Simple Steps to Exporting Your iMovie Project as MP4

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

Exporting your iMovie project as an MP4 file can be a simple process if you know the right steps to take. In this blog, we will guide you through every step of how to export an iMovie project, ensuring that the final product is a high-quality video that you can share with others. Let's get started!

Getting Prepared

Before diving into the actual export process, it's essential to prepare your project and have everything in place. Here's what you need to do:

Check Video Format

Before exporting your iMovie project, make sure that all your video clips are in a compatible format. iMovie supports most common video formats, such as MOV, MP4, and M4V. If your videos are in a different format, consider converting them beforehand to avoid any issues during the export process.

Organize Media Files

Ensure that all the media files used in your project are well-organized within iMovie. This includes videos, images, and audio files. Organizing your media files will make the editing process smoother and help prevent any problems during the export process.

Update iMovie

To ensure the best performance and compatibility, always keep your iMovie software up to date. Check for updates regularly by clicking on "App Store" in the Apple menu and selecting "Updates." If an update for iMovie is available, download and install it before you start exporting your project.

Creating the iMovie Project

Once you've prepared your project, it's time to create your iMovie masterpiece. Follow these steps to import media files, edit your video, and add some extra flair with transitions and effects:

Import Media Files

First, you'll need to import all the media files you want to include in your iMovie project. To do this, open iMovie and click on "Import" in the toolbar. Browse to the location where your files are stored, select them, and click "Import Selected." Your media files will now appear in the iMovie library, ready for you to start editing.

Editing Tips

Now that your media files are in iMovie, it's time to edit your project. Here are some helpful tips for editing:

Trimming: To remove unwanted parts of a clip, click and drag the edges of the clip in the timeline to the desired length.
Splitting: To split a clip into two, move the playhead to the desired position, right-click on the clip, and select "Split Clip."
Adjusting volume: Click on a clip with audio, and you'll see a volume control line. Click and drag this line up or down to adjust the volume.

Adding Transitions and Effects

Once you've edited your clips, you can add some polish to your project by including transitions and effects. Here's how:

Adding transitions: Click on the "Transitions" tab in the iMovie browser. Choose a transition and drag it between two clips in the timeline.
Adding effects: Select a clip in the timeline, then click on the "Video Effects" tab in the iMovie browser. Choose an effect and drag it onto the clip to apply it.

With your iMovie project now complete, it's time to learn how to export iMovie to an MP4 file.

Exporting the iMovie Project

Now that your iMovie project is complete, it's time to export it as an MP4 file. Follow these simple steps to export your iMovie project:

Select Export Format

In iMovie, click on the "File" menu, then select "Share" and choose "File" from the dropdown menu. This will open the export options window, where you can customize your export settings.

Choose Quality and Resolution

In the export options window, you'll see a few settings you can adjust:

Quality: Choose from Low, Medium, High, or Best quality, depending on your needs. Higher quality will result in a larger file size, while lower quality will reduce the file size.
Resolution: Select the desired resolution for your video. Common resolutions include 1080p, 720p, or even 480p for smaller screen sizes. Keep in mind that higher resolutions will result in larger file sizes.

Start the Export Process

Once you've selected your desired export settings, click on the "Next" button. Choose a location to save the exported file, and click "Save." iMovie will then start the export process, and you'll see a progress bar in the upper-right corner of the iMovie window. Once the export is complete, you'll have your iMovie project as an MP4 file, ready to share or upload.

Now that you know how to export iMovie to MP4, it's time to explore some troubleshooting tips for common issues that may arise during the export process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While exporting your iMovie project, you might encounter some issues. No need to worry! Here are some common problems and their solutions to help you out:

Handling Export Errors

If you experience an error during the export process, try these solutions:

Restart iMovie: Sometimes, a simple restart of the application can resolve any issues.
Free up storage space: Make sure you have enough storage space on your device for the exported file. If you're running low, delete unnecessary files or move them to external storage.
Check for updates: Ensure you have the latest version of iMovie installed. Visit the App Store and check for any updates to the application.

Fixing Audio Sync Issues

If your exported video has audio sync issues, try these tips:

Check the original media files: Ensure that the audio and video are in sync in the original media files. If they're not, fix the sync issues in the original files before importing them into iMovie.
Detach audio: In iMovie, right-click on the video clip with the audio sync issue, and choose "Detach Audio." Adjust the audio clip's position to sync it with the video, then reattach it.

Resolving Compatibility Problems

When exporting your iMovie project, you may encounter compatibility issues with various devices or platforms. To resolve these issues, consider the following:

Export in a different format: If your exported MP4 file is not compatible with a specific device or platform, try exporting it in a different format, such as MOV.
Use a video converter: If you still have compatibility issues after exporting in a different format, use a video converter tool like VLC Media Player or Wondershare UniConverter to convert the file to a compatible format.

With these troubleshooting tips, you'll be able to resolve any issues that arise while exporting your iMovie project. Now, let's take a look at some methods to convert iMovie files to MP4.

Converting iMovie to MP4

Once you've successfully exported your iMovie project, you might want to convert the file to MP4 format for better compatibility across devices and platforms. Here are three popular methods to help you with that:

Using Apple QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a built-in application on macOS that can be used to convert iMovie files to MP4. Follow these simple steps:

Open your exported iMovie file in QuickTime Player.
Click on "File" in the menu bar and choose "Export As."
Select "1080p," "720p," or "480p" based on your desired resolution.
Click "Save" and choose a destination for the converted file.

Your iMovie file will now be saved as an MP4!

Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free, versatile media player that can also convert video files. Here's how to convert your iMovie file to MP4 using VLC:

Download and install VLC Media Player on your device.
Open VLC and click on "Media" in the menu bar, then select "Convert/Save."
Click on "Add" and select your exported iMovie file.
Click on "Convert/Save" and choose "MP4" as the output format.
Select a destination for the converted file and click "Start."

VLC will now convert your iMovie file to MP4 format.

Using Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a powerful video converter tool that supports various formats. To convert your iMovie file to MP4 using Wondershare UniConverter, follow these steps:

Download and install Wondershare UniConverter on your device.
Launch the application and click on "Add Files" to import your exported iMovie file.
Click on the "Output Format" dropdown menu and select "MP4" as the output format.
Choose a destination folder for the converted file and click "Convert."

Wondershare UniConverter will convert your iMovie file to MP4 format in no time.

With these three methods, you can easily convert your iMovie projects to MP4 format for better compatibility. Now you know how to export iMovie projects and convert them to MP4, so go ahead and share your fantastic creations with the world!

If you're passionate about creating captivating video art, be sure to explore the workshop 'Making Expressive Video Art with Resolume' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will teach you how to use Resolume to create stunning and expressive video art that will leave your audience in awe. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your creative skills!