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iMovie Format Converter - Convert video to iMovie supported format

Convert video to iMovie supported format via iMovie Format Converter

Edit video in iMovie

iMovie is a free video editing application developed by Apple, designed to make creating polished movies and trailers easy and fun for everyone. It comes pre-installed on Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Its clean, intuitive layout makes it easy to start editing quickly, even for beginners. Drag-and-drop simplicity is key. With it, we can trim clips, split scenes, add transitions, titles, background music, and voiceover narration. Access built-in filters, color correction tools, speed controls, picture-in-picture, and green-screen effects. Create impressive movie trailers using pre-designed templates with professional graphics, music, and pacing. After shooting videos with a camera or phone, we can use iMovie for post production and share with friends. As a free editing software, it is deeply loved by users. However, this free software also has some drawbacks, such as poor compatibility with video formats.

iMovie supported video format

iMovie is one of the best free video editing tools for users to add effects, texts, subtitles, etc. to videos. However, sometimes you can't import a video but encounter a "Format Not Supported" error. To let iMovie edit videos without issue, you need to import the iMovie supported video formats to it at the very beginning. So, this guide will list all the file formats supported by iMovie, and teach you how to solve iMovie "Format Not Supported" error. The error happens even importing video files, let alone some incompatible formats like MKV, WMV, AVI, MP4, MOV, MXF, etc. To solve the error, you are suggested to convert videos to iMovie-supported formats and codecs first with a video converter app such as Acrok Video Converter Ultimate for Mac.

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Here's a clear overview of the video formats supported by iMovie, separated by platform (macOS and iOS/iPadOS), as support can differ:

1. iMovie for Mac Computers:

Widely Supported Formats (Most Common):

  • MP4 - Especially those using H.264 or H.265 video compression. This is the most common format from phones, drones, and many cameras.
  • MOV - Especially those using Apple ProRes, AIC (Apple Intermediate Codec), H.264, or H.265. Common format from Apple devices and professional workflows.
  • M4V - Similar to MP4, often used for videos purchased from iTunes.

    • Other Supported Formats:

  • AVCHD (.mts, .m2ts) - Common format from many HD camcorders.
  • DV (.dv) - Standard Definition format from older tape-based camcorders.
  • MPEG-2 (.mpg, .mpeg, .m2v) - Used in some older cameras and DVDs.
  • MPEG-4 (.mp4, .m4v) - As mentioned above.
  • Image Sequences (Series of sequentially numbered images like .jpg, .png, .tif).

    • Key Notes for macOS:

  • HEVC (H.265) is fully supported on Macs with macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later and compatible hardware.
  • Apple ProRes is natively supported and ideal for high-quality editing.
  • 4K Resolution is supported.
  • Frame Rates: Supports common frame rates like 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p.
  • Leverages macOS's QuickTime framework, so any format playable in QuickTime Player generally imports into iMovie, though editing performance may vary.

    • 2. iMovie for iPhone & iPad:

    Primary Supported Formats:

  • MP4 - Using H.264 or H.265 video compression. This is the native format for videos recorded on iPhones and iPads.
  • MOV - Using H.264 or H.265. Also native to Apple devices.
  • M4V - Videos purchased from iTunes.

    • Key Notes & Limitations for iOS/iPadOS:

  • H.265 support depends on the device model and iOS/iPadOS version. Generally, devices with A10 Fusion chip (iPhone 7 and later) or newer running iOS 11/iPadOS 13 or later support HEVC playback and editing. Older devices may only support playback.
  • 4K Resolution is supported only on devices capable of recording 4K (check your specific model).
  • Frame Rates: Supports common rates like 24p, 25p, 30p, 50i, 60p. High frame rates (e.g., 1080p at 120/240fps for slow-mo) are supported for editing if the device recorded them.
  • AVCHD, DV, MPEG-2 are NOT directly supported on iOS/iPadOS. You usually need to convert these files to H.264 or HEVC MP4/MOV first before importing.
  • Apple ProRes support was added in iOS 15/iPadOS 15 for compatible iPhone 13 Pro (and later Pro models) and iPad Pros with M1 chip (and later). Older devices generally don't support editing ProRes natively.

