Planning on filming an event and editing it yourself? Free software options like Apple iMovie are actually a lot more versatile than most people think. If you want to edit your own videos like an expert, take a look at these video editing tips for iMovie before getting started.
Before attempting to edit your own videos, be sure to watch or read at least one basic iMovie tutorial. iMovie has are so many features, buttons and gadgets that it can be hard to keep up with sometimes. Checking out some quick video editing tips for iMovie beforehand will be worth the time investment.
1. Nail Your Transitions
Inserting transitions appears simple, but they can actually be difficult to work with when editing a video. Under the Window tab in the toolbar, access the Content Library and select Transitions. Then, choose from a variety of creative transitions to thread into your movie.
2. Designate with Clip Markers
Using markers during the editing process will maximize your efficiency when editing. With iMovie, you do not have to keep a notebook of video times that need editing or sloppily edit in chronological order. Instead, watch your entire video one or two times, pause where you want edits, and insert markers to come back to later.
3. Color Match Your Shots
Online video editing tips for iMovie teach us that color matching can be the best solution to perfecting the scenery in a video. If your shots don’t match up in color, viewers may be dissatisfied. Fix the mistakes caused by varied lighting or shadowing by selecting the
icon and choosing two shots to color match.
4. Insert Freeze Frames to Emphasize Scenes
Especially if you are creating a tutorial video, inserting freeze frames can give your movie more clarity. If you want to emphasize a scene, insert a freeze frame by clicking on “Modify” on the toolbar. Then, select “Add Freeze Frame” from the dropdown menu. Try to find unique ways to incorporate freeze frames to keep your audience interested.
5. Stabilize Your Footage
If you used a tripod during filming, you can probably ignore this step. If your footage is even a little bit shaky, click on the 
icon to enable stabilization. Set the percentage of stabilization depending on how shaky your footage is, then check the “Stabilize Shaky Video” box.
6. Use Your Mac to the Max
If you have Mac apparatus like a trackpad, GoPro, or iPhone, use them. Learn trackpad commands on iMovie. For example, pinch and zoom to expand clips, or use three fingers to move around videos. Import footage directly from your iPhone or GoPro. Rumors even hint that Apple might incorporate VR in the near future. Who knows what this could do for iMovie?
7. Increase the Clip Size
When you first upload footage, iMovie automatically sets the clip size to minimum length. Therefore, you must manually increase the clip size by dragging the scale at the bottom right corner of the project screen. Increasing your clip size will enable you to execute more precise editing, which will pay off in the finished movie.
8. Play Around with Color Correction
In addition to color matching, click on the
icon to color correct your shots. Especially if your filming is a little dreary or overly bright, color correcting can help soften the image. Making your video more visually appealing will set it up for success on any digital platform.
9. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Even if you are a traditionalist, iMovie keyboard shortcuts can actually save a lot of time once you get them down. Instead of right-clicking or frequently searching through the toolbar, follow these basic shortcuts:
- Cut selected clip: ⌘B
- Add marker: M
- Zoom in / out: ⌘= or ⌘-
- Add freeze frame: ⌥F
10. Invest Time in Audio Editing.
Audio makes up a large part of your final product. Invest time into audio editing: insert voiceovers, detach audio from video, and overlap or fade audio clips. Turn on audio skimming under “View” in the top toolbar to detect audio easier. You can also adjust the volume of the audio files by dragging the yellow-green horizontal line in each audio clip.
11. Just Use the Magic Wand.
You don’t have to be a pro editor with background knowledge on lighting, shadowing, contrast, and shot composition to use iMovie. One of the most effective video editing tips for iMovie is to simply click on the magic wand enhancement icon
to reveal automatic suggested edits. Then, you can make manual adjustments accordingly if necessary.
Go Beyond Video Editing Tips for iMovie: How to Achieve Pro Quality Video Editing
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