Fix iMovie won’t open: Sometimes you may experience problems with iMovie not opening on your Mac. In this article, I explain how you can fix iMovie when the app is not responding when you click it. This also means your iMovie files, libraries or projects aren’t launching. If the iMovie app quits every time you try to open it, there can be many possible factors causing the issue. For example, your file may have been damaged somehow, or there may be some corrupted preference files interfering with the app. I list below several steps to address these issues.
Users reporting this problem claim that after seeing the spinning rainbow wheel and a “backup” warning, nothing further happens after that. Some users have reported seeing an endless “Loading…” screen. Clearly, this is a bothersome issue. Apple created iMovie, a powerful and feature-rich video editing program. It’s accessible on the iPad, iPhone, and Mac. It typically functions without a hitch, and any problems you may encounter are typically simple to resolve.
Reminder message
When you try to launch the app, do you encounter a backup message? This message might appear if you haven’t used the app in a while or if you’re using it for the first time after updating it or your Mac to the newest version. Additionally, if your collection is large, this procedure could take some time; iMovie will show a spinning wheel icon as it attempts to complete the backup. Be patient; once this backup is complete, iMovie should launch.
Follow these procedures to see your past backups:
the Library folder, and then:
Launch the Finder.
Select “Go” from the top menu bar. Select Library by holding down the Option key.
Go to the following folder:
iMovie Library may be found under Library > Containers > iMovie > Data > Library > Caches.
Establish a new library
Your library may be experiencing a problem. You could attempt to launch iMovie in a new Library. As follows:
- Navigate to the Applications folder in Finder.
- Holding down the Option key, click the iMovie icon while continuing to press and hold the Option key.
- If you are successful, a new window with the title “Open Library” will open.
- Open iMovie by selecting the New option and creating a new Library.
Refresh iMovie
Make sure the app updates to the most recent version. Removing the software and installing it again from the Mac App Store is the best approach to make sure of that. As follows:
- Make sure your Mac is running the most recent version of macOS by going to System Preferences > Software Update. If your Mac is not updated to the most recent version, update it by following the steps on the screen.
- Open the Applications directory.
- Drag iMovie to the Trash folder after finding it. Don’t take out the trash.
- On your Mac, launch the App Store program. Hit Enter after typing “iMovie” into the search bar.
- For a fresh download and installation, click the cloud icon. Click to open it after the download is complete.
Get rid of the preference files
The next step is to remove any corrupted iMovie preference files. The default settings for iMovie will restore as a result. There won’t be any impact on your paperwork. Take these actions:
- Locate iMovie in your Applications folder.
- To open iMovie, click the icon while holding down the Command and Option keys simultaneously.
- When you do this, a pop-up window asking if you wish to remove your settings will appear.
- Delete Preferences by clicking.
Secure Mode
Start your Mac in Safe Mode and restart it if the problem persists. Open iMovie in Safe Mode and attempt to use it, then exit Safe Mode and try again. Safe Mode runs a number of tests and clears caches, all of which may solve the issue.
Hopefully one of these solutions has resolved your iMovie issue, allowing you to resume movie editing.
FAQ
Why is iMovie unable to open a video?
Missing picture database files could be the cause of this problem. Videos shot before the image database files were fixed will not recognize by the Apple® iMovie® software, even though the video files themselves are still present if image database files are corrupted, erased, and then repaired on the camera.
Why would iMovie not launch on my Mac?
Refresh iMovie
Removing the software and installing it again from the Mac App Store is the best approach to make sure of that. As follows: Make sure your Mac is running the most recent version of macOS by going to System Preferences > Software Update. If your Mac is not updated to the most recent version, update it by following the steps on the screen.
What happens if the iMovie app is deleted?
Are my projects lost forever if I delete the iMovie software without storing them first? They should still be there, provided you haven’t removed your iMovie collection, which is located in /Users/(Your Home Folder)/Movies. Unless you restore iMovie from your Time Machine backup, you won’t be able to render them.
Why won’t my Mac applications open?
It’s possible that you lack the authorization to use the program, it’s broken, or it wasn’t installed. The administrator of your Mac can stop you from using the software if you aren’t an administrator. Make contact with your Mac’s administrator.
What occurs if iMovie is removed from my Mac?
You won’t be able to access iMovie projects on your Mac after uninstalling the program. However, if you have only used it on your Mac, you won’t be able to access them because it will still be accessible on other devices.
My Apple library needs to be reset.
Log into your iCloud account that links to your Apple Music account to reset your library. Click Edit Profile while still in your profile. Select Delete Profile in the scroll-down menu, and then click OK.
Is iMovie superior to DaVinci?
If your work necessitates a high level of detail or sophisticated functionality, DaVinci Resolve is the better program to utilize. If you merely need to edit a few home videos or social media postings and don’t need sophisticated color or audio editing skills, iMovie is a better option.
