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How to Easily Import MP4 into iMovie on Mac: The Best Solution

Jack

By Jack Lin

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Import MP4 into iMovie

Are you looking for a way to import MP4 into iMovie? iMovie is an inbuilt video and movie player present on the Mac operating system.

This tool is highly useful, which lets you manage, edit, and transform video files effectively and efficiently. However, when you use other video file formats, such as MP4, you first need to import MP4 into iMovie.

So, for playing files other than its default extension, users need to import MP4 into iMovie. After that, they can easily use that file. However, many users come across several issues while importing MP4 to other file formats.

If you are struggling with the same issue, then read this article to import MP4 into iMovie easily. Now, let’s have a look at different ways to import MP4 files using iMovie.

Part 1: The Best Way to Import MP4 into iMovie on Mac

When you encounter issues while importing your MP4 video files in iMovie, convert them to iMovie file format. After importing MP4 into iMovie, you can easily open the newly converted files in the iMovie tool.

To import MP4 into iMovie, the most reliable tool is Wondershare UniConverter. This tool was earlier called Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate.

Wondershare UniConverter comes with various advanced features. Plus, this tool supports various file formats. Once you have downloaded this tool, you get access to the entire video file management tool. Using this tool, you can transform your videos. Not just that, but you can even download videos too.

Key Features of Wondershare UniConverter:

  • This tool lets you convert video/audio formats to more than 1000 video formats, such as AVI, MOV, MP4, etc.
  • It features a 30x faster conversion pace as compared to other conventional converters.
  • The tool edits video files by adding subtitles, merging, cutting, cropping, trimming, etc.
  • It burns videos to DVDs with free customized DVD menu templates.
  • The program allows you to record or download videos from more than 10,000 video-sharing platforms.
  • It employs top-leading APEXTRANS technology, which lets you convert videos with no quality loss or compression.
  • The tool has a versatile toolbox that includes a GIF maker, screen recorder, video metadata editing tool, and video compressor.

Steps to Import MP4 into iMovie through Wondershare UniConverter:

So, to import MP4 into iMovie, follow the instructions listed below:

Step 1: Download Wondershare UniConverter

In the first place, users need to download the WondershareUniConverter program on their systems. It works for both Windows and Mac operating systems. To download the tool, access its official website. The tool comes in the purchase as well as trial versions. Thus, you can try this tool for free.

After downloading this tool, a wizard will take you through the installation process. Plus, you are allowed to customize the settings.

Step 2: Import MP4 into iMovie

Once downloaded, the program users can launch it. The program features a user-friendly interface. So you can navigate through this tool easily. To import MP4 into iMovie using this tool, you first need to import the file here.

Open the MP4 file by tapping on ‘Add Files‘ or dragging the file into its interface. Then, tap on ‘Add Files‘ to select your desired MP4 files.

Wondershare UniConverter

Step 3: Choose the Output File Format.

Now, tap on the icon beside the ‘Output Format‘ option. After that, click on the ‘Editing‘ tab and then choose ‘iMovie.’

Import MP4 into iMovie with Wondershare UniConverter

Step 4: Save Your File

After choosing the desired format, users need to tap on ‘Start All‘ to start the real conversion. Now, your MP4 file will be converted in just some seconds. To find your finished file, access the ‘Finished‘ option.

Part 2: Another Amazing Way to Import MP4 into iMovie

Undoubtedly, iMovie is a good tool for editing videos on iOS devices. With this tool, users do not require any editing expertise to edit and watch videos.

Here, they can upload videos via their devices’ cameras or iTunes. Despite being a well-known video editing tool, iMovie could be pricky when it comes to importing formats.

Users will not encounter any issue when they import MP4 into iMovie only if their videos are MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MOV, HDV, or DVD. Otherwise, users have to convert the files to other compatible formats. To perform this action, they need a reliable video converter. Such a reliable, professional video converter is Movavi Video Converter.

This amazing converter can import MP4 into iMovie easily and quickly. The tool supports over 100 file formats. Also, it is compatible with all Apple devices that support iMovie. So, download this incredible tool and go through the simple instructions given below.

The following guide will explain the entire process of converting DVDs to iMovie. Before that, have a glance at some of its amazing features below:

Key Features of Movavi Video Converter for Mac

  • This tool lets you convert DVDs, audio, videos, and images quickly.
  • It offers lightning-fast file conversion without any quality loss.
  • The video converter offers various editing features, such as adjusting sound, trimming and joining files, and improving quality before the file conversion.
  • It lets you save audio and video clips for simple mobile access.

So, Movavi Video Converter provides you with a perfect way to enjoy the media in your desired format. Not just that, but this tool also lets you edit your videos easily. Now, check out the steps below for importing MP4 into iMovie using this professional video converter.

Steps to Import MP4 into iMovie using Movavi Video Converter:

Step 1: Get Movavi Video Converter

In the first place, users need to get the Movavi Video Converter tool from its official website. After downloading the tool, install it by following the installation guide.

Step 2: Upload Your Videos

Now, tap on the tab ‘Add Media.’ Based on your source, either select the ‘Add DVD‘ or ‘Add Video‘ option. Choose the file path and select the ones that you like to import. This video converter supports all the popular file formats, including importing MP4 into iMovie.

