How to Use iMovie - Beginner's Guide

iMovie is free editing software from Apple that comes with every Mac computer and is also available for iPhone and iPad on iOS.

You can update your iMovie or install it on your Mac from the App Store.

If you are new to editing or want a simple way to edit a video project, iMovie is a great app to use for editing videos or creating slideshows.

In this video, I'll show you everything you need to know to edit a video project with iMovie from importing videos and photos to exporting and sharing the video via YouTube or email.

1. Press plus to start a movie project
2. Import media
3. Bring footage to timeline- In and out with I and O and use E to add to timeline
4. Change clip order
5. Trimming clips on a timeline
6. Split clips command B
7. Working with images
8. Adding music
9. Changing audio levels
10. Fading audio
11. Separating audio and video
12. Adding transitions
13. Titles
14. VoiceOver
15. Color correction and effects
16. Export

Resources:
Here is everything I mentioned in the video. (some are my affiliate links)

Yeti Mic for high-quality voiceover:

Thank you for watching this video! Subscribe to see more simple and easy to follow how-to videos.

Recommended YouTube Gear and tool: (includes affiliate links)

Software/platforms:

Courses:

[dogsmadefamous]

:This is by far one of the best produced and optimized tutorials I have watched. No BS, straight to the point with only the facts and no fluff.... Thank you.

[thinkplanetearth]

I've been searching for over an hour on YouTube looking for this type of information, and though this is still completely overwhelming for me, (I have a complete mental block with anything relating to technology), this video was easier to understand than other's I've watched. You're a very good teacher. Not sure that I still understand everything but, this made me feel that maybe I can at least try. If you were in NYC I would take an in-person class with you as I learn better that way. But thank you for putting this out.

[Miss]

Best tutorial I’ve had so far. You covered the basics and explained really well how to use the edit by order of the steps that we usually need when we edit.

[aricar]

Many thanks! This was a terrific tour and tutorial. It had all the info I was hoping for. Straight to the point, no loud distracting music, just helpful and succinct information. You are an excellent teacher :)

[MTBBoomer]

Clicked "save" on this video. Great content and easy to follow. Thank you

[cliveburgess]

Thank you, just what I needed, too many people assume you know what they are talking about in there lessons, no!! we don't, that's why we are watching it!! to learn! very helpful, thanks again, Clive.

[Techwithedwin]

Thanks so much, sir. I did my traditional wedding in 2016 and the guy brought the video to me in 10 seconds to 1 minute. I had it for all these years but today, your video has given me so much knowledge and courage to edit it. iMovie is just what I needed since I'm not looking for something high-end.

[MarcSegan]

Super-clear, smart, fast and easy to understand. Great combination! Thanks.

[streamspartners]

I needed some quick help on iMovie basics. Your video was very helpful to me. It is rare to find such good instruction; clear; to the point; shortcuts; super helpful. Thank you!

[narrowwaygroup]

SIUPER HELPFUL, straight to the point and YOU

[RodneyHanscomb]

Extremely well done for a standard tutorial. Fully worth the 25 minute investment of time!
Thanks!!

[airi.studio]

Your tutorial is very clear and right to the point !

[JohnDubU]

Very helpful, I was looking for a quick overview. You the man. Thumbs up.

[snowman]

Very Helpful video. If I ever graduate to more advanced video editing software I will check back with you. Thanks again!!!!

[johnstisabel]

Your videos are greatly appreciated, very professional and insightful. Thanks

[skysettermobiles]

Outstanding! Thank you so much for adding this tutorial! Just got my first mac (I'm 60 so not new to PC) and wanted to take full advantage of what mac does best! Your tutorial was so well done, not information overload, and easy to understand I'm excited to do my first simple video (combination of my work in motion, stills, music and text) Imagine that... all the things you covered! Subscribing to you now!

[DarkTimes]

Good video man! This gave me all the basic skills needed to make a good college project video.

You are such a great teacher!!! Thank you for doing this tutorial. It was so helpful//Kerstin, Sweden.

[teamhandsome]

Thanks for such a concise explanation of iMovie. I'm a bit rusty so this has been a great refreasher.

[Patrick]

Thanks. Jumping back in to iMovie after a long absence, this is helpful!