There are many reasons to purchase a used Mac® computer, but iMovie® is definitely toward the top of the list. This free nonlinear editing software is available on Apple® devices and allows you to cut and edit videos, graphics, and music files together without altering the original files. Here’s a closer look at how to get to know the valuable program.

A Beginner’s Guide to iMovie

1. Crop to Zoom

When going over video footage on your used Mac, you’re likely to discover a few clips where you wish you had pressed zoom. This is an easy fix with iMovie. Simply, highlight the clip in question and click the crop button found above the preview button. You’ll be given the option of “Crop to Fill” or “Ken Burns,” which creates a pan-and-zoom effect. Drag your highlighted clip to the preview window and click the checkmark to approve changes.

2. Split Long Scenes

Sometimes footage may be necessary to your project, but showing it all at once can feel a little tedious and cause the viewer to lose interest. You can divide this clip into multiple clips and spread it out across the movie by using the “Split Clip” feature. Right-click on the timeline point where you want a split to occur. You can then trim excess visuals that aren’t necessary and move the clips to where they will fit more cohesively and feel entertaining to the story you’re trying to tell. 

3. Transition Between Clips

Jumping from one video clip to the next can feel a bit jarring to your viewers, and it could take them out of the story. Prevent this by clicking on the “Transition” header located at the top of the iMovie app and selecting a transition scene that can be placed between the clips to help them flow more cohesively into one another. By default, transitions are only one second long, but you can increase the length after the scene has been added to your timeline by double-clicking on it.

Whether you want to edit the videos on your phone or make movies, visit Experimax King of Prussia, located across from the Cheesecake Factory near the KoP mall, to get started with a used Mac and iMovie. They have the largest selection of certified pre-owned Apple devices—including used Macs, iPads®, and iPhones®—in the Greater Philadelphia area. All of their products are backed with their Experisure warranty, and their expert technicians also provide computer and iPhone repairs. Visit their website to view their available products and call them today at (610) 265-3174 with any questions.