iMovie is a popular video editing software developed by Apple for Mac and iOS devices. It allows users to easily import, edit, and export their video projects. By default, iMovie exports videos in MOV format. However, many users want to export their final videos as MP4 files for better compatibility with other devices and online platforms.
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Why Export as MP4
MP4 is one of the most widely supported video file formats. Here are some of the benefits of exporting your iMovie projects as MP4 files:
- Compatibility – MP4 files can be played on a wide range of devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles etc. MOV has limited compatibility.
- Sharing Online – MP4 is the preferred format for sharing videos on social media and video platforms like YouTube, Facebook etc.
- Smaller File Size – MP4 compression leads to smaller file sizes compared to MOV, without compromising much on quality. This means faster uploads and transfers.
- Retain Quality – MP4 uses modern video and audio compression algorithms to provide good video quality, especially for internet usage.
Exporting iMovie Project as MP4
Exporting iMovie projects as MP4 files is easy. Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions:
1. Finish Editing the Project
Complete all the editing work on your iMovie project before exporting – this includes trimming clips, arranging clips in timeline, color corrections, transitions etc.
Click on the Share button in the top-right corner of the iMovie window. Alternatively, go to File -> Share in the menu.
3. Choose File Export
In the next Export window, select the File option to export your video as a file on your computer or device.
iMovie Export File
4. Set Export Settings
In the Save window, set export settings like title, description, resolution etc.
- Set resolution to 1080p or 720p. Higher resolution means better quality.
- Select output quality as High or Medium.
- Click Format dropdown and choose MPEG-4 option. This will export as MP4 format.
iMovie Export Settings
5. Save MP4 File
Click Next and save the video file with .mp4 extension on your computer.
That’s it! Your iMovie project is now exported and saved as a MP4 video file which you can freely share on social media or mobile devices.
Tips for Best Quality MP4 Exports
Here are some tips to export the highest quality MP4 files from your iMovie projects:
1. Use High Quality Source Videos
The output video can only be as good as the source clips used in the iMovie project. Use high definition source clips for best quality.
2. Choose Highest Resolution
Always export at highest available resolution like 1080p or 720p HD. This retains clarity.
3. Set Output Quality to High
Higher output quality means less compression and better retention of visual quality.
4. Export Audio Separately
Export only the video in MP4 format. For audio, export as M4A in High quality. This gives best results.
5. Use a Video Converter (Optional)
For highest quality, convert the exported MOV file to MP4 using a third party video converter software. They use better compression.
Common Problems with MP4 Exports
When exporting iMovie projects as MP4 files, users can encounter problems like:
- Export gets interrupted midway
- Exported MP4 has no audio or video
- MP4 file shows error on playback
- MP4 has bad video quality
This usually happens because of incorrect export settings or quality options. Try tweaking the export settings to fix them. Also make sure you use the latest version of iMovie.
For best results, use the third party video converter method suggested above. Tools like Wondershare UniConverter provide highest quality MP4 conversions, fixing many issues faced with iMovie’s built-in exporter.
So that’s the easiest method to export your iMovie projects as MP4 video files. Follow the step-by-step guide above. For any issues, try the troubleshooting tips given. Share your awesome videos in the MP4 format!
