Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about iMovie. Download iMovie for macOS 10.15.6 or later and enjoy it on your Mac. With a streamlined design and intuitive editing features, iMovie lets you create Hollywood-style trailers and beautiful movies like never before. Create a new iMovie project. Learn how to set up a new project and add content to it on your. From the first scene to the last. Whether you're using a Mac or an iOS device.
iMovie is a video editing software that can be used for creating iMovie video overlays alongside other video editing tasks. It's developed by Apple and just like other Apple's application, iMovie is meticulously designed with the great user experience. This application was majorly designed with amateur users in mind, however, the facts have proved that there are still lots of users don't know how to overlay videos in iMovie. That's also why you're here and the reason I write this post.
[Attention] Final Cut Pro is the video editing software for beginners, semi-professionals yet professionals. Learn how to use Final Cut Pro to overlay videos in details.
Now, let's get started.
Why iMovie is A Nice Option for Editing Videos on Mac OS X?
There are several factors that make iMovie to be considered as one of the best applications for editing videos on Mac OS X:
1. The user-friendly interface
Not everyone that's involved in making movies is a professional or great at video editing. Apple seems to understand that aspect and that could be the reason why iMovie is considered as the video editing tool for amateur users on macOS and iOS.
The user-friendly interface makes it possible for users to understand with ease for features that they intend to use. All of the tools that the users may require are easily accessible and that helps in creating high-quality videos.
2. Custom elements
Whether you intend to make iMovie overlay video or some complex cinema effects, users can easily add custom elements that not only suit the video but also enhances the mood of the video. There are a variety of templates that one can choose from for enhanced video quality.
3. Effects and enhancements
iMovie provides users with an array of special effects and enhancements for the video to help with improving video quality. The application offers filters that video editors can choose from alongside themes, music and sound effects. Users can add voice-overs and use for narration.
Now, let's check the detailed steps of overlaying videos in iMovie as follows.
iMovie Overlay Video: How to Overlay Videos in iMovie?
1. Begin by opening a new iMovie project. Click on iMovie and select 'Preferences'. Select the range that you intend to use for the picture in picture clip once it's on the timeline.
2. Tick the option of 'Show Advanced Tools'. Otherwise, you may not be able to do multiple tasks including video overlay. To add a photo layer to video, ensure that the camera button is selected.
3. Choose a photo then drag it over to the video clip that you intend to overlay it on. A window will then pop up so select 'Picture in Picture' command. The picture in picture will then appear over the clip that it's to be overlaid on.
4. In the video window, you can go ahead and adjust the size and placement of the photo. To reposition the overlay clip, you can drag it to a preferred spot within the clip. You can also drag the ends to either shorten or lengthen it.
5. To add motion to the photo select 'Window' in the top toolbar then go down and click on 'Cropping Ken Burns & Rotation. You can then use it to add and also remove picture motions. You have the option to fit and to crop the photo and to add motion within the photo.
Imovie For Mac 10.11.6
6. When all settings have done, you can save, export and share the video to your preferred platforms.
Note: The same process can be used to overlay video over video. However, you should note that iMovie cannot overlay multiple videos or pictures at the same time.
Not A Mac User? Try the Best iMovie Alternative for Windows - Filmora Video Editor
As I mentioned above, iMovie is a video editing tool for amateur Mac users. So if you're not a Mac user, or you're a semi-professional or professional in video editing, then you might need to find a more professional video editor program to help you overlay videos in Windows, overlay multiple pictures or videos on Mac at the same time, or apply more effects to the video, right? Then, Filmora Video Editor could be the best option for you.
Filmora Video Editor comes with Windows and Mac version, which can compatible with different users' needs. It not only allows users to edit, crop, trim, split, etc. videos within few clicks, but also helps users to apply advanced effects to target video, including picture in picture, green screen, split screen, add transitions, filters, etc.
Let's check the key features as follows:
- Few clicks to help Windows and Mac users to overlay pictures, videos, text, etc. to a video. Unlike iMovie, this program enables users to overlay multiple videos, pictures, etc. to a video at the same time.
- Supports several file formats as media sources and importing a file to Filmora media library is just a snap. And export the edited video to more than 20 different output formats as you like.
- A number of preset elements that can be included in the videos to enhance quality.
- ...
