Export iMovie Projects (Step-by-Step 2026 Guide)
Step-by-Step: How to Export in iMovie (Mac)
after you finish editing,
On the top right of your screen there should be a share button - click it.
you will see an option saying "Export File" - Click it
Click on next
select where you want to save the video and click "Save"
Your video should start exporting. Wait for it to finish.
In this tutorial, I show you exactly how to save your finished projects so they look amazing on YouTube, social media, or your TV. Many beginners get confused by the different quality settings—I’ll break down exactly which ones to choose to get the best results without massive file sizes.
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Pro-Tips for Perfect Exports:
The "First Clip" Rule: In iMovie, your project's resolution is determined by the very first clip you add to the timeline. If you want to export in 4K, make sure the first thing you drop in is a 4K clip!
ProRes vs. High: Choosing "High" quality results in an MP4 file (great for uploading). Choosing "Best" results in a ProRes MOV file, which is massive and meant for professional use.
Storage Check: Always ensure you have at least double the "Estimated File Size" available on your hard drive before clicking Save, or the export might fail halfway through.
Speeding it up: If you are on a newer Mac (M1 Max/M2/M3), look for the "Allow export segmentation" checkbox to speed up the process for longer videos.