iMovie not exporting on Sequoia

Question

iMovie not exporting on Sequoia

I just purchased a new MacBook Pro so it's running on Sequoia 15.2. I've been working previously on a MacBook Pro with Sonoma 14.6.1. I've been using iMovie for my YouTube videos for the last three years with no problem. I tried my first video edit on Sequoia and it won't export. I've done the Sequoia updates, iMovie updates, created a new library for the project before starting. The editing process went fine. Space shouldn't be an issue. The file is I think 4.46 gb. Said the export should take 20 minutes. It gets to 11 min and is just frozen there. I've tried rebooting and starting over multiple times and it just freezes. I'm not a tech and have very basic skills so I could use some help. I saw one post somewhere that suggested deleting render files and I did that as well. I have very basic skills so detailed steps would be appreciated. Thank you.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Jan 5, 2025 11:08 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 6, 2025 7:28 AM in response to Heart_Soulful

Just called Apple Support. I had the same problem. I was told to reset the parametres of iMovie by simultaneously pressing down the "Control" and "Option" keys while restarting iMovie. It worked and I did not have to reduce the quality or resolution of the file.

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Answer 2

Jan 6, 2025 6:14 AM in response to Heart_Soulful

4.46 GB is an incredibly large file to be uploading!

What export settings are you using? You should be using Low, Medium, High or Custom BUT NEVER Best.

For YouTube the Low setting is probably more than enough.

Please give precise details of the project size, length etc. and how you are exporting.

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Answer 3

Feb 6, 2025 8:13 AM in response to ericson149

I could have saved you the time if you had asked.

It's called Deleting the Preferences (Settings) and has been a standard trouble-shooting strategy for decades. I've been using it for nearly 20 years.

Whenever an editing app behaves strangely it should be the first thing you do . . . mind you it doesn't cure every problem!

PS. It's Command and Option

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iMovie not exporting on Sequoia

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