How to Overlay Videos in iMovie Alternative Software?
1. Launch Filmora Video Editor on your PC or Mac, then directly choose 'Full Feature Mode'. Now, you can see an interface like below. Hit the big icon 'Import Media Files Here' to load the media files you'll use in the media library.
2. To apply 'Picture in Picture' effects to your video, please follow the below steps:
- Locate your background video and press '+' icon to add the video to the main video track timeline.
- Back to media library and find the video or picture you wish to overlay. Right-click on it and hit 'Apply to PIP' option.
- Now, resize the overlay video or picture, you can also double-click the overlay media and hit 'Advanced' button to customize the overlay video as you like.
[Attention] If you wish to overlay more than 1 video on the background video, you can drag and drop the video to another video track in the TimeLine. Then repeat the above steps to customize the overlay videos.
Imovie 11 For Mac Os X 10.8
For more details about how to edit a video, you can click the link to get more info about it.
3. Preview the edited videos and when the effects are ready, you can click 'Export' button to choose an output format, device or platform to save your edited overlay videos.
Now, It's Your Turn!
After viewing how to overlay videos in iMovie and the iMovie alternative software, which program are you ready to try first?
In my opnion:
If you only need the basic editing effects on Mac, then iMovie can satisfy your needs perfectly.
But if you need the advanced editing tools, or you're not used a Mac computer, then the iMovie alternative software - Filmora Video Editor could be the ideal solution for you.
This program allows you to take all your story ideas to reality within few clicks, and helps you to create amazing movie or video title, transitions, filters, etc. as the Hollywood does.
Related Articles & Tips
iMovie is the video editing software for the average Joe. Well, any average Joe that uses an Apple device. This is the go-to program for those who want to start editing their own videos. Like all Apple products, it is simple and functions easily across connected Apple libraries and devices. Once your Apple devices are synced, iMovie can serve as a home movie portal. It conveniently stores and organizes all imported photo and video files. Even better, it takes advantage of iCloud and iMovie Theater program to give you a platform to debut videos, movies and trailers in 4K resolution in any Apple device and HDTV.
Personalize your videos
iMovie's feature improves your video's appearance and audio.
Ever taken a video on the fly? It's unpredictable. Once videos and photos have been imported, you can trim clips, add close-ups, enhance audio, and even remove sound, and comes handy when you want to make changes, but don't know where to begin. Preview with Trailers: you can make any video look like a blockbuster when you use iMovie's Hollywood-inspired movie trailers. Each template has its own original score, graphics, and animated transitions. The transitions are predetermined visual breaks created by the photos and videos you import. To add a more personal touch, you can add their own movie title, end credits, and even a customized studio logo.
Create Movies: iMovie is one of the easiest video editing tools to use, letting editors click and drag imported clips into the timeline, as well as automatically lock on adjacent videos. An important tool is the Precision Editor. It controls when a video fades in or out by showing an exact timestamp before and after the transition. Another important feature is Clip Connection, which holds all media together when you move a clip.
In addition to trimming, you can even crop and rotate videos. Yup. That's right. Both photos and videos. The difference between the two media sources is the Ken Burns pan-and-zoom effect that photos automatically get. The effect is more engaging than ever before.
Now, let's get started.
Why iMovie is A Nice Option for Editing Videos on Mac OS X?
There are several factors that make iMovie to be considered as one of the best applications for editing videos on Mac OS X:
1. The user-friendly interface
Not everyone that's involved in making movies is a professional or great at video editing. Apple seems to understand that aspect and that could be the reason why iMovie is considered as the video editing tool for amateur users on macOS and iOS.
The user-friendly interface makes it possible for users to understand with ease for features that they intend to use. All of the tools that the users may require are easily accessible and that helps in creating high-quality videos.
2. Custom elements
Whether you intend to make iMovie overlay video or some complex cinema effects, users can easily add custom elements that not only suit the video but also enhances the mood of the video. There are a variety of templates that one can choose from for enhanced video quality.
3. Effects and enhancements
iMovie provides users with an array of special effects and enhancements for the video to help with improving video quality. The application offers filters that video editors can choose from alongside themes, music and sound effects. Users can add voice-overs and use for narration.
Now, let's check the detailed steps of overlaying videos in iMovie as follows.
iMovie Overlay Video: How to Overlay Videos in iMovie?
