How to Add Transitions in iMovie
Open the iMovie application., Open your iMovie project., Split the video clip at the desired point., Open the Transition window., Select the type of transition you want., Adjust the speed of the transition., Insert the transition into the timeline...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Open the iMovie application.
Do this by either clicking on its icon in the dock, or by navigating to its icon in the "Applications" folder in Finder. -
Step 2: Open your iMovie project.
From the "File" menu in iMovie, choose "Open" to open your existing project.
If you need to create a new project, click "New." If you are creating a new project, you will need to import a video clip into your iMovie project.
Do this by clicking and dragging any video file into the iMovie window.
To move the imported video clip to the timeline for editing, simply drag it from the workspace in the right panel down to the timeline at the bottom of the window. , Transitions can only be added in between 2 clips, so you will need to begin by splitting the clip into 2 smaller clips.
To do this, play your movie, and stop the playback at the exact moment you want to split the clip.
You can also move the playhead (the vertical line on top of the timeline) by clicking and dragging it.
Right-click or control-click on the timeline, and then select "Split clip at playhead." This will split the clip. , Position the playhead between the 2 clips, and then click the button reading "Trans" in the right panel.
This will open a window allowing you to select a transition. , In the window that appears, you will see a list of transitions that are available.
Click on any of the names to see a preview in the small window above the list.
You can click the button that reads "Preview" to watch the transitions again. , In the Transition window, you will see a slider marked "Speed." Adjust the slider bar to select your transition speed
- how quickly the effect will occur.
Durations between a tenth of a second and 4 seconds are available. , When you have chosen a transition and a speed, click and drag the small blue icon to the left of the transition's name into the timeline. , Once inserted into the timelines, you will see a small red bar slowly move to the right underneath the transition.
This represents the time it takes to render the new piece of video generated by the transition. , To ensure that the transition looks how you want it to, move the playhead back to the beginning of the first clip and play the movie.
You can adjust the transition's speed again through the Transition window if desired. -
Step 3: Split the video clip at the desired point.
-
Step 4: Open the Transition window.
-
Step 5: Select the type of transition you want.
-
Step 6: Adjust the speed of the transition.
-
Step 7: Insert the transition into the timeline.
-
Step 8: Allow the transition to render.
-
Step 9: Preview the video clip.
Detailed Guide
Do this by either clicking on its icon in the dock, or by navigating to its icon in the "Applications" folder in Finder.
From the "File" menu in iMovie, choose "Open" to open your existing project.
If you need to create a new project, click "New." If you are creating a new project, you will need to import a video clip into your iMovie project.
Do this by clicking and dragging any video file into the iMovie window.
To move the imported video clip to the timeline for editing, simply drag it from the workspace in the right panel down to the timeline at the bottom of the window. , Transitions can only be added in between 2 clips, so you will need to begin by splitting the clip into 2 smaller clips.
To do this, play your movie, and stop the playback at the exact moment you want to split the clip.
You can also move the playhead (the vertical line on top of the timeline) by clicking and dragging it.
Right-click or control-click on the timeline, and then select "Split clip at playhead." This will split the clip. , Position the playhead between the 2 clips, and then click the button reading "Trans" in the right panel.
This will open a window allowing you to select a transition. , In the window that appears, you will see a list of transitions that are available.
Click on any of the names to see a preview in the small window above the list.
You can click the button that reads "Preview" to watch the transitions again. , In the Transition window, you will see a slider marked "Speed." Adjust the slider bar to select your transition speed
- how quickly the effect will occur.
Durations between a tenth of a second and 4 seconds are available. , When you have chosen a transition and a speed, click and drag the small blue icon to the left of the transition's name into the timeline. , Once inserted into the timelines, you will see a small red bar slowly move to the right underneath the transition.
This represents the time it takes to render the new piece of video generated by the transition. , To ensure that the transition looks how you want it to, move the playhead back to the beginning of the first clip and play the movie.
You can adjust the transition's speed again through the Transition window if desired.
About the Author
Adam Richardson
Adam Richardson has dedicated 4 years to mastering science and research. As a content creator, Adam focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: