iMovie: The Basics

In an earlier post, I have step by step directions for using Shadow Puppet Edu, a free video creation app using pictures, narration, music, and text. The biggest drawback? You can't insert video clip. Not to fear, iMovie is answer to your problems. While I could attempt to cover every feature available to you in iMovie, you would have a migrane by the end of this post. And so would I. So here go the basics:

Step 1: Download the newest version of iMovie

If you have the old one, it still works. but I have to say, the new version is better. You can tell the difference because the updated version has a new icon that looks like this:

Step 2: Create a new project!

When you open iMovie, it will look a little something like this:

Click the "Create New" button on the left. It will take you to a new screen with a slightly overwhelming amount of buttons. Don't freak out. 

Step 3: Add some pictures and videos

Upload all of the pictures or video clips you would like to include in your new project. All you have to do is click the "File" button in the upper left hand corner and select "Import Media". It should look like this:

All you need to do is select the pictures or video clips you want to add. Once they are uploaded, you will simply click and drag them to the bottom half of the screen in the order you want them to be presented. To change the duration of any picture or slide, simply double click on the picture in question. The upper right corner will then change to look like this:

Click on the little "i" icon in the upper right corner and it will give you details about the slide. 

Simply change the duration to your preferred length (in seconds). 

Step 4: Add Sound

In the upper left corner, you will click on the option that says audio:

Simply choose what type of sounds you want - music from your iTunes? A song you wrote on garage band? Sound effects? Choose one and drag it down to where you already inserted your pictures in the bottom half of the screen. 

Step 5: Voice Over Narration

Want to hear your own beautiful voice during the presentation? Maybe reading the slides to your students who struggle with fluency? It's super easy. While you are under the "Audio" menu, you will see a small microphone icon on the right hand side. Simply click it to record:

Yeah, it's really that easy. 

Step 6: Share your project

To share your work, select the "File" dropdown menu in the upper left hand corner once again and click on "Share". From there, you can choose how you want to export your beautiful project! 

Here is an example of a video I've made using iMovie.

Caveat: I made this video for a required group project for a humanities class I took in college. I apologize sincerely in advance for how dull it is, but it has examples of most of the big aspects of iMovie. Additional apologies may be needed for the poor sound and video quality that were available to us at the time, 

Silver lining: There are, in fact, outtakes at the end. Get excited.

Happy video-making!