Working with iMovie

 

iMovie is an incredibly easy way to edit video clips, footage, and related effects, culminating in a finished video project.  After working with iMovie, the process will probably become like second nature to you, but if you are new to the program there are a couple of steps that will help make the process easier, and ultimately more rewarding for you.

 

1) – After opening the program, you will want/need to set the informational parameters of your project: click to create a new project (File, New Project)

 

 

 

Here, you will need to decide if you want to attach a border to your video (which is really an aesthetic/conceptual choice) and then title the project.  It is strongly recommended that you do not leave the project titled New Project.

Next, you will create a new event (File, New Event).

 

 

 

 

 

Just as with the project window, you should add an event title that pertains to your project.

2) – Bringing Footage into the Program: Now that you have constructed the informational parameters of your project, you will need to bring in footage or clips that you will be editing.

If you are bringing footage in from a digital camera (such as one of the Canon Vixias) you would import the footage from the camera (connected by USB cable, File, Import From Camera).

 

Or, if you are bringing in clips that you have grabbed from YouTube (or another site on the Web, File, Import, Movies).

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) – Formatting the File Size of Your Footage: Whenever you bring footage in to use for your project you will need to configure the file size of that footage.  There are two options – Large (which is high quality) or Full (which is the exact file size properties that are contained on the camera.  You should go with Large, which will give you a high quality presentation of the footage that you are grabbing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) – Selecting Footage and Working in Your Timeline: Now that you have your footage imported into the program, you can grab the parts that you want and bring them into your timeline to work with them.  You will need to place your cursor over the section(s) that you want to use and highlight them (this will look like a yellow lasso that wraps around the clips that you highlight ).  Once you have highlighted a clip, click on that clip, and, without letting go, drag and drop the clip over into your timeline at the top left hand corner of the screen.

Exploring Effects to Apply to Your Video: There are a number of effects that you can apply to your video in terms of images, visuals, and audio materials.  The Effects Toolbar is located in the center of the screen.  Taking a click that you have grabbed, and if necessary converted from YouTube, try applying various effects from the Effects Toolbar to become familiar and comfortable with options that the program can offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) – Be prepared to Experiment:  Remember, this is non-destructive editing (meaning that if there is a problem, or something that you decide you would like to change, you will be able to because the source files are still in-tact), so you should feel free to experiment with the program.  The more you work with the program with a sense of curiosity and playful experimentation, the richer your end results will be.