Why Is iMovie Cropping My Video on iPhone?
"Why is iMovie cropping my video?" This is a question that many users may have when working with this popular iOS and macOS video editing software. Knowing the reason behind this cropping and how to fix it can prevent frustration and save time in the post-production process.
This article will answer the common inquiries associated with the iMovie cropping video on iPhone as well as provide possible solutions to avoid this problem.
Why does iMovie crop my videos on iPhone?
If you have this question, know that you're not alone. Many others have experienced the same issue. You can be frustrated, particularly if you've dedicated time to edit your videos like a pro. So what's the reason that iMovie crops users' videos?
The answer lies in the default settings. Even though you're using a mobile video editor, iMovie automatically adjusts the clip to fit the aspect ratio of a 16:9 widescreen format.
This change does not happen though when working on footage with the desktop video editing software. However, vertically orientated clips will have the black bars on both sides of the video.
Working with vertical videos in the desktop version of iMovie
How to make iMovie not crop my video on iPhone?
We offer you 4 possible solutions to the issues of iMovie cropping your videos.
Solution 1: rotate your video
One of the possible ways to prevent iMovie from cropping your video on iPhone is to rotate your footage prior to importing it into the program.
Since iMovie does not offer the rotating tool, you'll have to turn your clip using Photos or a video editor that offers this functionality.
This solution is not the most convenient as you will have to adjust working with the video horizontally. However, it's the fastest way to prevent the application from cutting off the top and bottom of your clip.
Solution 2: turn your phone
Although you may be used to holding your phone vertically, for a better control during video editing, place it horizontally in your hands. In this case, you will get almost a desktop layout of your mobile app.
Moreover, if you tap the clip on the timeline and look for the magnifying glass icon, you will be able to zoom your video to adjust how it looks on your screen.
Ensure that you've enabled the automatic rotation of the screen content in the Control Center.
Solution 3: work on the desktop
The iMovie app offers significantly less functionality compared to the desktop version. Therefore, if you want to produce quality content, consider editing the video on your computer instead.
For instance, the desktop version of this free video editing software will provide you with additional tools and some creative ways to work with vertical videos.
You can employ the following cropping options:
Fit
The Fit tool adjusts the clip to fill the entire frame without cropping. This means that iMovie will preserve the original aspect ratio but you will see black bars on the sides of the frame.
When to use. Employ if you want the entire video to be visible without any part being cut off, even if it means having black bars.
Crop to Fit
The Crop to Fit tool makes the video fill the project frame without any black bars. To achieve this, iMovie will crop parts of the clip that extend beyond the project’s frame. This can result in some parts of the video being cut off, but it ensures that the frame is fully filled.
- When to use. When you want the entire frame to be filled with the video, and you are okay that some parts will be cropped out.
Ken Burns
The Ken Burns tool creates a dynamic panning and zooming effect. This effect allows you to specify a starting and ending frame within the video. iMovie will smoothly pan and zoom from the start frame to the end frame over the duration of the clip.
- When to use. When you want to add motion to still images or create a dynamic. This is especially useful for focusing on specific details within a video.
These tools offer different ways to present your videos, allowing you to choose the best fit based on your project’s needs and the visual effect you want to achieve.
Solution 4: use a different application
If you don't have access to a computer , consider avoiding the hassle to cope with the iMovie's limitations by using another free video editor.
Go to the App Store and find a video editor that would be specifically designed to work with vertically orientated footage.
For example, CapCut is quite popular. It processes the vertical videos without cropping them and offers a variety of tools for adding music, text, effects, applying filters, adjusting brightness, saturation, and much more.
Utilizing a different free video editor will help you get the job done without finding solutions of how to fit your video the aspect ratio limitations of the iMovie.
Tips on mobile video production
Here are some helpful tips for making a movie on your iPhone to achieve the best results.
Use the right equipment
- Invest in a tripod to keep your shots steady.
- Consider external microphones for better sound quality.
- Use additional lighting if necessary to ensure good visibility.
- Ensure you have enough storage space on your iPhone before shooting.
Understand your camera settings
- Experiment with different resolutions and frame rates (e.g., 4K at 24 fps for a cinematic feel).
- Use manual focus and exposure settings to have more control over your shots.
- Play with different camera angles and movements to make your movie visually interesting.
Master video editing
- Before you start editing, import all your video clips, photos, and audio files into iMovie and organize them in the correct order.
- Use the trim tool to cut unwanted sections. Tap on a clip in the timeline, then drag the yellow handles to adjust the start and end points.
- Tap the small square icon between clips to add transitions. Choose from options like fade, slide, or dissolve.
- Apply video filters and effects to give your footage a unique look. Tap on a clip, then select the effects icon (three circles) to choose from various filters.
- Incorporate titles and text to your video by tapping the T icon. Pick a style and customize the text's appearance and position.
- Add background music, voiceover, or sound effects to enhance your video.
By following these tips, you'll be able to create polished and professional-looking videos using iMovie on your iPhone.
FAQ
- Why does my video look zoomed in after importing it into iMovie?
- It might be because the clip's aspect ratio doesn't match your project’s settings. This often happens when videos are imported in resolutions like 4K or 2K. To fix this, change the scale or crop settings to restore the original framing.
- Why does my video appear blurry?
- If you adjust the crop area too much, iMovie may stretch or shrink the video, which can result in a loss of quality.
- Can I add multiple aspect ratios in the same iMovie project?
- No, iMovie doesn't allow for various aspect ratios within a single project. If you need to mix different dimensions (like 16:9 and 4:3), you can manually set the cropping for each clip. Or use a workaround with black bars to maintain the visual consistency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, iMovie crops videos on iPhone primarily to fit the selected aspect ratio and frame dimensions, which can disrupt your intended composition.
To address the issue, you can employ one of the four effective solutions that are discussed in this article.
You can rotate the video prior to working with it in iMovie, turn you phone for a better project overview, edit your clip in the desktop version of the program, or utilize a different third-party video editor that does not have the aspect ratio limitations.
By applying these strategies, you can maintain your video’s original integrity and achieve the desired visual presentation.
Tech Writer and Photography Aficionado