1. Begin by opening a new iMovie project. Click on iMovie and select 'Preferences'. Select the range that you intend to use for the picture in picture clip once it's on the timeline.
2. Tick the option of 'Show Advanced Tools'. Otherwise, you may not be able to do multiple tasks including video overlay. To add a photo layer to video, ensure that the camera button is selected.
3. Choose a photo then drag it over to the video clip that you intend to overlay it on. A window will then pop up so select 'Picture in Picture' command. The picture in picture will then appear over the clip that it's to be overlaid on.
4. In the video window, you can go ahead and adjust the size and placement of the photo. To reposition the overlay clip, you can drag it to a preferred spot within the clip. You can also drag the ends to either shorten or lengthen it.
5. To add motion to the photo select 'Window' in the top toolbar then go down and click on 'Cropping Ken Burns & Rotation. You can then use it to add and also remove picture motions. You have the option to fit and to crop the photo and to add motion within the photo.
Imovie For Mac 10.11.6
6. When all settings have done, you can save, export and share the video to your preferred platforms.
Note: The same process can be used to overlay video over video. However, you should note that iMovie cannot overlay multiple videos or pictures at the same time.
Not A Mac User? Try the Best iMovie Alternative for Windows - Filmora Video Editor
As I mentioned above, iMovie is a video editing tool for amateur Mac users. So if you're not a Mac user, or you're a semi-professional or professional in video editing, then you might need to find a more professional video editor program to help you overlay videos in Windows, overlay multiple pictures or videos on Mac at the same time, or apply more effects to the video, right? Then, Filmora Video Editor could be the best option for you.
Filmora Video Editor comes with Windows and Mac version, which can compatible with different users' needs. It not only allows users to edit, crop, trim, split, etc. videos within few clicks, but also helps users to apply advanced effects to target video, including picture in picture, green screen, split screen, add transitions, filters, etc.
Let's check the key features as follows:
- Few clicks to help Windows and Mac users to overlay pictures, videos, text, etc. to a video. Unlike iMovie, this program enables users to overlay multiple videos, pictures, etc. to a video at the same time.
- Supports several file formats as media sources and importing a file to Filmora media library is just a snap. And export the edited video to more than 20 different output formats as you like.
- A number of preset elements that can be included in the videos to enhance quality.
- ...
How to Overlay Videos in iMovie Alternative Software?
1. Launch Filmora Video Editor on your PC or Mac, then directly choose 'Full Feature Mode'. Now, you can see an interface like below. Hit the big icon 'Import Media Files Here' to load the media files you'll use in the media library.
2. To apply 'Picture in Picture' effects to your video, please follow the below steps:
- Locate your background video and press '+' icon to add the video to the main video track timeline.
- Back to media library and find the video or picture you wish to overlay. Right-click on it and hit 'Apply to PIP' option.
- Now, resize the overlay video or picture, you can also double-click the overlay media and hit 'Advanced' button to customize the overlay video as you like.
[Attention] If you wish to overlay more than 1 video on the background video, you can drag and drop the video to another video track in the TimeLine. Then repeat the above steps to customize the overlay videos.
Imovie 11 For Mac Os X 10.8
For more details about how to edit a video, you can click the link to get more info about it.
3. Preview the edited videos and when the effects are ready, you can click 'Export' button to choose an output format, device or platform to save your edited overlay videos.
Now, It's Your Turn!
After viewing how to overlay videos in iMovie and the iMovie alternative software, which program are you ready to try first?
In my opnion:
If you only need the basic editing effects on Mac, then iMovie can satisfy your needs perfectly.
But if you need the advanced editing tools, or you're not used a Mac computer, then the iMovie alternative software - Filmora Video Editor could be the ideal solution for you.
This program allows you to take all your story ideas to reality within few clicks, and helps you to create amazing movie or video title, transitions, filters, etc. as the Hollywood does.
Related Articles & Tips
iMovie is the video editing software for the average Joe. Well, any average Joe that uses an Apple device. This is the go-to program for those who want to start editing their own videos. Like all Apple products, it is simple and functions easily across connected Apple libraries and devices. Once your Apple devices are synced, iMovie can serve as a home movie portal. It conveniently stores and organizes all imported photo and video files. Even better, it takes advantage of iCloud and iMovie Theater program to give you a platform to debut videos, movies and trailers in 4K resolution in any Apple device and HDTV.
