iMovie Crashes When Importing? How to Fix It

If you’ve ever had iMovie crash the moment you try to import a video or any other media, you know how frustrating it can be! Whether you’re working on a personal project or editing something for work, having iMovie crash right at the importing stage is a major hassle.

There are several reasons why this could happen:

  • Corrupted media files: If the media you’re trying to import is corrupted, iMovie might struggle to process it.
  • Unsupported formats: Some video or audio formats might not be compatible with iMovie.
  • Outdated software: Using an older version of iMovie or macOS could lead to performance issues.
  • Lack of system resources: iMovie needs a decent amount of RAM and CPU to process large files. If your Mac is running low on these resources, it might crash.
  • Library issues: Problems with the iMovie library or project file can also trigger crashes.

How to Fix iMovie Crashes When Importing?

Now that you know why it might be happening, let’s look at some practical fixes. Don’t worry—these solutions are super easy to follow, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

1. Check the File Format

iMovie supports a wide range of file types, but not all. Here’s how to check and convert your media if necessary:

  • Supported formats: .mov, .mp4, AVCHD, Apple ProRes.
  • If your file isn’t in a supported format, use a video converter like HandBrake to convert your file to .mp4 or .mov.

Pro tip: Use HandBrake for free file conversions. It’s quick and easy!

2. Update iMovie and macOS

Running an outdated version of iMovie or macOS could be causing the crash. Here’s how to update:

  • Open the App Store, click on Updates, and install any available updates for iMovie.
  • Also, check for macOS updates under System Preferences > Software Update.

Why it helps: Updates often come with bug fixes and better compatibility, which can solve crashing issues.

3. Check Your Storage Space

If your Mac is running out of storage space, iMovie might struggle with large imports. Here’s how to check:

  • Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage to see how much free space you have.
  • Aim to keep at least 10-15% free space for smooth performance.

If you’re running low on space:

  • Delete unnecessary files or move them to an external hard drive.
  • Empty your Trash and consider using a cleaner app like CleanMyMac to free up space.

4. Use Smaller Media Files

Sometimes, iMovie crashes when trying to import large files. If that’s the case, try these steps:

  • Trim your media files before importing them. You can do this using QuickTime or a basic editor.
  • If you’re importing a 4K video, consider downgrading the resolution to 1080p or lower.

This way, iMovie has less data to process, which reduces the chance of crashing.

5. Create a New iMovie Library

Your current iMovie library could be corrupt, causing the crash. Try creating a new one:

  1. Open iMovie.
  2. Go to File > Open Library > New.
  3. Import your media into the new library and check if it works.

Sometimes, a fresh start with a new library can make all the difference!

6. Restart Your Mac

It might sound basic, but a restart can help free up system resources and resolve temporary bugs. Before restarting, make sure to save any unsaved work in other programs.

After restarting, try importing your files into iMovie again.

7. Check for Corrupted Media Files

If iMovie crashes only with certain files, there’s a chance that those media files are corrupted. Here’s how to check:

  • Play the file in QuickTime or another media player to see if it runs smoothly.
  • If it doesn’t play properly, you can either re-download the file or convert it using a tool like HandBrake.

What If None of These Fixes Work?

If you’ve tried everything and iMovie still crashes, you might need to reinstall the app. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Applications folder and drag iMovie to the Trash.
  2. Empty the Trash and restart your Mac.
  3. Open the App Store and download iMovie again.

This will give you a fresh, bug-free version of iMovie.

How to Avoid iMovie Crashes in the Future?

Once you’ve fixed the issue, you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Here’s how to keep iMovie running smoothly:

1. Keep Software Updated

  • Always keep both iMovie and macOS up to date to avoid compatibility issues.

2. Check File Formats Before Importing

  • Stick to supported formats like MP4 and MOV to avoid problems.

3. Free Up Space Regularly

  • Regularly check your storage and clear out unnecessary files to keep your Mac running at peak performance.

4. Use a Backup

  • Always keep a backup of your iMovie projects and media files. If something goes wrong, you won’t lose all your hard work!

Conclusion:-

Having iMovie crash when importing files is frustrating, but it’s definitely fixable! By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to troubleshoot the issue and get back to editing your videos without any more interruptions.

Whether it’s updating the software, checking file formats, or freeing up some storage space, these simple solutions will help you get iMovie running smoothly again. If all else fails, a fresh reinstall should do the trick.