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User profile for user: Rob1658
Rob1658 Author
User level: Level 1
18 points

iMovie export keeps failing "Application run out of memory"

I have a new Mac with sufficient RAM / memory in total 16GB. But still exporting a simple video using iMovie is failing (short movie of about 30 minutes HD movie). This is not what you expect with a brand new high performance iMac.


The problem seems to be related to: out of application memory (which is ridiculous considering I have 16GB of RAM).


During the iMovie export I get a system message: Your system has run out of application memory.


I noticed that the process VTDecoderXPCService which is used by iMovie is growing to over 60GB of memory.


No other applications are running, sufficient disk space (over 800 GB) and 16 GB RAM.


Application: iMovie latest version 10.3.1 (end of 2021)

OS: macOs Monterey

System: iMac 2021

Disk space: 1TB flash drive, 800GB available !!

Memory: 16 GB !!


I am surprised that this is even possible with a high performance iMac creating a simple movie with iMovie. Bad programming from Apple software engineers? I have not installed any other applications on my iMac.


I would really appreciate any ideas / feedback?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jan 13, 2022 3:36 AM

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User profile for user: Rich839
Rich839
User level: Level 8
47,730 points

Posted on Jan 13, 2022 10:32 AM

Try redownloading iMovie.


To update/redownload iMovie 10, drag your iMovie 10 app from the Applications folder into the trash, but do not empty the

trash. Sign in to the app store and open your purchases folder by clicking on your name at the bottom of the app store side bar. You will see your purchases displayed, including iMovie 10. Redownload/update iMovie from there. If not successful, drag your present iMovie app out of the trash and return it to the Applications folder.


You might also try the following procedures:


Resetting the System Management Controller


Try resetting the System Management Controller (but no longer available for the new M1 computers):


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295


Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM


Try resetting the NVRAM or PRAM:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063


-- Rich

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Rich839
Rich839
User level: Level 8
47,730 points

Jan 13, 2022 10:32 AM in response to Rob1658

Try redownloading iMovie.


To update/redownload iMovie 10, drag your iMovie 10 app from the Applications folder into the trash, but do not empty the

trash. Sign in to the app store and open your purchases folder by clicking on your name at the bottom of the app store side bar. You will see your purchases displayed, including iMovie 10. Redownload/update iMovie from there. If not successful, drag your present iMovie app out of the trash and return it to the Applications folder.


You might also try the following procedures:


Resetting the System Management Controller


Try resetting the System Management Controller (but no longer available for the new M1 computers):


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295


Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM


Try resetting the NVRAM or PRAM:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063


-- Rich

Reply

iMovie export keeps failing "Application run out of memory"

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