iMovie is a video editing software that can be used for creating iMovie video overlays alongside other video editing tasks. It's developed by Apple and just like other Apple's application, iMovie is meticulously designed with the great user experience. This application was majorly designed with amateur users in mind, however, the facts have proved that there are still lots of users don't know how to overlay videos in iMovie. That's also why you're here and the reason I write this post.
[Attention] Final Cut Pro is the video editing software for beginners, semi-professionals yet professionals. Learn how to use Final Cut Pro to overlay videos in details.
Now, let's get started.
- Part 1. Why iMovie is A Nice Option for Editing Videos on Mac?
- Part 2. How to Overlay Videos (Picture in Picture) in iMovie?
- Part 3. Not A Mac User? Try Filmora Video Editor as iMovie Alternative
Why iMovie is A Nice Option for Editing Videos on Mac OS X?
There are several factors that make iMovie to be considered as one of the best applications for editing videos on Mac OS X:
1. The user-friendly interface
Not everyone that's involved in making movies is a professional or great at video editing. Apple seems to understand that aspect and that could be the reason why iMovie is considered as the video editing tool for amateur users on macOS and iOS.
The user-friendly interface makes it possible for users to understand with ease for features that they intend to use. All of the tools that the users may require are easily accessible and that helps in creating high-quality videos.
2. Custom elements
Whether you intend to make iMovie overlay video or some complex cinema effects, users can easily add custom elements that not only suit the video but also enhances the mood of the video. There are a variety of templates that one can choose from for enhanced video quality.
3. Effects and enhancements
iMovie provides users with an array of special effects and enhancements for the video to help with improving video quality. The application offers filters that video editors can choose from alongside themes, music and sound effects. Users can add voice-overs and use for narration.
Now, let's check the detailed steps of overlaying videos in iMovie as follows.
iMovie Overlay Video: How to Overlay Videos in iMovie?
1. Begin by opening a new iMovie project. Click on iMovie and select "Preferences". Select the range that you intend to use for the picture in picture clip once it’s on the timeline.
2. Tick the option of "Show Advanced Tools". Otherwise, you may not be able to do multiple tasks including video overlay. To add a photo layer to video, ensure that the camera button is selected.
3. Choose a photo then drag it over to the video clip that you intend to overlay it on. A window will then pop up so select "Picture in Picture" command. The picture in picture will then appear over the clip that it’s to be overlaid on.
4. In the video window, you can go ahead and adjust the size and placement of the photo. To reposition the overlay clip, you can drag it to a preferred spot within the clip. You can also drag the ends to either shorten or lengthen it.
5. To add motion to the photo select "Window" in the top toolbar then go down and click on "Cropping Ken Burns & Rotation. You can then use it to add and also remove picture motions. You have the option to fit and to crop the photo and to add motion within the photo.
6. When all settings have done, you can save, export and share the video to your preferred platforms.
Note: The same process can be used to overlay video over video. However, you should note that iMovie cannot overlay multiple videos or pictures at the same time.
Not A Mac User? Try the Best iMovie Alternative for Windows - Filmora Video Editor
As I mentioned above, iMovie is a video editing tool for amateur Mac users. So if you're not a Mac user, or you're a semi-professional or professional in video editing, then you might need to find a more professional video editor program to help you overlay videos in Windows, overlay multiple pictures or videos on Mac at the same time, or apply more effects to the video, right? Then, Filmora Video Editor could be the best option for you.
Filmora Video Editor comes with Windows and Mac version, which can compatible with different users' needs. It not only allows users to edit, crop, trim, split, etc. videos within few clicks, but also helps users to apply advanced effects to target video, including picture in picture, green screen, split screen, add transitions, filters, etc.
Let's check the key features as follows:
- Few clicks to help Windows and Mac users to overlay pictures, videos, text, etc. to a video. Unlike iMovie, this program enables users to overlay multiple videos, pictures, etc. to a video at the same time.
- Supports several file formats as media sources and importing a file to Filmora media library is just a snap. And export the edited video to more than 20 different output formats as you like.
- A number of preset elements that can be included in the videos to enhance quality.
- ...
How to Overlay Videos in iMovie Alternative Software?
1. Launch Filmora Video Editor on your PC or Mac, then directly choose "Full Feature Mode". Now, you can see an interface like below. Hit the big icon "Import Media Files Here" to load the media files you'll use in the media library.
2. To apply "Picture in Picture" effects to your video, please follow the below steps:
- Locate your background video and press "+" icon to add the video to the main video track timeline.
- Back to media library and find the video or picture you wish to overlay. Right-click on it and hit "Apply to PIP" option.
- Now, resize the overlay video or picture, you can also double-click the overlay media and hit "Advanced" button to customize the overlay video as you like.
[Attention] If you wish to overlay more than 1 video on the background video, you can drag and drop the video to another video track in the TimeLine. Then repeat the above steps to customize the overlay videos.
For more details about how to edit a video, you can click the link to get more info about it.
3. Preview the edited videos and when the effects are ready, you can click "Export" button to choose an output format, device or platform to save your edited overlay videos.
Now, It's Your Turn!
After viewing how to overlay videos in iMovie and the iMovie alternative software, which program are you ready to try first?
In my opnion:
If you only need the basic editing effects on Mac, then iMovie can satisfy your needs perfectly.
But if you need the advanced editing tools, or you're not used a Mac computer, then the iMovie alternative software - Filmora Video Editor could be the ideal solution for you.
This program allows you to take all your story ideas to reality within few clicks, and helps you to create amazing movie or video title, transitions, filters, etc. as the Hollywood does.
