iMovie is a digital video editing software program for the Mac and some iOS systems. With iMovie, you can import video from several sources (such as a miniDV tape, VHS recording or DVD) or record directly in iMovie using a Web cam. Once you have imported your video you can trim content, combine clips, insert images, add audio tracks, special effects, and transitions to create a finished movie.

What can it do?

• Perform basic video edits with a library of special effects and transitions
• Connect a digital video camera or a Web camera to import video
• Link with iTunes and iPhoto for easy import of audio tracks and still images
• Export video in QuickTime files or share directly on websites including Facebook and YouTube

Uses in a Course

• Preparation of short clips for streaming or download
• Editing platform for original student films
• Digitizing classroom video footage
• Digital storytelling projects

Access

• iMovie is available to use on CoRE and Digital Studio Mac desktops in Andrews Library.
• iMovie comes pre-installed on every Mac.
• iMovie is available in the iOS App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Things to Consider Before Using iMovie

• iMovie is designed for educational and home users, it doesn’t have advanced featured found in professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere
• An iMovie project file is not suitable for uploading or streaming, it must be exported as a MP4 or WAV file.
• Even short films take several gigabytes of storage in the editing process, make sure your computer has enough space.
• Editing short films is a multi-day process.
• Additional hardware may be needed for digitizing VHS or DVDs.

Software Support

• Apple offers official iMovie support
• iMovie 10.1.16 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning course)
• iMovie workshop post on Technology@Wooster site (workshop resource files and example video) including:
  • the iMovie handout (Word doc in SharePoint)
  • sample files: At the bottom of the post, see the link to “Download workshop files including audio, images, and video”  Please visit that SharePoint folder and download the “MediaSamples.zip” 
• iMovie 10.1.16 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning course)

Additional Help

• Digital Media Assistants are Educational Technology student employees available for consultations at the Digital Media Bar in Andrews Library CoRE.
• CoRE Consultants are available to help in the Digital Studio in Andrews Library
• Educational Technology offers support and training in iMovie