The Step-by-Step Methods on How to Export iMovie as MP4 Files on Mac and iPhone

September 05, 2023Gerald Christian

Apple provides iMovie as the default video editor. It helps to edit real-time captured clips and enhance them with built-in features. This is a great advantage for users as they do not need to purchase a high-end app to achieve a well-put video. The only question you might have is,” How to convert iMovie to MP4?” or “Is it possible to convert video within the software?” In this case, this post will answer your question and give the best solution.

Export iMovie to MP4

Part 1. What Export Formats Does iMovie Support

Some users thought that Apple devices only supported Apple formats. However, it is proven that iMovie can save created clips in any file format, which can be:

Video formats:

Audio formats:

Still-image formats:

But keep in mind that not all formats are supported by Apple, especially when importing them to Mac. You might encounter errors when trying to open an MP4 to iMovie because of unsupported codecs.

Part 2. How to Export iMovie to MP4

Since exporting iMovie productions to MP4 is possible, it is time to learn how to do so. This part will show how to export iMovie videos on Mac and iPhone with various techniques.

On Mac

Exporting videos on iMovie is tricky, especially since there is no direct way to choose the MP4 container. But the steps below will guide you to the right selection of format. Before following the steps here, you might want to update iMovie to the latest to make sure every button you see matches.

Step 1:
Open iMovie and click the Create New button. Select Import Media to add the video to the video editor’s interface.
Step 2:
Optionally, you can edit the video with the provided features. To export, go to the File menu at the upper left corner and choose Share. Select File from the dropdown list.
iMovie File Share
Step 3:
A prompt will appear with the video information. Choose Low, Medium, or High from the Quality option to get the MP4 extension. Click the Next button to choose the designated folder. Once done, press the Save button.
iMovie Quality Save

On iPhone

iMovie is also available on iOS, and fortunately, you can also convert iMovie to MP4 within the app. See the full demonstration below:

Step 1:
Launch the iMovie app on your phone and tap the Movie button to create a new project. Import and edit the clip before exporting it.
Step 2:
After editing, tap the Done button from the top left corner of your screen. Go to the Share menu and press Save Video or Save to Files. Choose Export as MP4 to wrap up.
iPhone Export

Part 3. Bonus: How to Convert Video to MP4

And because iMovie or Mac can only support certain codecs for MP4, you would want to edit it based on what you need. For that, Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is the recommended tool to export iMovie to MP4, WMV, AVI, etc. It is a lightweight app that consists of multiple tools for conversion, enhancement, and other purposes. The latest AI technology processes any video type with advanced settings. Users can change the Custom Profile with the output format, codec, frame rate, quality, resolution, and more. Furthermore, conversion is made easier with Aiseesoft’s intuitive interface. Try the best video converter on Windows and Mac.

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Step 1:
Download Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate on your device. After installing it, launch the program and click the Add button to import a video from your local folder. Alternatively, click the Add Folder button to import bulk files.
Aiseesoft Add
Step 2:
To convert all files to one output format, select the Convert All To menu and choose the container from the Video tab. For individual selection, open the Format menu from the right side and choose the desired output format.
Aiseesoft Add
Step 3:
Choose a resolution preset or create one from the Custom Profile. Click the Custome Profile button to open the window. Edit the profile, like the encoder, quality, frame rate, and so on. Click the Create New button once done.
Aiseesoft Custom Profile
Step 4:
Proceed to the Save To menu at the bottom part of the interface. Choose the desired location to save the converted files. After that, click the Convert All button to export iMovie videos to MP4.
Aiseesoft Save to Convert All

Part 4. FAQs about Convert iMovie to MP4

Why won't my iMovie export to MP4?

If the video did not export as an MP4 file, then you must not have set the video quality to the recommended setting. You must choose Low, Medium, or High to get the desired file extension. Do not apply Best (Res), as it will export the video as MOV.

How do I convert MOV to MP4 in iMovie iPad?

It is the same process as the iPhone. All you have to do is to open the iMovie app and import a video. Tap the Export button and press Share. You can choose any of the available settings except Best Quality (pro res), as it will turn the video into a MOV file.

Is iMovie the same as MP4?

No. The file format of iMovie is MOV by default. MP4 is one of the supported formats, but it might have a different codec than MP4 files processed by other tools. You can check the information or convert it with Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate.

Can I export iMovie to MP4 using QuickTime?

Yes. The process is only available if you have the older version of iMovie. To start, upload a video to iMovie. From the Share menu, choose Export Using QuickTime, and then it will open a new dialog box, which you will have to fill in with the necessary details. Click the Export button and choose MP4 for the output format.

Is it possible to convert iMovie to MP4 online?

Absolutely, yes. You can try free online tools like Zamzar, Convertio, ConvertFiles, and CloudConvert. You can also try non-watermark Aissesoft Free Video Converter Online for a fast-speed process and high-quality videos.

Conclusion

How to save iMovie to MP4 with the default Apple app? You found out that iMovie is capable of converting edited videos as MP4, M4A, and other supported formats, but they can differ in terms of codec or encoder. With that said, you can anticipate feasible conversion with Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate, as it can quickly and easily change the file extension with assured quality. Try for free by clicking the Download button.

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