideshow with iMovie slideshow templates. Hopefully, with all the methods shared, everyone can easily turn photos into eye-catching slideshows in seconds.

    Wedding Typography
    Preview
    Wedding Typography
    Use This Template
    Honeymoon Slideshow
    Preview
    Honeymoon Slideshow
    Use This Template
    Group 11
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