Summary
This article describes how to use iMovie.
Content
Creating a video
Start with "Create New" and then select "Movie".
External Drives
If you want to save to an external drive be sure to save on your hard drive as a new "Open Library". Go to "File" then "Open Library".
Select "Where" as your desired hard drive and name your project.
Import Media
Using the large "Import Media" button you can import your videos, music, and images to your project. This is where you can start thinking about using other creative aspects to your video.
Creative Commons Licensed Items to Enhance Your Video
Music
Audio Sounds
Photos
Remember to attribute the items you use in your videos.
Recording Video in iMovie
If you're interested in recording within iMovie be sure to use the import button (the downward facing arrow). If you have an internal camera you should see your camera appear (Facetime HD camera)
Select this camera and you will see a big record button underneath your camera.
You can now record directly into your iMovie project. Select the record button and touch the button again when you are finished with your recording. Exit the recording screen to go back to your project to edit.
Timeline
The timeline is where you'll be building your video piece out - it appears at the bottom of your iMovie project. All of your video/project assets appear in the top left.
You can select all or part of a clip by selecting it, moving the yellow box that appears around your desired selection, and then dragging and dropping that selection into your timeline. You can drag and drop videos, images, backgrounds, transitions, text, or audio into your timeline. Once in your timeline you can also do further editing of each piece of your video
Additional Assets/Effects
You'll see above your assets you also can add audio from iTunes, titles to your clips, backgrounds to your clips, and transitions in between your clips. Cross dissolves are the most commonly used and recommended transition.
Export
In iMovie your export function is known as "Share" you can share directly to a number of web based platforms including iTunes, YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo. You can also simply export your video as a file.
Further Readings
Apple Support - iMovie Help
Free Music Archive
Moby Gratis
Freesound
Flickr Creative Commons
Unsplash
Need additional help?
Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.