    • Important Considerations for Both Platforms:

    1. "Format Not Supported" Error: If you get this error, it usually means:
      • The video uses a codec iMovie doesn't understand (e.g., older codecs, some screen recordings).
      • (iOS) You're trying to import AVCHD, DV, or MPEG-2.
      • The file might be corrupted.
    2. Solution for Unsupported Files: Use a video converter app (like Apple's free Shutter Encoder, HandBrake, Acrok Video Converter Ultimate for Mac or Adapter) to convert the file to H.264 MP4 or HEVC MP4 before importing into iMovie. This is very common for footage from non-Apple cameras or screen recordings.
    3. Audio Formats: Common audio formats within video files (like AAC, MP3, PCM) are generally supported. Separate audio files (MP3, M4A, WAV, AIFF) can also be imported.
    4. Always Check Apple's Official Page: Supported formats can evolve with new macOS and iOS/iPadOS versions. Check Apple's support site for the most up-to-date information specific to your OS version.

    In Summary:

  • Best Bet for Compatibility: Use MP4 (H.264) or MOV (AIC & H.264) files. This is what most phones and modern cameras produce.
  • For High Quality (Mac): Use Apple ProRes or HEVC.
  • iOS Limitation: Primarily supports H.264 and HEVC in MP4/MOV containers. AVCHD/DV/MPEG-2 need conversion.
  • Check Device Capability (iOS): For HEVC editing and 4K, ensure your iPhone/iPad model and OS version support it.
  • Convert Unsupported Files: Use a video converter app to create compatible AIC, H.264 or HEVC files.

    • Best iMovie Format Converter

    MKV, AVI, WMV, MXF formats are not on the list of native video formats for import supported by iMovie, to edit unsupported videos in iMovie on your Mac or iPad/iPhone, you have to transcode these files to iMovie supported video formats via third-party software. To do this, you can adopt Acrok Video Converter Ultimate for Mac for help. This program features high efficiency and seamless conversion. With it, you can convert Blu-ray, DVD and any video formats to iMovie friendly movie format keeping the original quality. Besides, you can also convert your movie/footage for easier playback and editing.

    Besides iMovie, this iMovie Format Converter can also export various other professinal encoders - Apple ProRes, H.264, H.265, DNxHD, DVCPRO, HDV, MPEG-2 - ensuring maximum editing quality and efficiency when working with Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer, Premiere Pro, Vegas Pro and more.

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    How to convert iMovie-unsupported video format for iMovie?

    To make the file format compatible with iMovie, transcode MP4/MOV/MKV/AVI/WMV with required codecs, or rip Blu-ray/DVD to iMovie editable format, a video converter can help. Acrok Video Converter Ultimate for Mac is a good example to help convert any video/Blu-ray/DVD to iMovie supported file formats.

    1

    Load videos

    Copy the video files from camera or camcorder to your computer. Launch the iMovie Format Converter, and you may either click "Add file" button to import video files, or directly drag and drop the files into this program. For ripping and covnerting Blu-ray/DVD for iMovie, please insert your disc into your BD drive then click "Load disc" icon to load movie files.

    Acrok Video Converter Ultimate for Mac - Best iMovie Fomrat Converter

    2

    Select output format

    Acrok software is able to output proper formats for video editing software and devices. For editing video in iMovie on Mac computer smoothly, please hit "Format" and follow "iMovie" tab then select "iMovie (AIC) (*.mov)" as output format.

    Convert video to iMovie best editing format

    For editing video in iMvoie with iPhone or iPad, please select H.264 MP4 as output format. You can get this output option under "Common Video" category.

    Convert video to H.264 MP4 for editing in iMovie

    3

    Start video conversion

    Finally, press the "Convert" button; it will start to convert video, Blu-ray or DVD files to iMovie supported video format immediately. After the conversion completed you can click on "Open" button in the main interface to get the generated files and load the video to iMovie.

    4

    Import video into iMovie

    Adding Videos to iMovie on Mac:
    1. Open iMovie and create or open a project.
    2. Import Media: Drag and Drop; Click the Import button (or Media, then Import) in the toolbar.
    3. After importing, select the video clip in the browser (right side of the screen) and drag it to the timeline.

    Adding Videos to iMovie on iPhone/iPad:
    1. Open iMovie and create or open a project.
    2. Add Media from iCloud Drive or Photos library.
    3. Tap the video clip you want to add, then tap "Add to Project".

    What's the next? Download and try iMovie Format Converter.

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    Users Reviews


    With Acrok video conversion software, I can convert my MKV and Blu-ray movie to iMovie best editing videos on Mac. In addition, I can convert my camcorder's footage to my LG TV playable format. Now, I can share my movies with my family and friends easily. This as a great piece of software easy to use with great results. I will recommend Acrok programs to all my friends.
    Dean Davis

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