Contents

Part 1. How Do I Separate Audio from Video in iMovie on Mac
Part 2. How to Extract Audio from Video in iMovie on iPhone and iPad
Part 3. Advanced Tip: How to Export Only the Audio
Part 4. Best iMovie Alternative to Isolate Audio from Video on PCs
Part 5. FAQs on How to Separate Audio from Video in iMovie

Learn to Extract Audio from a Video in iMovie

April 29, 2026Andrew Miller

How do I separate audio from a video in iMovie?

iMovie is the default video editor for Apple users. When you need to split audio from a video on your Mac, you may wonder if the pre-installed software can help you do that. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. iMovie offers basic features to deal with daily editing and conversion needs. It can split the audio track from your video and export it independently.

This guide tells how to extract audio from video in iMovie. Whether you want to make the audio extraction on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you can follow the related method. We also explore advanced tips for exporting just the audio. Moreover, a powerful alternative is introduced in case you want more control or higher quality.

Part 1. How Do I Separate Audio from Video in iMovie on Mac

iMovie does not have a single “Separate Audio” option to directly extract audio from the entire project. However, when a video file is loaded to its timeline, the audio track can be easily isolated. iMovie is pre-installed on any Mac as a video editor. You can directly launch it and then detach audio from a video clip.

Step 1.

Click the App on the Dock and search for iMovie. When you locate it, click its icon or press Enter to open the software.

Step 2.

Create a new project and click the Import Media button to add the original video file to iMovie.

Step 3.

Click the + icon to put the video onto the timeline. You can also drag the video clip down to the timeline.

Step 4.

When you need to separate audio from your video and edit it as a separate track within iMovie, right-click the video clip and then choose Detach Audio.

Step 5.

You will see a new, green audio track appear below your video in the timeline. The audio is now independent for editing and exporting.

Separate Audio From Video In Imovie On Mac

Part 2. How to Extract Audio from Video in iMovie on iPhone and iPad

The mobile app of iMovie also has a specific Detach Audio function. When you need to separate audio from a video stored or recorded on your mobile device, you can simply tap the button.

Step 1.

Open the iMovie app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Create Project, select Movie, choose the target video file from your photo library, and then tap Create Movie. The video will automatically load into the timeline.

Step 2.

Tap your video clip in the timeline to display the Detach Audio option. You can tap it to isolate audio from the video.

Step 3.

You will see a new, independent blue audio clip appear below the source video. Tap this blue bar to trim it, adjust its volume, and do other actions.

Part 3. Advanced Tip: How to Export Only the Audio

In many cases, you only need the audio and want to save the sound from a video. Luckily, iMovie has an Audio Only option for you to export the whole project to audio.

Step 1.

If you need to extract audio from your video in iMovie, click the Share icon in the upper-right corner and select Export File. Set Format as Audio Only and then choose your desired audio format, such as AAC, MP3, WAV, or AIFF.

Step 2.

Click Next to select a destination folder and click Save. The separated audio track will be exported with your selected format.

This “Audio Only” feature is currently limited to the desktop software. You cannot extract audio from a video on your iPhone or iPad using iMovie. What’s more, iMovie does not allow you to export audio to some specific formats, such as FLAC or WAV.

Part 4. Best iMovie Alternative to Isolate Audio from Video on PCs

iMovie is a default video editor for Apple users to handle daily edits and conversions. If you are a Windows user or are unhappy with its performance, and are looking for a great iMovie alternative for separating audio from videos, you can turn to the powerful Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate. It is not just a video/audio converter; it can be a feature-rich toolbox with multiple editing and enhancement tools, including a built-in AI-powered vocal isolator.

Key Features of the iMovie Alternative

Direct Way to Separate Audio from Video: Offers a one-click way to isolate and extract audio from a video clip.

AI Audio Separation: The built-in AI audio isolator can intelligently analyze audio and extract vocals, even from complex background noises.

High-Quality and Versatile Output: Supports extracting audio and converting it to any lossless/lossy formats with high quality.

All-in-One Editor and Enhancer: Beyond audio extraction and conversion, this iMovie alternative can edit videos and enhance the overall video quality.

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Steps to Separate Audio from Video Using Aiseesoft

Step 1.

Download and open the software. Click Add Files or simply drag and drop your video(s) directly into the program’s interface.

Step 2.

Click Output format to access various video and audio options. In the pop-up window, go to the Audio tab. Then, select the one you need from the list of audio formats. You can click the Settings icon next to your chosen format to customize more settings, such as the audio encoder, sample rate, bitrate, and more.

Step 3.

Choose a preferred destination folder for your extracted audio file and click the Convert All button.

Part 5. FAQs on How to Separate Audio from Video in iMovie

Question 1. Is there an iMovie version for Windows?

No, there is no official version of iMovie for Windows users. It is developed exclusively by Apple for its own ecosystem. You can only use iMovie on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. Or, try these iMovie for Windows alternatives.

Question 2. Why can’t I detach audio in iMovie?

It can be frustrating when you are not allowed to detach audio in iMovie. There could be several common reasons for that. First, you should put the clip onto the project timeline for editing. Click on it to display the Detach Audio option. If the source video has no audio track or its audio is in an incompatible format, iMovie won’t have any audio to detach; the feature will remain grayed out. Sometimes, the problem is caused by a software glitch or wrong settings.

Question 3. How do I mute only a segment of a video using iMovie?

Yes, you can mute only a part of a video with iMovie. When you are editing on your Mac, you can select the exact section of the video clip you want to mute, and then lower the volume to 0%.

Conclusion

iMovie provides a free and effective way to separate audio from video for Apple users. It can easily handle various basic editing needs on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. The Detach Audio feature ensures a quick, straightforward solution to split audio from a video. Moreover, its Audio Only export is particularly handy for quickly extracting audio from a video clip. However, if you need to edit audio on Windows or want more advanced functions, turning to a specialized tool like Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is recommended.