How to Export iMovie to MP4 for Easy Sharing & Compatibility

Laura Goodwin Oct 30, 2023 Convert Video

MP4 is a type of digital video file format. It is a container that holds your videos and makes them easy to play on different devices. It is widely used because it keeps the video quality good while keeping the file size small.

Saving your iMovie project as an MP4 video is like putting your movie into a format that can play on almost any device. It is a helpful skill to have if you want to share your videos easily. This guide will break down the simple steps to help you do that. So, learn how to save iMovie as MP4 with the following parts.

How to Export iMovie to MP4

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Part 1. How to Export iMovie to MP4

Have you ever wondered how to turn your creative iMovie projects into MP4 videos? Well, you are in luck because iMovie offers a straightforward way to do that.

iMovie is a user-friendly video editing program available on Mac computers. It is designed to help you edit and enhance your videos. One of its features is exporting your projects as MP4 files. It is excellent because MP4 is a widely compatible video file format that can be played on most devices. Besides that, it can be shared on various platforms like social media and video-sharing websites. Let us take a closer look at how to save iMovie as MP4:

Step 1. First, open the iMovie on your Mac. Hit the (+) button to start a new project in iMovie. You can add media files once the new project window appears. You can do this by opening a window to choose and load any media file.

Step 2. After adding your videos or photos, you can see their small pictures at the upper left of the screen. You can drag and drop these small pictures onto the timeline at the bottom to create a video or make changes using the editing tools.

Step 3. Click on the project you are working on. Right-click on it. A menu will appear. From that menu, select Share the Project as a File on your Mac.

Alternatively, you can also choose the project. Go to the menu at the top of your screen, select File, and click Share. You will see options to save the video as a File on your Mac. You can also directly import it to social media if you prefer.

Step 4. You can give your video a name. Choose your preferred solution and how clear the video should be. Decide whether you want to save it as a Video and Audio or Audio Only. But please choose Video and Audio for MP4 files. You can also select how fast you want the video to compress, and it is quality.

Step 5. After setting these options, click the Next button. You will then see another screen where you can choose a name for your video. Decide where on your Mac you want to save the video. Under Export Type, pick Movie to MPEG-5 (MP4) from the drop-down menu.

Export Movie to MP4

That's it! You have learned how to convert iMovie to MP4. When you do this, iMovie will automatically export your project as an MP4 video and save it in your chosen location.

Part 2. How to Convert Video to MP4

Are you looking for an easy and effective way to convert your videos into the popular MP4 format? If so, Vidmore Video Converter might be the tool you need. You do not need to be a computer expert to use it. It has a user-friendly interface, making the conversion process a breeze.

Vidmore Video Converter takes care of your video's quality. It does not make your video look worse, even after converting it to MP4. It ensures your videos can be played on almost any device you have. Nobody likes to wait for ages while their videos are being converted. This program is quick and efficient, saving you time. Moreover, it offers editing tools; you can crop, rotate, add effects, and more to your videos before converting them. In addition, it offers an option to enhance video quality. Amazing, right?

Without further ado, learn how to convert video to MP4 using Vidmore Video Converter:

Step 1. Download and Install the program on your computer to have complete access. Once done, proceed to run the program to get started.

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Step 2. Head to the Converter tab. Then, hit the (+) button to add the video files you want to convert. Besides that, you can drag and drop your video files to the interface.

Add The Video Files You Want to Convert

Step 3. Click the Profile drop-down menu. It is beside your imported video file. Then, a window for format presets will be opened.

Under the Video option, please select MP4 from the list. You will not have difficulty finding it because it is at the top. Then, pick your desired resolution beside the format, like 4K Video, HD 1080P, HD 720P, 640P, and more.

If you want to customize your output, click the Cogwheel button. Here, you can select and input your preferred Video and Audio Settings.

Click the Profile Drop Down Menu

Step 4. If you want to edit your video before converting, click the Wand button. It is under your imported video file. You can access Rotate & Crop, Effect & Filter, Watermark, Audio, and Subtitle options here. Please use the following editing features according to your needs. Once done, press the OK button to apply the changes.

Hit the Scissors button to remove the unwanted portions from your video. If you want to enhance your video quality, press the Paint button. Then, enable each option presented in the window. Remember to hit the Save button to apply the changes.

Edit Your Video Before Converting

Step 5. Once settled, click the Convert All button to start converting your video. Afterward, your MP4 file output will be saved on your local drive.

Click the Convert All Button

Part 3. Bonus: iMovie Supported Formats

iMovie is an awesome video editing software. But knowing what kinds of video formats it can work with is essential. Here are the video formats that iMovie supports:

  1. MP4
  2. MOV
  3. AVI
  4. M4V
  5. MKV
  6. DPEG
  7. DV

So, if you have videos in these formats, you can start editing in iMovie.

FURTHER READING

Part 4. FAQs about Exporting iMovie to MP4

Why won't iMovie export to MP4?

The factors are wrong export settings, unsupported content, storage space, software issues, project corruption, and computer performance.

Can Iphone iMovie export as an MP4?

Yes, iPhone's iMovie can export videos as MP4 files. One of the options you will see is to export it as an MP4 format. So, you can use iMovie on your iPhone to create and export videos in MP4.

Why is it so hard to export from iMovie?

iMovie offers various export options, which can be confusing if you try to decide which one to choose. The content in your project may not be compatible with the format you are trying to export to, causing issues. Besides that, it can take longer to export if your video project is complex with lots of effects and edits.

What should I do if iMovie does not export to MP4?

Double-check your export settings to ensure you have selected MP4. Ensure your project does not contain unsupported elements or media formats. In addition, ensure you have enough storage space on your device.

How long does it take to export an iMovie project to MP4?

Export time depends on factors like the length of your video. Other factors are your video's complexity and your computer's performance.

Conclusion

You have learned how to export iMovie to MP4, the final step to make it viewable and shareable. This process bundles your project into a format that works on most devices.
If you need additional features like advanced format options and editing, consider using Vidmore Video Converter. It is a versatile tool that empowers you to take control of your video files. It offers several options to tailor your videos to your specific needs.

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