Personalize your videos
iMovie's feature improves your video's appearance and audio.
Ever taken a video on the fly? It's unpredictable. Once videos and photos have been imported, you can trim clips, add close-ups, enhance audio, and even remove sound, and comes handy when you want to make changes, but don't know where to begin. Preview with Trailers: you can make any video look like a blockbuster when you use iMovie's Hollywood-inspired movie trailers. Each template has its own original score, graphics, and animated transitions. The transitions are predetermined visual breaks created by the photos and videos you import. To add a more personal touch, you can add their own movie title, end credits, and even a customized studio logo.
Create Movies: iMovie is one of the easiest video editing tools to use, letting editors click and drag imported clips into the timeline, as well as automatically lock on adjacent videos. An important tool is the Precision Editor. It controls when a video fades in or out by showing an exact timestamp before and after the transition. Another important feature is Clip Connection, which holds all media together when you move a clip.
In addition to trimming, you can even crop and rotate videos. Yup. That's right. Both photos and videos. The difference between the two media sources is the Ken Burns pan-and-zoom effect that photos automatically get. The effect is more engaging than ever before.
Then there's the Autocorrect button—the cherry on top. Like a magic wand, it enhances the lighting and color on all kinds of videos. It's a huge help in videos shot on the spot where little thought was given to lighting and color. Other common video enhancing tools are color matching for a seamless filter on every frame, white balance from a specific area in each frame, and the dropper tool to enhance colors and skin tones.
Edit anywhere, anytime
Apple sets iMovie apart from other entry-level video editors by making it compatible with Apple desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablet devices. Of course, the iPhone and iPad versions do not have all the features of the desktop version. Yet, it is incredibly useful for anyone who has an idea for a video and wants to conceptualize it. To put it simply, it is a lifesaver for creative ideas, especially in the eyes of professional video editors. Simply select the video or videos you want to edit on the Photos app. Click Edit and the iMovie app will automatically launch your already-imported videos. Once you have started creating your movie on the app, it will be uploaded on iCloud and you will be able to work across various Apple devices.
Another perk of having the app version in your iPhone or iPad is that you can create productions like daily video diaries and vlogs in a snap. When you're finished, you can send the final product thru iMessage, Facebook, email, and other social media platforms.
Full support
Apple Inc. offers a well-organized and detailed customer support website. You can find a solution for every Apple product. In Apple's customer support website, you will find user guides, tutorials, and support communities. You can also schedule a phone, live chat, email and have one-to-one support if you need a more detailed guide. It is important to know that Apple does not have an email address published online, so all inquiries should be made on Apple's official customer support website or their hotlines.
Where can you run this program?
Because iMovie exclusively runs on Apple devices, Windows users will have to run on over to the Apple store if they want to get their hands on the video editing software app. Not only is it free for all new macOS and iOS devices, it's pre-installed! This latter feature exceeds expectations and offers a bit more value. Users who are looking to take the plunge can feel free to try out Apple devices on display or ask for assistance.
Current Apple users are in luck. iMovie for macOS requires only 2GB of RAM and an OS X Mavericks to edit videos. Editors who want to make the most of the program are recommended to have a 2011 iMac or Macbook Pro with at least 4GB of RAM. These devices can export videos with 4K resolution. The latest version of iMovie, version 10.1.11 requires OS X 10.11.2 or later.
Is there a better alternative?
In general, other entry-level video editing tools don't hold up to iMovie's sleek and intuitive interface and its vast array of features. Wondershare Filmora, however, is a strong competitor. The video editing software is an established name amongst Apple and Windows users. Both its free and paid versions offer standard trimming, transitions, overlays, and effects. You can even put together one hundred layers of media—a feature that iMovie lacks.
Our take
iMovie is the user-friendly video editing application that turns your footage into stunning productions.The final output is not as sleek and professional as that of Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere or other professional editing tools, but that's all right. This software app is for dabblers, tinkerers and enthusiasts wanting to get those creative juices flowing without feeling overwhelmed.
Should you download it?
Yes. It's a powerful yet simple tool that you can use to impress your friends, family, and colleagues.
Imovie For Macs
10.1.11