Today, we will explore the basic features of iMovie version 10.1.5. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to enhance your video editing skills, this guide will provide you with all the essential tools you need. Let's dive in!
After opening iMovie, click on the "Projects" tab. From there, select "Create New" and choose "Movie" instead of a trailer. iMovie automatically saves your project, so no need to worry about manually saving.
To import your videos, you can either drag and drop them directly into the timeline or use the import button. Dragging and dropping is a convenient method, but feel free to choose whichever option works best for you.
Use the zoom slider to adjust the size of your video for easier editing. You can also use the spacebar as a pause and play button, making it effortless to control your video playback.
One useful shortcut to remember is the trim shortcut, which is command B. By pressing spacebar to play your video, you can stop it at a specific point and trim away any unnecessary footage at the beginning or middle of your video.
Under the "My Media" tab, you can insert additional video clips, overlay photos, and add audio. Adjust the audio levels as needed to achieve the desired balance between background music and voice recordings. If you can't find the right music or sound effects in iMovie, consider checking out the YouTube free music library for an extensive collection of songs.
Titles are a great way to introduce your video or provide additional context. Simply drag and drop a title onto your timeline, and you can customize the text, font, color, and size. Experiment with different backgrounds to enhance your titles and make them more visually appealing.
If you want to create a photo story rather than a video, you can add photos to your timeline. Drag and drop them from your finder or use the import button. You can choose to have the photo as a separate cutaway or overlay it for a picture-in-picture effect. Adjust the cropping method to fit your desired visual style.
iMovie offers a variety of transitions to add smooth visual effects between frames. While there are many options to choose from, it's recommended to stick with cross dissolve and cross blur for a more neutral and seamless transition.
If you want to narrate your video or provide additional explanations, you can easily add a voiceover. Click at the beginning of the desired section, click the microphone button, and choose your preferred microphone. Start recording and adjust the volume as needed. You can move the voiceover around and trim it just like other media.
Once you're satisfied with your video, click the "Share" button. It's recommended to save your project as a file, even if you plan to upload it to YouTube. Uploading directly to YouTube may cause issues, so it's best to save it first and then upload the file. The progress circle will indicate how much time is left for the export.
And there you have it! These are some of the basic features of iMovie. We hope you found this guide helpful in getting started with your video editing journey. If you want to learn more about green screen in iMovie, check out the link at the top. Enjoy creating amazing movies!