Importing an iOS HDR iMovie project into iMovie in macOS Sequoia (15.1.1)?

Is it possible to work with HDR clips in iMovie in macOS (see User Guide disclaimer below)? Here are the details of the clip that I would like to include:

- Pie Lover


Import projects created on iPhone or iPad into iMovie on Mac

Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Posted on Dec 4, 2024 5:25 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 4, 2024 5:37 AM

See below for one option. Is there a way to export HDR from iMovie (MacOS Sequoia) without using FCP?


- Pie Lover


Edit HDR video with iMovie on Mac


In iMovie version 10.2 or later on Mac, you can import HDR video into an iMovie project. For HDR video imported in an earlier version of iMovie, you'll need to reimport it so it displays properly. You can share from iMovie in SDR.


To share an iMovie for macOS project in HDR, you need to export your iMovie project to Final Cut Pro, then share using Final Cut Pro. When you send a movie to Final Cut Pro, the project file and the media used in the project are copied to your Final Cut Pro library. Make sure to install Final Cut Pro or the Final Cut Pro trial on your Mac. Then, in iMovie, choose File > Send Movie to Final Cut Pro. To share your project from Final Cut Pro, follow the steps in the Final Cut Pro section below.


Learn more about sending iMovie projects to Final Cut Pro

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 4, 2024 5:37 AM in response to BlueberryLover

See below for one option. Is there a way to export HDR from iMovie (MacOS Sequoia) without using FCP?


- Pie Lover


Edit HDR video with iMovie on Mac


In iMovie version 10.2 or later on Mac, you can import HDR video into an iMovie project. For HDR video imported in an earlier version of iMovie, you'll need to reimport it so it displays properly. You can share from iMovie in SDR.


To share an iMovie for macOS project in HDR, you need to export your iMovie project to Final Cut Pro, then share using Final Cut Pro. When you send a movie to Final Cut Pro, the project file and the media used in the project are copied to your Final Cut Pro library. Make sure to install Final Cut Pro or the Final Cut Pro trial on your Mac. Then, in iMovie, choose File > Send Movie to Final Cut Pro. To share your project from Final Cut Pro, follow the steps in the Final Cut Pro section below.


Learn more about sending iMovie projects to Final Cut Pro

Dec 4, 2024 6:47 AM in response to BlueberryLover

Here's a workaround:


1. Upscale the HDR video to (2k or 4k)

2. Transfer from macOS to iOS (using AirDrop for example)

3. Edit using iMovie in iOS

4. Share the edited video using an HD or 4K option (make sure the HDR slider is enabled)

5. Transfer back to macOS

6. Downscale to original resolution if desired

Note that the HDR using the HLG transfer curve (rather than PQ).


Hope this helps.


- Pie Lover

P.S. Use the chart below to interpret the Code Points:

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Importing an iOS HDR iMovie project into iMovie in macOS Sequoia (15.1.1)?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.