Also, it supports MKV and WMV files, which are incompatible formats with iMovie. Convert such formats with Movavi Video Converter effortlessly.

Movavi Video Converter

Step 3: Select the Target Format

Now, click on the tab ‘Popular‘ present at the bottom. After that, select the ‘MP4 for iMovie‘ option.

select the 'MP4 for iMovie' option

Step 4: Tap on ‘Share’

The easiest method to import MP4 into iMovie is by uploading it to the iTunes library directly. For this, tap on the tab ‘Share‘ and check the option of iTunes before you start converting the file.  

Step 5: Click on ‘Convert’

Next, users need to tap on the ‘Folder‘ window and select the folder to save their file. Once selected, tap on ‘Convert.’ Within a few seconds, the conversion will be over.

So, this is how you import MP4 into iMovie. In the same way, you can even import other formats like WMV or MPG into compatible iMovie formats hassle-free.

Import MP4 into iMovie with Movavi Video Converter

After converting your video successfully with this tool, export it to iMovie from iTunes. It is also possible to transfer the video from the interface of iMovie too. So, this is all you have to learn about importing DVDs and CDs to iMovie.

Besides, let’s learn more about how to open MOD files on Mac.

Part 3: How to Import iMovie into MP4 Through iMovie

Many users really admire the iMovie format. However, there is a possibility that you may like to play the iMovie file on your smartphone. The problem is that not all mobile devices support this file format. That’s why you have to convert your iMovie file to MP4.

Now, this can be done using the iMovie tool itself. So, there is no need to download other software packages to perform this file conversion.

Steps to Import MP4 into iMovie using iMovie:

For saving the iMovie file like MP4, go through the instructions given below. It is pretty simple with the iMovie tool.

Step 1: Open iMovie and Export Your File

In the first place, users need to open the iMovie tool. After launching the program, they need to click on the ‘Share‘ tab. This option is present in the main menu. After that, choose the option of ‘Export Using QuickTime.’

Open iMovie and Export Your File

Step 2: Save Your MP4 File

After tapping on that option, you will come across a popup menu on the screen. This window will have several options, such as the location and name of the files, or so on. Now, tap on the option of ‘Export‘ from there.

Once done, you will again encounter some options, such as ‘Movie to MPEG-4‘, ‘Movie to 3G‘, and many others. Select the option ‘Movie to MPEG-4‘ from that popup. Once selected, users need to tap on the ‘Save’ tab to save their iMovie files in the MP4 format.

Import MP4 into iMovie with iMovie

Also, let’s figure out how to import MIDI files for Synthesia and how to time-lapse a video on iMovie with ease.

Part 4: Reasons Why Users Encounter Issues While Importing and Saving MP4 Files

Due to their compatibility with various mobile devices, MP4 files are becoming quite popular among users. However, when you use both MP4 and iMovie simultaneously, you may encounter strange behaviors. Now, such behavior could be like iMovie refusing to accept the MP4 file format.

Although iMovie usually takes the MP4 file, it sometimes refuses to. This leaves users pondering what could be the actual reason. If you are experiencing such situations, then here are some cases that you can consider. This gives you an idea of the possible reasons why the iMovie tool cannot import your MP4 file.

Situation 1:

Specifically, iMovie imports the MP4 file encoded with H.264/AAC or MPEG4/AAC data. When other codecs are used for encoding the MP4 files, then the codec difference could be the problem. So, this becomes the reason why iMovie does not import your MP4 video. Thus, the suggested solution for such problems is to import MP4 into iMovie compatible formats.

Situation 2:

Usually, the iMovie program comprises all the codecs required by the MP4 file format by default. However, some MP4 files contain a range of codes for subtitle and audio streaming. If the iMovie tool does not support such a codecs group, then it could be a problem. In such circumstances, there is a chance that the specific MP4 video will not be converted into iMovie.

So, in this situation, too, you can use a professional tool like Wondershare UniConverter to import MP4 into iMovie. As a result, you will be able to play your favorite movie anywhere, anytime.

FAQs

1. Why can’t I import my MP4 file into iMovie? This can be due to an incompatible codec within the MP4 file.

2. How do I convert MP4 files for iMovie? There are numerous free tools like UniConverter that you can use to convert MP4 files into a format more compatible with iMovie.

3. Can iMovie edit MP4 files? Yes, iMovie can typically import and edit MP4 files.

4. Does iMovie lose video quality? If handled properly, iMovie should not significantly reduce your video’s quality.

5. Can I import 4K MP4 videos into iMovie? Yes, iMovie can handle 4K video files.

Conclusion

Now, you know how you can import MP4 into iMovie. Although iMovie is an amazing video editor for iOS devices, it does not support some file formats.

To play their videos, users need to convert them to iMovie-compatible formats. For instance, this tool does not support formats like WMV or MPG. In that case, you have to convert the files.

To import MP4 into iMovie, it is recommended to use professional tools like Wondershare UniConverter and Movavi Video Converter. Both tools let you convert your files hassle-free. So, download any of these programs and convert your files to popular formats effortlessly.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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