How to Make a Time Lapse in iMovie | Mac, iPhone and iPad

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How to Make a Time Lapse in iMovie | Mac, iPhone and iPad

Last Updated: 2024. 02. 23

Time lapse is a technique used to capture a series of photos or frames at set intervals over a period of time. These individual frames are then played back at a much faster rate than they were captured, creating the illusion of time moving quickly. Time lapse is commonly used to document phenomena such as sunrise, cloud movements, flower blooming, traffic patterns, and various other dynamic processes.

For Apple system users interested in exploring time lapse, iMovie emerges as an ideal option due to its user-friendly interface and effective functionality. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to create a time lapse video using iMovie.

How to Make Time Lapse in iMovie on Mac

How to Create TimeLapse from Photos in iMovie on Mac

How to Create an iMovie Time Lapse on iPhone/iPad

Best Alternative to Make iMovie Time-lapse Video Online

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How to Make Time Lapse in iMovie on Mac

Once you’ve shot videos, iMovie allows you to convert normal videos into time-lapse effect with simple operations. Here we take iMovie 10 as an example to show you how to make an iMovie time lapse on Mac.

Step 1

Launch iMovie on your Mac and import the video you want to apply the time-lapse effect to. Drag and drop the video onto the iMovie timeline.

Open and Add Video to iMovie Timeline

Step 2

In the preview window, locate and click on the Clock icon at the top. From the dropdown menu, select "Speed" and then choose "Fast" to apply the time-lapse effect. You can choose from predefined options like 2X, 4X, 8X, and 20X to speed up the frame frequency.

Choose the Fast Speed Feature to Enable Time Lapse Effect

If you want more control over the time-lapse effect, select "Custom" from the Speed menu. This allows you to adjust the frame rate according to your preference.

Step 3

After applying the time-lapse effect, preview the video to ensure it meets your expectations. If you're satisfied with the result, click on the "Share" button located in the toolbar to save the time-lapse video.

That's it! With these simple steps, you can easily create a time-lapse effect in iMovie on your Mac. Experiment with different frame rates and settings to achieve the desired effect for your video.

How to Create TimeLapse from Photos in iMovie on Mac

If you're looking to create a timelapse from pictures in iMovie on your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1

Open iMovie and start a new project, selecting "Movie" as your project type.

Step 2

Navigate to preferences and adjust the "Photo Duration" to 0.1 second. This setting enables you to include more images for a smoother timelapse effect.

Step 3

Within preferences, set "Photo Placement" to 'Crop to Fill' for optimal framing.

Step 4

Use the Import Media icon to import all your timelapse photos and drag them into the timeline.

Step 5

Adjust the cropping of each photo to ensure they fill the frame properly. Preview the timelapse to ensure satisfactory results. Once you're satisfied, click on the Share icon to export the video.

With these steps, you'll be able to effortlessly create a timelapse from your photos in iMovie, perfect for sharing on social media platforms.

How to Make a Time Lapse Video from Photos on iMovie

How to Create an iMovie Time Lapse on iPhone/iPad

Step 1

Launch iMovie on your iPhone/iPad. Navigate to the "Projects" tab at the top and tap on "Create Project" to select the video clip you wish to turn into an iMovie time lapse.

Import the Desired Video to iMovie on iPad/iPhone

Step 2

Once your video is loaded into the timeline, tap on it to select it. Then, locate and tap on the clock icon situated at the bottom-left corner of the screen. This action reveals the speed adjustment bar.

Create Time Lapse Effect by Changing Speed

Step 3

Adjust the speed by dragging the slider along the speed adjustment bar. Preview the video to ensure the time lapse effect meets your expectations. Once satisfied, tap the "Done" button to save and share your iMovie time lapse with others.

By following these steps, you can easily create captivating time lapse videos using iMovie on your iPhone or iPad.

Best Alternative to Make iMovie Time-lapse Video Online

iMovie does provide basic features for making time lapse videos. But for more complex or professional-grade time-lapse videos, you may need to explore alternative software options with more advanced features and customization capabilities. Here are some reasons why FlexClip is recommended:

Speed Curve Function: FlexClip harnesses the speed curve function to accelerate the entire video or specific segments, ensuring a smooth time-lapse effect.

Conversion Capabilities: It can convert regular videos into time-lapse effects or generate time-lapse videos from a series of photos.

Rich Media Resources: With over 4 million royalty-free media resources, including music, FlexClip provides ample options to enhance your time-lapse videos.

Extensive Stock: FlexClip offers a wide range of transitions, overlays, elements, and text stock to enrich your editing options.

AI Tools: An array of AI tools is available to enhance creativity and streamline the editing process.

Multiple Upload Options: FlexClip supports multiple upload methods, including mobile uploads and sharing destinations, providing flexibility in your workflow.

Capture Frames from Video: With a simple one-click operation, you can effortlessly extract individual frames from your time-lapse video. These frames are perfect for use as thumbnails, covers, and more in your projects.

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How to Create iMovie Time-lapse Video Online Using FlexClip

The regular steps of making time-lapse videos in FlexClip work similarly to iMovie. So, here we take the speed curve feature as an example to show how to create an iMovie time-lapse video.

Step 1

Visit the official FlexClip website and navigate to the Media section. Upload your desired video from your PC, mobile device, Google Drive, Google Photos, and more.

Upload Your Footage to FlexClip

Step 2

Add the uploaded video to the timeline. Above the preview window, click on "Speed" and select the "Curve Speed" option to activate it.

Find the Curve Speed Feature in FlexClip

Step 3

Once the speed curve is activated, a graph will display the speed variations over time. Adjust the speed by clicking and dragging points on the curve. Alternatively, choose from six presets to quickly apply a time-lapse effect to specific parts of your video.

Enable the Curve Speed Feature in FlexClip to Create Time-lapse Effect

Step 4

After fine-tuning the speed curve to your preferences, preview the changes by playing the video in the preview window. Enhance your video's appeal by exploring FlexClip's audio stock and text library to add more depth to your content.

Perfect Your Time Lapse Video with Music and Text

Step 5

When you're satisfied with the edits, click on the Export icon to render the video for downloading or sharing on social media platforms.

Export the Edited Time-lapse Video

In Conclusion

That’s all for iMovie time lapse videos on Mac, iPhone and iPad. While if you’re looking for a way that provides more flexibility, try to use FlexClip as your alternative solution. Now it’s your turn to get started!

Bella /

Full of vitality, curiosity and hope, Bella is an energetic copywriter at FlexClip. She mainly concentrates on video creation and troublesome issues related to video editing, providing users with practical solutions and tricks. Personally, Bella loves novels, sci-fi movies, cooking and travel. And, she believes that all her life is the best arrangement from God.