Top 12 Most Common iMovie Problems and Solutions

There is no doubt that iMovie is easy to use software and one of the most effective video editing tool for Mac users, still they are facing some problems while working with it. You may ask why is my iMovie lagging, why is iMovie so slow, and why does iMovie fail to export videos. Fortunately, we collected some of the most asked questions about iMovie in this article, and here you will find the solution of all such problems, and if you are not happy with using iMovie, you can try some iMovie Alternatives for Mac or iMovie alternatives for your iPhone.

• Part 1: Best Alternative to iMovie
• Part 2: Top 12 iMovie Problems and Solutions

Part 1: Best Easy-to-Use & Powerful Alternative to iMovie for Mac

The Wondershare Filmora9 video editor is the best alternative to iMovie due to its amazing features. It has simple interface with all the tools for editing videos displayed on the main screen, which is available for both Mac and Windows systems. There are also no incompatibility issues with this software. Besides, Filmora9 provides more than 300 built-in effects, so you can add stunning effects to your video with titles , motion graphics, overlays etc.

Editing video in Filmora9 is easy. Watch the short video tutorial below and find out how to start video editing on your Mac and Windows PC with Filmora9. Download the free trial version and try it free.

If you're switching to edit video footage on Windows and looking for some video editing software similar to iMovie, you should definitely check our recommendations about The Best iMovie Alternatives for Windows.

Top 12 iMovie Problems and Solutions

1. iMovie Export Failed

There are many factors which may cause the exporting failed. Like lack of computer space, corrupted project, or wrong export file name.

Solution:

Check the storgae space available on your Mac to assure enough space for movie exporting. If this is not the cause, check if there are something wrong with your projects. Skim slowly through the project looking for any anomalies such as flashes or othr glitches and replace the clip having the issue. What's more, special characters are not permitted in project name, so check out if there is a "hyphen" or any other "wild card" character in it.

2. iMovie Error-50

It's a video rendering fault. The iMovie error 50 is mostly caused by damages to the windows system files.

Solution:

Uninstall the app and download the latest version and install it as administrator.

3. Slow speed

The speed of iMovie may slow down when too many commands are given at one time. The slow functioning can also be a result of inadequate memory.

Solution:

You should give one command at a time and in a systematic way so that iMovie can’t be overworked. It would be better if you will delete all the idle files or files that are not required in your project as it will make sufficient storage space and improve the functioning of iMovie.

4. Distorted files

If right importing and exporting procedures are not followed then audio or video files may get distorted hence resulting in blurred images.

Solution:

This problem can be solved if you will import or export files of right size. The editing should be performed in the timeline only.

5. Improper working of trailers

The trailer is the first thing that attracts audience for watching movie but if it does not work properly then it cause huge inconvenience.

Solution:

You can open “Fonts” app to activate all the fonts. Now create a new account and login to that new account. On doing it, the iMovie will restart on its own. From there, go to “disk utility” button; choose “repair permission” and then “restart OSX”.

Related: How to Add Subtitles to Videos and Movies in iMovie

Related: How to Add Text in iMovie

6. Poor camera connection

If you will import your footage directly from the camera then you may get “There is no connected camera” message in the interface of your iMovie. The incompatibility of the USB cable on either camera or the iMovie can be another reason behind the poor connectivity.

Solution:

You can replace the USB cable with Firewire for solving this issue. If you are facing this problem while utilizing camcorder then you can follow the guidelines given out in the user manual.

7. Troublesome video effect

The videos effects greatly enhance the video quality but some effects become troublesome when they fail and difficult to render successfully.

Solution:

It is advisable to go through the guidelines given for each and every effect that you wish to include in your video.

8. iMovie crashing

This problem arises when there is a corrupted file or overworked iMovie.

Solution:

It can be prevented by observing the right workload for your iMovie. File usually corrupts due to viruses, so you should scan your system regularly to avoid viruses.

Learn more: Why iMovie Keeps Crashing and How to Fix

9. Lacks sound

Sometimes wrong preferences can lead to absence of sound in movie. The incompatible format can be another reason behind this problem.

Solution:

You must adjust the settings in a proper manner. There will be good quality of sound if you will use only those formats that are supported by iMovie.

10. Disappointing bend results

This is a common issue that people deal with at the close of the project. It can be incompatible movies, poor quality video and audio or unfurnished project.

Solution:

You can solve this issue by following all the outlined procedures from begin to last without omission.

11. Error generating DVDs

Some people find difficulty in converting longer movies from iMovie to DVD. It may be due to unsupported Mac system or low RAM.

Solution:

Some people find difficulty in converting longer movies from iMovie to DVD. It may be due to unsupported Mac system or low RAM.

12. iMovie Error code 10008

The iMovie 10008 error code is often caused by corrupted or black frames in the video project or different video formats in the project.

Solutions to iMovie 10008:

1. Preview the video frame by frame and delete the corrupted black frame;

2. Convert the videos to the same supported formats and try to render the project again.

Below is a video about iMovie Rendering & Compressing Troubleshooting from YouTube channel Dave & Billie, watch it to see how he fixes these iMovie errors.

If you still find some problems when using iMovie, please leave a comment below and let's find the solutions together. Or, you can use the Filmora9 for Mac to edit your footage.